How can Turkish citizens apply for a Greece or EU visa?
Turkish citizens can apply for a Greek or EU Schengen visa through GVCW or iDATA centers in Turkey. The process involves filling out the form, paying fees, providing biometrics, and attending an interview.
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Greek or EU Schengen visa application - step by step
Step 1: Choose your destination consulate
Apply to the consulate of the EU country where you will spend the most time. For a Greek visa, this means the Greek consulate. For Italy or Spain, the respective consulates in Istanbul or Ankara.
Step 2: Book an appointment
For Greece, book an appointment through the authorized visa application center named by the Greek Embassy in Ankara. For other countries, book through the relevant visa center: iDATA for some embassies, VFS Global for others. Slots fill quickly in peak summer.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed Schengen visa application form, biometric photo, return tickets, hotel bookings, travel insurance covering 30,000 EUR, bank statements from the last 3 months, employment proof, and a cover letter.
Step 4: Submit and pay
Attend your appointment in person, submit your documents, give biometrics, and pay the visa fee (90 EUR plus center service charge). Keep all receipts for tracking your application later.
Step 5: Wait for processing
Standard processing is 15 calendar days but can extend to 30 to 45 days during peak season. You will be notified by SMS or email when a decision is made.
Greek visa specifics for Turkish citizens
Greece has a fast-track program for Turkish citizens visiting selected Greek islands by sea, including Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, and Rhodes. Visas under this program are issued at the port of entry and are valid for up to 7 days. The program is renewed year by year, so check that it is running before you travel.
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Documents required for Turkish applicants
Bring your Turkish passport (3+ months validity beyond return), completed application, biometric photo, round-trip flight reservation, confirmed hotel bookings, travel insurance covering 30,000 EUR, bank statements from the last 3 months, employer letter or self-employment proof, and a cover letter explaining your trip.
Greek and EU visas for Turkish citizens - FAQ
Yes. Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa for Greece, applied for before travel, and the passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of the stay. The one exception is the express visa issued at the ports of 12 Greek islands for short tourist visits. On arrival, you are also registered in the EU Entry/Exit System.
Yes. Greek consulates in Turkey take Schengen visa applications through an authorised visa application centre named on the website of the Greek Embassy in Ankara. You book the appointment online, then attend in person to hand in your documents, give fingerprints and pay the fee. Check the embassy site for the current centre and appointment slots.
The Schengen visa fee for Greece is EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11. The visa application centre adds its own service charge on top, paid when you submit your application. Fees can change, so confirm the current amounts with the Greek consulate or the centre when you book your appointment.
Only on some islands. Under the express visa scheme, Turkish citizens arriving by sea on 12 eastern Aegean islands, including Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos and Rhodes, can get a short tourist visa of up to 7 days at the port. It was renewed from April 2026 to April 2027. For mainland Greece or arrivals by air, you need a regular Schengen visa.
Yes. Greece is in the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa issued by Greece also lets you visit other Schengen countries during its validity, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Apply to the Greek consulate when Greece is your main destination, or your first stop if you will spend equal time in several countries.
The normal processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 days, and it can be extended up to 45 days when extra checks are needed. You must apply at least 15 days before your trip and no earlier than 6 months ahead. Summer appointment slots fill quickly, so book as early as your plans allow.