EU Visa Requirements for Turkish Nationals Eased

The European Union has announced changes in the requirements for visas for Turks that will ease the visa application processing. EU consulates in Turkey will now have same lists of documents to be requested from visa applicants in support of their applications.

Turkey’s EU minister Egemen Bagis has appreciated the step but expect more from EU on this matter. Turkey wants Turkish citizens to be able to travel to Europe without requiring a visit visa. Citizens of EU can visit Turkey without the need of visit visa.

The gross domestic product (GDP) per capita has increased to about $10,000 during the last 10 years. It is almost a three fold increase in the country’s GDP and has played a key role in the decision to ease visit visa processing for Turkish nationals.

Turkish businessmen have been complaining about the way different EU member countries required documents in support of visa applications. The countries could ask documents such as land registry, marriage certificates or military certificates with visit visa applications by businessmen. Though EU countries welcome the investment by Turkish businesses and Turkish exports, business owners have faced difficulties in obtaining visas to even participate in trade fairs in EU.

The new rules on visa documentation are effective with immediate effect and will apply to all of the Schengen visa area covering more than 25 European countries, including some non-EU member states such as Iceland.

Tags: EU, Turkey, visit visa