Key Takeaways
• Turkish citizens lost over 13.6 million euros in non-refundable Schengen Visa fees in 2024.
• Visa rejection rate for Turkish citizens was 14.5% in 2024, down from 16.1% in 2023.
• Stricter controls and stalled EU-Turkey visa liberalization talks increase uncertainties and financial burdens.
As of July 18, 2025, the Schengen Visa process for Turkish citizens remains a major source of frustration, financial loss, and uncertainty. Over the past 15 years, Turkish citizens have paid a staggering Seven Hundred And Seventy Five Million Euros in Schengen Visa application fees alone. This figure does not even include the extra money spent on travel, paperwork, or the often high fees charged by intermediaries. The situation has left many Turkish families, students, and businesspeople feeling stuck and unfairly treated.
Below, you’ll find a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these developments mean for anyone with a pending or future Schengen Visa application. This update will help you understand the current landscape, the steps you need to take, and what to expect in the coming months.
Summary of What Has Changed
- Financial Losses Continue: Turkish citizens have lost over 13.6 million euros in non-refundable Schengen Visa fees in 2024 alone, mainly due to high rejection rates.
- Stricter Controls: Some European countries now require Turkish travelers to prove they used their Schengen Visa according to the rules of the issuing country.
- No Progress on Visa Liberalization: Talks between Turkey and the European Union 🇪🇺 about making travel easier have stalled, with the EU insisting that Turkey must meet certain requirements.
- Increased Scrutiny: There is growing concern about unauthorized intermediaries charging excessive fees and spreading misinformation.
- Administrative Bottlenecks: The European Parliament has called for more resources to process visa applications, but delays and rejections remain common.
Let’s break down these developments in detail, explain who is affected, and outline what you should do if you are planning to apply for a Schengen Visa or have a pending application.
Who Is Affected by These Changes?
The current Schengen Visa system impacts a wide range of Turkish citizens:
- Tourists: Families and individuals hoping to visit Europe for holidays face high costs and uncertainty.
- Business Travelers: Entrepreneurs and professionals find it harder to attend meetings, trade fairs, or sign contracts in Europe.
- Students: Young people seeking to study or attend conferences in Europe often face delays and rejections.
- Families: Those wishing to visit relatives or attend important family events in Europe are also affected.
Effective Dates and Current Status
- The financial and procedural challenges described here are ongoing as of July 18, 2025.
- Stricter controls and new requirements have been introduced gradually since 2023, with some countries in the Schengen Area applying them more strictly than others.
- There is no set date for when or if visa liberalization will happen for Turkish citizens, as talks remain stalled.
Required Actions for Turkish Citizens
If you are a Turkish citizen planning to apply for a Schengen Visa, or if you have a pending application, here are the steps you should follow:
Schengen Visa Eligibility Requirements for Turkish Citizens
VisaVerge.com
1. Check Your Eligibility
– Make sure you actually need a Schengen Visa for your travel plans. Most Turkish citizens do, but there are a few exceptions for diplomatic or official passport holders.
– You can check the latest eligibility rules on the official EU Schengen Visa page.
2. Gather All Required Documents
– Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned return date.
– Proof of Travel: This includes flight bookings, hotel reservations, or an invitation letter.
– Health Insurance: You must have travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies.
– Proof of Funds: Bank statements or proof of income to show you can support yourself during your stay.
– Visa Application Form: Complete the official Schengen Visa Application Form and print it out.
Required Documents for Schengen Visa Application (Turkish Citizens)
VisaVerge.com
Valid Passport (valid for at least three months after planned return date)
Required
Proof of Travel (flight bookings, hotel reservations, or invitation letter)
Required
Health Insurance (covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies)
Required
Proof of Funds (bank statements or proof of income)
Required
Visa Application Form (completed and printed)
Required
3. Submit Your Application Through Official Channels
– Apply directly at the consulate of the country you plan to visit, or through an authorized visa application center.
– Avoid using unauthorized intermediaries or agents who may charge extra fees and provide false information.
4. Pay the Required Fees
– The standard Schengen Visa application fee is €90 for adults. There may be additional service fees if you use a visa application center.
– Remember, these fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
5. Attend Your Appointment and Provide Biometrics
– Most applicants must attend an in-person appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo.
– Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and provide any extra documents if asked.
6. Wait for Processing
– Processing times vary, but it can take anywhere from 15 days to several weeks, depending on the consulate’s workload.
– Some countries may require extra checks or interviews, especially if you have traveled to Europe before or if your application raises any concerns.
7. Prepare for Stricter Controls
– If you receive a Schengen Visa, be aware that some countries may ask you to prove that you used your visa according to the rules. For example, if you received your visa from France 🇫🇷, you should enter the Schengen Area through France or spend most of your time there.
– Keep all travel receipts, hotel bookings, and boarding passes as proof.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have already applied for a Schengen Visa and are waiting for a decision:
- Expect Delays: High demand and limited administrative resources mean that processing times may be longer than usual.
- Be Ready for Extra Questions: Some consulates may ask for additional documents or clarification about your travel plans.
- Check for Updates: Stay in touch with the consulate or visa application center where you applied. Use only official contact information to avoid scams.
- No Refunds for Rejections: If your application is rejected, you will not get your application fee back. This has led to millions of euros in losses for Turkish citizens each year.
Why Are So Many Applications Rejected?
