EU Relaxes Schengen Visa Rules for Some Citizens Starting July 2025

The European Union 🇪🇺 has introduced a major update to its Schengen Visa rules, specifically benefiting Turkish citizens, starting from July 2025. This change marks a significant step in EU-Türkiye relations and has immediate effects for many travelers, families, and businesses. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for pending and future applications.

Summary of What Changed

As of July 2025, the EU has relaxed Schengen Visa rules for Turkish citizens living in Türkiye. The most important update is the introduction of a new “cascade” visa regime. This system makes it easier for Turkish nationals who have a good travel history to get longer and more flexible Schengen visas. The goal is to reward travelers who follow the rules and to make the visa process smoother for both applicants and EU consulates.

While there are ongoing talks about a broader “European tourist visa” that could make travel even easier for non-EU visitors, this is still just a proposal. The only concrete change right now is the new cascade regime for Turkish citizens.

Who Is Affected

• Turkish citizens living in Türkiye who apply for a Schengen Visa in Türkiye and have a history of lawful Schengen travel.
• The new rules do not apply to Turkish truck drivers or to first-time applicants without a travel history.
• Other nationalities and Turkish citizens applying from outside Türkiye are not affected by this change.

Effective Dates

• The new rules took effect in July 2025.
• They apply to all eligible applications submitted from July 2025 onwards.

Required Actions for Turkish Citizens

If you are a Turkish citizen living in Türkiye and want to benefit from the new Schengen Visa rules, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your Eligibility
   • You must be a Turkish national living in Türkiye.
   • You must apply for your visa in Türkiye.
   • You need to have a history of lawful Schengen travel (meaning you have used previous Schengen visas correctly and followed all the rules).

1. Prepare Your Documents
   • Gather all standard documents needed for a Schengen Visa. These usually include:
     • A valid passport (with enough validity for the visa you want)
     • Completed Schengen Visa application form
     • Proof of travel insurance
     • Proof of accommodation (like hotel bookings or invitation letters)
     • Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips)
     • Any other documents required by the specific Schengen country’s consulate
2. Submit Your Application
   • Apply at the consulate or visa application center of the Schengen country you plan to visit first or spend the most time in.
   • Make sure to apply in Türkiye, as the new rules only apply to applications made there.
3. Understand the Visa Progression
   • First Visa: Usually covers only your planned trip (can be single or multiple entry).
   • Second Visa: If you used your first visa correctly, you can get a multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days within a six-month period.
   • Third Visa: After two lawfully used visas within three years, you can get a multiple-entry visa valid for one year.
   • Further Visas: If you keep following the rules, you can get a three-year visa, and then a five-year multiple-entry visa, as long as your passport is valid for the whole period.
4. Travel Responsibly
   • Always follow Schengen rules, especially the “90 days in any 180-day period” rule.
   • Use your visa within its validity and do not overstay.

Implications for Pending Applications

• If you applied before July 2025, the old rules apply to your application.
• If you apply after July 2025 and meet the eligibility criteria, you can benefit from the new cascade regime.
• If you are waiting for a decision and your application was submitted after the new rules took effect, consulates will use the new system to decide your visa type and validity.

Detailed Policy Changes

The new cascade regime is based on the European Commission’s decision from July 15, 2025. The legal basis is Article 24(2d) of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, also known as the Visa Code. This change is designed to:

• Reward regular, lawful travelers: If you have a good record of following visa rules, you get longer and more flexible visas.
• Reduce paperwork: Frequent travelers won’t need to apply for a new visa every time they want to visit the EU.
• Make travel easier: Business people, tourists, and those visiting family can plan trips with less hassle.

Key Features of the Cascade Regime

• Eligibility: Turkish citizens living in Türkiye, applying in Türkiye, with a proven travel history.
• Visa Validity Progression:
  • First visa: For the planned trip.
  • Second visa: Multiple-entry, 90 days in six months.
  • Third visa: Multiple-entry, one year.
  • Next visas: Three years, then five years, if all previous visas were used correctly.
• Exclusions: Does not apply to truck drivers or first-time applicants.

Why This Matters

For many Turkish citizens, getting a Schengen Visa has been a long and sometimes frustrating process. The new rules mean that if you have shown you can follow the rules, you will be trusted with longer visas. This helps families stay connected, makes business trips easier, and supports tourism.

Broader EU Visa Policy Context

While the cascade regime is a big step for Turkish citizens, the EU is also discussing bigger changes that could affect travelers from many countries. Some EU countries, like Greece, Italy, and France, want to create a “European tourist visa.” This would allow visitors to travel more freely across the EU and even some non-EU Balkan countries. However, as of July 2025, this is just an idea and not yet a real policy.

