The European Union has relaxed visa rules for Turkish citizens entering the Schengen area. Ambassador Ossowski calls for the revival of visa-free travel negotiations for Turks; the new rule simplifies multiple-entry visas. Turkey welcomes the move and seeks further easing. Tarde Minister Bolat wants to modernise the customs union with the EU.
First things first. You need to choose the right Embassy. Though all Schengen countries follow a standard visa policy, the rates of approval differ country to country. According to data, in 2024, Belgium recorded the highest approval rates for Indian applicants. Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Helpful tips- Choose the right consulate. It's also essential to apply to the correct consulate.
In various cases, it is suggested to apply to the country where you plan to spend the most time, or, if durations are equal, to the country where you first enter. European nations, including Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, are known for faster processing times, often within 7 to 10 days.
Choosing the right Embassy can make a significant difference, ensuring a flawless and strong outcome. As of 2025, Indian applicants must submit the following: a valid passport with at least 3 months' validity beyond the intended return date and two blank pages. A completed Schengen visa application form and one recent passport-size photo. Proof of travel, including a round-trip flight reservation and confirmed hotel bookings matching your travel dates. Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 is valid throughout the Schengen region. Financial documents, including 3-6 months of bank statements, salary slips, and ITRs. Your account must show genuine and steady income, not sudden large deposits. A detailed cover letter should include your travel purpose, a daily itinerary, and proof of ties to India, such as a job, business, or property. Inconincidences or missing documents often lead to rejection. Double-check everything.
The European Union has eased rules for Turks to use its open-border Schengen area, the bloc's ambassador to Ankara said on Friday, calling for the urgent revival of negotiations on visa-free travel for Turks. For years, Turks have complained about the EU's visa system. The EU has said the processes managed by accredited visa agencies have been slow due to the high number of applications and that it is discussing possible workarounds with Ankara.
Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski said the new rules would help address Turkey's complaints over long bureaucratic processes, but warned it was not enough to solve the problems permanently.
"It will be much easier and much faster for Turkish citizens," Ossowaski told reporters in Ankara, referring to the European Commission's new decision in effect since July 15, simplifying the path to multiple-entry visas for Turks. Turks who previously used visas correctly will be eligible for a six-month visa as early as their second application, followed by one-year, three-year, and five-year multiple-entry visas.
Turkey's foreign ministry welcomed the move and said Turkish institutions and the EU Commission would keep seeking further visa easing. Trade Minister Omer Bolat said the measure was a "facilitation that our citizens have been awaiting for a long time".
Bolat also told the state-owned Anadolu news agency that Turkey wanted to start talks on modernising a customs union with the EU and for the scope of the accord ot expand into he service and e-commerce sectors.
Signs of a Thaw
Turkey has been an EU membership candidate since 1999, but its accession process has been frozen for years over issues ranging from human rights to democratic backsliding. There have recently been signs of increased engagement and economic cooperation. Ossowaski said the EU had for more than a decade offered Turkey the prospect of visa-free travel and stressed the need to return ot the liberalisation process. "Every other candidate country has visa-free travel except Turkey," he said. "It is urgent ot re-engage in this process of visa-free travel in the Schengen space and the EU," he added.
The Commission is ready to restart formal negotiations after the summer and work with Ankara on fulfilling the six remaining benchmarks required by the visa liberalisation roadmap, he said. "We are ready, the Commission is ready to work closely with Turkish authorities," he said.