In 2024, the rejection rate for Turkish Schengen Visa applicants was 14.5%, slightly lower than the previous year’s 16.1%. Still, this means that about 1 in 7 applications are turned down. The main reasons for rejection include:
- Incomplete or incorrect documents
- Lack of proof of funds or travel plans
- Concerns about the applicant’s intention to return to Turkey
- Previous visa violations or overstays
Financial Impact: Seven Hundred And Seventy Five Million Euros Lost
Over the past 15 years, Turkish citizens have paid about Seven Hundred And Seventy Five Million Euros in Schengen Visa application fees. This number is shocking, especially since it does not include the extra money spent on travel, paperwork, or the high fees charged by some intermediaries. In 2024 alone, more than 13.6 million euros were lost due to rejected applications.
This financial burden is especially hard on families, students, and small business owners, many of whom save for months just to afford the application process. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the current system puts a heavy strain on ordinary people and does little to encourage travel or business between Turkey and the Schengen Area.
Recent Policy Developments and Official Statements
- EU Position: The European Union 🇪🇺 denies that it has made the process harder for Turkish citizens. EU officials say that consulates are processing more applications than ever before and that any delays are due to high demand and limited resources.
- Turkish Government Response: Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has spoken out against the current system, saying it limits Turkish citizens’ freedom to travel and hurts relations between Turkey and the EU.
- European Parliament: Lawmakers have called for more staff and better systems to handle the flood of applications, but they also insist that Turkey must meet certain requirements before any visa liberalization can happen.
Why Has Visa Liberalization Stalled?
Visa liberalization means making it easier for Turkish citizens to travel to the Schengen Area without needing a visa. Talks about this have been going on for years, but progress has stalled because:
- The EU says Turkey has not met all the required criteria, including changes to its laws and policies.
- Security concerns and political disagreements have made it hard to reach a deal.
- Some EU countries are worried about increased migration or security risks.
Stricter Controls and New Requirements
Some Schengen countries have started to enforce stricter rules, such as:
- Proof of Proper Use: Travelers must show they entered and stayed in the country that issued their visa.
- More Document Checks: Consulates may ask for extra proof of travel plans, accommodation, and financial means.
- Longer Processing Times: High demand and extra checks mean that applications take longer to process.
These measures have caused confusion and frustration among Turkish travelers, many of whom feel they are being unfairly targeted.
Practical Implications for Turkish Citizens
The current Schengen Visa system creates several challenges:
- High Costs: Application fees, travel expenses, and extra charges from intermediaries add up quickly.
- Uncertainty: Many applicants are unsure if they will get a visa, even if they provide all the required documents.
- Lost Opportunities: Students miss out on scholarships, businesspeople lose deals, and families are kept apart.
- Emotional Stress: The process is stressful and often humiliating, with applicants feeling treated as potential risks rather than welcome visitors.
What Can Turkish Citizens Do?
- Use Only Official Channels: Apply directly at the consulate or through an authorized visa application center. Avoid unofficial agents.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Double-check all documents and make sure your application is complete.
- Keep Records: Save all receipts, bookings, and correspondence in case you need to prove your travel plans.
- Stay Informed: Check official government websites for the latest updates. The European Commission’s Schengen Visa page is a reliable source.
Implications for Pending and Future Applications
If you have a pending application:
- Be Patient: Processing times may be longer than expected.
- Respond Quickly: If the consulate asks for more documents, provide them as soon as possible.
- Prepare for Possible Rejection: Understand that the fee is non-refundable and consider this risk before applying.
If you are planning to apply in the future:
- Start Early: Begin gathering documents and making travel plans well in advance.
- Budget Carefully: Factor in all possible costs, including the risk of losing your application fee.
- Consider Alternatives: If your travel is not urgent, you may want to wait until the process becomes easier.
Looking Ahead: Possible Reforms and Future Developments
- Customs Union Talks: Any updates to the Customs Union between Turkey and the EU are likely to include discussions about making travel easier for Turkish citizens.
- Continued Advocacy: Turkish officials continue to push for fairer treatment and easier travel, but progress depends on meeting EU requirements.
- Potential for Change: Experts say that reform is needed to balance security with the need for people-to-people contact and economic ties.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- The Schengen Visa process remains costly and uncertain for Turkish citizens, with Seven Hundred And Seventy Five Million Euros lost over 15 years.
- Stricter controls and high rejection rates mean that applicants must be extra careful and prepared.
- There is no immediate sign of visa liberalization, so Turkish citizens should plan carefully and use only official channels.
- Stay informed by checking official resources like the European Commission’s Schengen Visa page and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- If you have a pending application, be patient, respond quickly to requests, and keep all your documents in order.
The Schengen Visa process for Turkish citizens is likely to remain challenging in the near future. Careful planning, thorough preparation, and staying informed are the best ways to improve your chances of a successful application.
Learn Today
Schengen Visa
→ A permit allowing short-term travel within the Schengen Area countries in Europe.
Visa Liberalization → Process enabling easier travel by removing visa requirements between regions or countries.
Biometrics → Personal physical data like fingerprints used for identity verification in visa processing.
Non-refundable Fee → A payment that will not be returned if the visa application is refused.
Intermediaries → Third-party agents who assist applicants but may charge extra fees or provide false info.
This Article in a Nutshell
Since 2023, Turkish citizens face stricter Schengen Visa rules and high rejection rates, causing financial losses. Over 775 million euros were spent in 15 years. Applicants must prepare meticulously, use official channels, and expect delays. Visa liberalization remains stalled, prolonging uncertainty and hardship for travelers from Turkey to Europe.
— By VisaVerge.com
