Will Turkish Citizens Get Visa-Free EU Travel Soon?

As of now, Turkish citizens do not have visa-free access to the European Union (EU) or Schengen Area countries. They are required to obtain a visa for short stays, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The Visa Liberalization Dialogue (VLD) between Turkey and the EU aims to lift the Schengen visa requirement for Turkish citizens. To achieve visa-free travel, Turkey must meet specific benchmarks outlined in the ""Roadmap towards a visa-free regime with Turkey"". While progress has been made, certain criteria remain unmet, delaying the implementation of visa-free travel.

In April 2023, discussions resurfaced about the possibility of visa-free EU travel for Turkish citizens. Some political figures suggested that, depending on the outcome of Turkey's elections, visa liberalization could be achieved within months. However, as of now, no official changes have been implemented.

It's important to note that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to be operational soon, will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain travel authorization before visiting the EU. Since Turkey is not currently a visa-exempt country, Turkish nationals will still need to obtain a visa to enter the EU; ETIAS will not apply to them.

In summary, while there are ongoing discussions and efforts toward visa liberalization for Turkish citizens, visa-free travel to the EU is not currently available, and no definitive timeline has been established for when it might be implemented.