EU Envoy Condemns Continued Visa Requirement for Türkiye as ‘Shameful’

Key Takeaways

• Turkish citizens must obtain Schengen visas to enter the EU; e-Visas are available for EU citizens entering Türkiye.
• A senior EU envoy called the visa requirement ‘shameful,’ highlighting diplomatic frustration in 2025 discussions.
• Türkiye meets technical visa liberalization criteria, but EU links progress to political and human rights reforms.

The ongoing visa requirement for Turkish citizens traveling to the European Union (EU) has become a focal point of diplomatic debate and public discussion in 2025. This analysis examines the current policy, recent statements by an EU envoy, the practical effects on Turkish travelers, and the broader implications for EU-Türkiye relations. The purpose is to provide a clear, evidence-based overview of the situation, highlight key findings, and offer practical guidance for those affected.

Purpose and Scope

This content aims to:

• Explain the current visa requirement for Turkish citizens entering the EU
• Present recent developments, including the EU envoy’s public criticism
• Analyze the impact on travelers, businesses, and diplomatic relations
• Compare Türkiye’s visa policy for EU citizens with the EU’s policy for Turkish citizens
• Offer a step-by-step guide for Turkish citizens applying for a Schengen visa
• Discuss trends, patterns, and possible future changes
• Provide official resources for further information

The analysis is based on official statements, policy documents, and recent news as of June 2025.

Methodology

To ensure accuracy and objectivity, this analysis draws from:

• Official EU and Turkish government sources
• Public statements from EU envoys and Turkish officials
• Reports from civil society and business groups
• Recent news coverage and policy updates
• Analysis from VisaVerge.com, a trusted immigration news source

Data is presented in a clear, accessible format, with visual descriptions to help readers understand trends and comparisons.

Key Findings

• Turkish citizens still need a visa to enter the EU Schengen Area for short stays.
• A senior EU envoy recently called this ongoing visa requirement “shameful,” reflecting growing frustration within diplomatic circles.
• Türkiye has made progress on technical criteria for visa liberalization, but the EU links further progress to political and human rights issues.
• Turkish citizens are exempt from the new ETIAS travel authorization system, which applies to other visa-exempt travelers.
• Türkiye offers e-Visas to EU citizens, making travel easier for Europeans than for Turks visiting the EU.
• The visa requirement affects tourism, business, and people-to-people ties, with economic and diplomatic consequences.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

Current Visa Policy: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Visual Description:

Imagine two travelers, one from Türkiye and one from the EU. The Turkish traveler faces a longer, more complicated process with paperwork, appointments, and waiting times. The EU traveler, by contrast, can apply online and often gets approval within minutes.

Timeline of Key Events

• Early 2010s: EU-Türkiye visa liberalization talks begin.
• 2016: Türkiye meets technical criteria for visa-free travel, including biometric passports and migration agreements.
• 2025: EU launches ETIAS for visa-exempt travelers, but Turkish citizens remain subject to the Schengen visa requirement.

Visual Description:

Picture a timeline with three major points: the start of talks, technical progress in 2016, and the introduction of ETIAS in 2025. Despite progress, the line for Turkish citizens does not reach “visa-free” status.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Policy Asymmetry

• Türkiye’s Approach: Türkiye allows EU citizens to apply for e-Visas online, making travel simple and fast.
• EU’s Approach: The EU continues to require Turkish citizens to go through a traditional visa process, which is more time-consuming and costly.

This difference creates frustration among Turkish travelers and officials, who see it as unfair and a barrier to closer ties.

Diplomatic Tension

• The recent statement by an EU envoy, calling the visa requirement “shameful,” is unusual and signals growing impatience within some EU circles.
• Turkish officials have long argued that the visa barrier is a sign of unequal treatment and undermines trust.

Economic and Social Impact

• Tourism: Fewer Turkish tourists visit the EU due to the visa process, while EU citizens can easily visit Türkiye.
• Business: Turkish businesspeople face delays and extra costs, making it harder to attend meetings or trade fairs in the EU.
• Family Ties: Turkish families with relatives in the EU find it difficult to make spontaneous visits.

Security and Migration Concerns

• The EU maintains that visa requirements help manage security and migration risks.
• Türkiye has improved border controls and migration management, but the EU wants further progress on political and human rights issues.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• The visa requirement for Turkish citizens remains in place due to a mix of technical, political, and human rights concerns.
• Türkiye has met many technical criteria, but the EU is holding out for broader reforms.
• The policy creates practical barriers for Turkish travelers and strains diplomatic relations.
• Recent criticism from an EU envoy may increase pressure for change, but no timeline for visa liberalization has been set.

Step-by-Step Guide: Schengen Visa Application for Turkish Citizens

Turkish citizens who want to visit the EU for up to 90 days must follow these steps:

1. Determine Visa Type:
   Decide if the trip is for tourism, business, family, or another reason. Choose the correct Schengen visa category.