Other Upcoming Changes: ETIAS

Another important change is the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Starting in late 2026, travelers from about 60 visa-exempt countries will need to get online authorization before visiting the Schengen Area. The ETIAS fee will be €20, which is higher than the originally planned €7. This system is separate from the Schengen Visa and will not affect Turkish citizens, who still need a visa to visit the EU.

Quantitative Details

• Schengen Visa Fee: €80 for adults (some categories may pay less).
• Maximum Visa Validity: Up to five years for eligible Turkish applicants.
• Processing Time: The new system is designed to speed up repeat applications, but exact times may vary by consulate.
• Scope: Only for Turkish nationals living in Türkiye and applying there.

Security and Facilitation

The EU’s new approach tries to balance two important goals:

• Security: Only travelers with a good record get longer visas. This helps keep the Schengen Area safe.
• Facilitation: Making travel easier for people who follow the rules supports business, tourism, and family connections.

Economic and Diplomatic Impact

This change is also a sign of growing cooperation between the EU and Türkiye. By making it easier for Turkish citizens to visit, the EU hopes to strengthen ties and support economic growth through tourism and business. At the same time, Türkiye’s role in managing migration to the EU is recognized.

Industry and Advocacy Perspectives

Tourism groups and countries in the Western Balkans support even more flexible visa rules. They believe that easier travel will bring more tourists and help local economies. However, some EU countries are cautious and want to make sure border controls remain strong.

Future Outlook

• ETIAS Launch: Expected in late 2026 for visa-exempt travelers.
• European Tourist Visa: Still under discussion, with no set date for introduction.
• Ongoing Monitoring: The EU will watch how the new Turkish visa rules work and may make more changes in the future.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information and official documents, visit the European Commission’s Visa Policy page. You can also check with the consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit for specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does this apply to all Turkish citizens?
  • Only those living in Türkiye, applying in Türkiye, and with a good travel history.
• Can first-time applicants get a long-term visa?
  • No, the cascade regime is only for those with a proven record of lawful travel.
• Are other nationalities affected?
  • No, this change is specific to Turkish citizens. Other changes, like ETIAS, will affect travelers from other countries in the future.
• What happens if I break the visa rules?
  • If you overstay or break Schengen rules, you may lose the chance to get longer visas in the future.

Historical Context

The EU has been slowly moving toward more flexible visa policies for trusted partners. This new regime for Turkish citizens is one of the most significant steps so far. It builds on earlier pilot programs and agreements, showing a willingness to trust and reward travelers who follow the rules.

Practical Guidance for Applicants

• Keep Records: Save copies of your old visas and entry/exit stamps to prove your travel history.
• Follow the Rules: Always respect the length of stay and other Schengen rules.
• Check Passport Validity: Make sure your passport is valid for the entire period of the visa you want.
• Plan Ahead: Start your application early, especially during busy travel seasons.

Implications for Different Groups

• Frequent Travelers: Business people and those visiting family will benefit the most, as they can get longer visas and avoid repeated applications.
• First-Time Travelers: Will still need to go through the standard process and prove their reliability before getting longer visas.
• Consulates: Will have less paperwork for repeat travelers, allowing them to focus on new applicants and security checks.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that these changes could lead to a noticeable increase in Turkish visitors to the EU, boosting tourism and business ties. However, the system relies on travelers continuing to follow the rules, as any increase in violations could lead to a tightening of policies in the future.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The EU’s new Schengen Visa rules for Turkish citizens represent a major improvement for those with a good travel record. If you are eligible, you can now look forward to longer, multiple-entry visas and a simpler application process. For now, these changes are limited to Turkish citizens living in Türkiye, but they could serve as a model for future visa policy updates.

If you plan to apply, make sure you meet all the requirements, prepare your documents carefully, and always follow Schengen rules. For more details, visit the European Commission’s official visa policy page or contact the consulate of the country you wish to visit.

Stay informed about future changes, especially as the EU continues to discuss broader visa reforms and prepares to launch ETIAS for visa-exempt travelers. These developments show the EU’s ongoing effort to balance security, easier travel, and strong international partnerships.

Learn Today

Schengen Visa → A visa allowing short stays (up to 90 days) within the Schengen Area’s 26 European countries.
Cascade Regime → A visa renewal system granting longer multiple-entry visas based on lawful previous Schengen travel.
ETIAS → European Travel Information and Authorisation System requiring online pre-authorization for visa-exempt travelers starting late 2026.
Multiple-Entry Visa → A visa permitting several entries into the Schengen Area during its validity period.
Visa Code → EU Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 establishing rules and procedures for Schengen visa issuance.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting July 2025, the EU introduces a cascade visa system easing Schengen visa access for Turkish residents with travel history, enabling longer, multiple-entry visas and smoother applications for families, tourists, and business travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com