Turkey to waive visa requirements for six additional Schengen countries

The new regulations will come into effect as of 2 March 2020, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara: “As of 2 March 2020, Turkey has decided to exempt visa requirements for the members of the European Union Schengen area, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland as well as the United Kingdom citizens for touristic travels to Turkey for every 90 days within 180-day periods.”

Currently, nationals of 78 countries are allowed to travel to Turkey visa-free for tourism purposes, while Brits are among those who have to pay a fee to enter the country. By waiving this fee for more Schengen countries, the Turkish government is set to attract more visitors.

In fact, the country’s new tourism strategy aims to lure more than 75 million tourists and make over $65 billion in revenue by 2023.

Ted Wake, Director of Kirker Holidays, deemed the abolition ‘a very smart move at a time when Turkey needs a boost to tourism throughout the country’. 

And Steve Heapy, Chief Executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “The removal of Turkish visa charges is fantastic news for British holidaymakers, as it means more money in their pockets. Turkey is one of our most popular destinations, and this news makes it much easier for hard-working British families to enjoy a well-deserved holiday to this beautiful country.”