2. Gather Documents:
   Prepare the following:

   • Passport (valid at least 3 months after planned return)
   • Completed Schengen visa application form
   • Recent passport-sized photos
   • Travel itinerary (flight bookings, etc.)
   • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
   • Travel insurance covering at least €30,000
   • Proof of financial means (bank statements, etc.)
   • Any extra documents required by the specific consulate
3. Book Appointment:
   Schedule a visit at the relevant EU country’s consulate or a visa application center in Türkiye.

4. Submit Application:
   Attend the appointment, submit all documents, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).

5. Pay Fees:
   Pay the visa fee (usually around €80 for adults).

6. Wait for Processing:
   Processing usually takes about 15 days, but can be longer in busy periods.

7. Receive Decision:
   Collect your passport and visa decision. If approved, you can travel to the EU within the visa’s validity period.

Note:
Turkish citizens do not need to apply for ETIAS authorization, as they are not visa-exempt for the EU.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

For Turkish Travelers

• More Paperwork: Travelers must gather many documents and attend in-person appointments.
• Higher Costs: Visa fees and travel to consulates add to the cost of trips.
• Less Flexibility: Spontaneous travel is difficult, affecting tourism and family visits.

For EU-Türkiye Relations

• Diplomatic Strain: The visa issue is a major point of tension, affecting talks on migration, trade, and political cooperation.
• Public Perception: Many in Türkiye see the policy as unfair, while some in the EU worry about security and migration.

For Businesses

• Lost Opportunities: Turkish businesspeople face delays, making it harder to attend events or meetings in the EU.
• Reduced Trade: Barriers to travel can slow down business deals and partnerships.

For Civil Society

• Limited Exchanges: Student and cultural exchanges are harder to arrange, reducing people-to-people contact.

Background and Historical Context

The visa liberalization dialogue between Türkiye and the EU began over a decade ago. In 2016, Türkiye met many technical requirements, such as issuing biometric passports and signing migration agreements. However, political tensions and concerns over human rights have stalled progress.

The EU’s new ETIAS system, launched in 2025, requires visa-exempt travelers to get online authorization before visiting. Turkish citizens remain outside this system because they still need a visa, highlighting the ongoing divide.

Multiple Perspectives

EU Officials

• Stress the need for Türkiye to meet all political and legal standards, not just technical ones.
• Link visa liberalization to improvements in human rights and the rule of law.

Turkish Government

• Argues that the visa requirement is a barrier to closer ties and should be lifted as a sign of goodwill.
• Points to progress on security and migration management.

Business and Civil Society

• Call for visa-free travel to boost economic ties and make it easier for people to visit family or attend events.

Migration and Human Rights Experts

• Some say visa liberalization could reduce irregular migration by providing legal pathways.
• Others argue that reforms in human rights should come first.

Trends and Future Outlook

• No Immediate Change: As of June 2025, there is no official timeline for lifting the visa requirement.
• Growing Pressure: Statements like the EU envoy’s recent criticism may push the issue higher on the agenda.
• Linked to Broader Issues: Progress depends on developments in human rights, rule of law, and migration cooperation.
• Possible Developments: Upcoming discussions in the EU Council and European Parliament may offer clues about future changes.

Limitations of This Analysis

• No Official Timeline: There is no set date for when, or if, the visa requirement will be lifted.
• Political Uncertainty: Changes in EU or Turkish politics could affect the process.
• Limited Data: Some information, such as exact visa approval rates, is not publicly available.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information, readers should consult:

• Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
• Turkish e-Visa Portal
• European Commission – ETIAS Information

Conclusion and Practical Guidance

The continued visa requirement for Turkish citizens traveling to the EU remains a major issue in 2025. While Türkiye has made progress on technical criteria, the EU links visa liberalization to broader political and human rights reforms. The process is time-consuming and costly for Turkish travelers, affecting tourism, business, and family ties.

Actionable Steps:

• Turkish citizens should carefully prepare all required documents and allow plenty of time for visa processing.
• Businesses and civil society groups can continue to advocate for easier travel to support economic and cultural ties.
• Travelers should check official government websites for the latest updates and requirements.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the debate over the visa requirement is likely to continue, with possible changes depending on political developments and ongoing negotiations. For now, Turkish citizens must plan ahead and follow the official process to visit the EU.

For more details on visa requirements and application procedures, visit the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information.

By staying informed and prepared, travelers and stakeholders can better manage the challenges posed by the current visa policy while watching for future changes in EU-Türkiye relations.

Learn Today

Schengen Visa

→ A short-stay visa allowing travel within the EU’s Schengen Area for up to 90 days.
ETIAS → European Travel Information and Authorization System requiring online clearance for visa-exempt travelers to enter the EU.
Visa Liberalization → The process allowing citizens to travel without visas between countries after meeting political and technical criteria.
Biometric Passport → A passport containing embedded electronic data, like fingerprints, for enhanced security and identification.
Consulate → An official government office abroad where visa applications, passports, and traveler services are processed.

This Article in a Nutshell

Visa rules block easy EU travel for Turkish citizens despite technical progress. Diplomatic tensions rise after a senior EU envoy calls requirements ‘shameful’. Visa process delays tourism, business, and family visits, highlighting ongoing political and human rights concerns affecting EU-Türkiye relations as of 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com