The UAE newspaper “Al Khaleej” reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a decree on Saturday exempting citizens of four Gulf countries and those from the United States and Canada from needing an entry visa to Turkey. The decree specifically includes citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. According to the decree published in the official gazette, citizens of these countries are exempted from visas for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Previously, citizens of these four Gulf countries were required to obtain an electronic visa or a visa upon arrival for entry into Turkey.
This move is seen as an effort by Turkey to strengthen international relations and boost its tourism sector.
The policy of visa exemption in Turkey has evolved over the years to facilitate easier travel and to promote tourism. Turkey introduced its e-Visa system in 2013, intending to phase out the Visa on Arrival system. However, Visa on Arrival is still available for a few countries eligible for e-Visa and is valid for 90 days with multiple entries. The total stay cannot exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Additionally, Turkey provides visa exemptions for holders of powerful visas such as the US visa, Schengen visa, or UK visa. Eligible travelers can enter Turkey without needing to obtain a visa beforehand.
Recent changes in visa entry policies for Europe include significant developments that travelers, especially those from visa-exempt countries like the United States, should be aware of. Starting in 2025, U.S. passport holders will need to apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before visiting Europe. This new system, initially set to roll out in 2024, has been postponed to 2025.
ETIAS is designed to enhance security and streamline the entry process for non-EU travelers. It is similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and is not a visa but a travel authorization. Travelers will need to fill out an application on the ETIAS website or mobile app and pay a fee of around $7.79. The authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows for multiple entries of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Another new system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), is also set to be introduced, potentially after the Paris Olympics in 2024. EES is an automated system that will require non-EU travelers to register their biometrics upon entering or exiting European countries. This system aims to replace passport stamping and automate border control procedures, making it easier to identify travelers who have overstayed their visas or used fake identities. The EES data will be shared among European countries and could result in fines, deportation, or bans for overstaying.