Good News for Turks About Schengen Visas

The European Union has prepared a new document on facilitation and acceleration for Turkish citizens residing in Turkey who have previously used their Schengen visas lawfully (considered trustworthy and with low risk of migration), and sent it to member states. As of July 15, 25 EU member states have implemented the new regulation, which allows for multiple-entry (multi) visas valid for up to 5 years.

From now on, applicants who travel regularly to Europe, follow the rules, and are considered reliable with a low migration risk will be granted longer-term and multiple-entry visas.

Those who will benefit from the new practice are Turkish citizens who have previously obtained a Schengen visa, used it in compliance with the rules, and have a history of regular travel.

Thomas Ossowski, the Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, stated that Turkish citizens can now obtain longer-term multiple-entry visas.He also emphasized that applications should only be made through authorized visa centers, warning applicants not to pay extra fees to agencies.

According to the new rules, the validity of multiple-entry visas will be determined based on the applicant's visa history as follows:

• Applicants who apply within 1 year after their previous visa expired: 6-month visa

• Applicants who apply within 2 years after their previous 6-month visa expired: 1-year multiple-entry visa

• Applicants who apply within 2 years after their previous 1-year visa expired: 3-year multiple-entry visa

• Applicants who apply within 2 years after their previous 3-year visa expired: 5-year multiple-entry visa

  
  

VALID IN 25 COUNTRIES

Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, and Sweden.

COUNTRIES NOT COVERED BY THE APPLICATION

Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are obliged to implement this decision under Schengen law. The decision is binding for Denmark, while Ireland is excluded from the implementation.

There are also some limitations within the scope of the regulation:

• Turkish citizens applying for visas for professional purposes, such as truck drivers, will not benefit from this facilitation.

• Foreign nationals residing in Turkey who are subject to visa requirements and considered high-risk for migration will also not benefit from the new rules.

  
  

Applicants submitting a new visa application should mention this decision (Cascade: progressive implementation) in their motivation/intent letters.

Note: The visa duration will in no case exceed the passport's validity. The visa validity will be arranged to expire at least 3 months before the passport expires.

Source: Sözcü