Visa Crisis: What’s Happening Between Turkey and USA?

"Here’s a breakdown and my take on the visa-/immigration tension between the Turkey and the United States — summarising what’s known, what’s at stake, and what to watch. (Note: “crisis” may be somewhat strong depending on definition, but there are significant issues.)

✅ What we do know

Turkey removed the tourist/business-visa requirement for U.S. ordinary‐passport holders for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period, effective 1 January 2024. 

Nomad Capitalist

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Global Citizen Solutions

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The U.S. government continues to issue travel advisories for Turkey, citing terrorism risk and arbitrary detentions. 

Travel

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The U.S. Embassy in Turkey announced a transition to a new visa‐appointment system (for U.S. visa applicants) starting 30 May 2025. 

tr.usembassy.gov

⚠️ What is the “visa crisis” aspect

While I did not locate a source clearly labelled “visa crisis Turkey-USA”, there are a few friction points which could be construed as part of such a crisis:

Turkey’s exemption for U.S. tourists/business travellers is a unilateral move, and U.S. visa policy toward Turkey remains strict. This asymmetry can lead to diplomatic or practical frictions.

The U.S. travel advisory warning for Turkey may discourage Americans from travelling, which in turn could impact Turkey’s tourism revenues and bilateral goodwill.

More broadly, immigration/visa issues often become a proxy for wider diplomatic tensions (e.g., security, human rights, trade).

If there are delays, changes or heightened scrutiny in visa appointments (either U.S. consular services in Turkey or Turkish consular services for U.S. nationals) these can escalate into a “crisis” for individuals (students, business people, travellers) even if governments are not publicly declaring one.

???? My assessment

The visa relationship between Turkey and the U.S. is strained but not yet a full‐blown breakdown: Turkey has eased entry for U.S. citizens (goodwill from their side), while the U.S. remains cautious (driven by security & consular concerns).

The asymmetry (Turkey relaxing entry, U.S. maintaining stricter controls) may create frustration in Turkey over reciprocity. That could lead to bilateral negotiations or public rhetoric, especially if Turkish citizens seek easier access to the U.S.

For travellers / students / business persons this means: expect uncertainty. Conditions can change, timelines for visas may lengthen, and you should monitor both Turkish and U.S. official channels.

In short: It’s a risk environment. Not a collapse, but one where visa/immigration matters could become a diplomatic flashpoint.

???? What to watch

Any reciprocal visa moves: e.g., if Turkey demands stricter access for U.S. citizens unless the U.S. eases others’ access, or vice versa.

Statements from diplomatic ministries of either country signalling change or dissatisfaction.

Consular/visa processing updates in each country: increased wait times, additional documentation, or new restrictions.

Impact on travellers: if more U.S. citizens report difficulties entering Turkey (or Turkish citizens entering the U.S.), that may escalate the matter.

Broader bilateral issues (trade, security, human rights) which could tie into the visa/immigration domain. Visa issues often reflect larger tensions."