Turkish citizens planning travel to Europe just received a major update to how they can apply for Schengen visas. A new policy from the European Union offers a streamlined path to longer-validity visas for applicants with a clean travel record, starting from July 15, 2025.
The change introduces a progression system that could significantly reduce repeat paperwork and waiting times. For many travelers, it marks the most practical improvement in Schengen access in over a decade.
New Visa Progression for Turkish Travelers
Starting July 15, 2025, Turkish citizens applying for Schengen visas are eligible for a new tiered system that simplifies the path to long-term, multiple-entry visas. The “cascade” model allows travelers with a positive visa history to receive extended validity over successive applications, without having to start from the beginning each time.
Applicants who have lawfully used two short-stay Schengen visas within the last three years may be granted a six-month multiple-entry visa upon their second application. If they continue to comply with visa rules, the system allows for progressively longer-term visas of one year, then three years, and finally five years. Each stage depends on maintaining a clean travel record and having a passport valid for the required duration.
This change is designed to reduce administrative pressure on EU consulates while rewarding applicants who demonstrate consistent compliance with Schengen entry rules. It also responds to the increasing demand from Turkish nationals, who submitted nearly 1.2 million visa applications in 2024 alone.
For travelers who meet the criteria, the new process eliminates the need to repeatedly prove their eligibility from scratch, streamlining access for short-term business, tourism, and family visits.
The rule applies exclusively to Turkish nationals residing in Turkey and does not cover certain professional categories, such as international transport workers. Each application remains subject to standard Schengen requirements, including biometric data, travel insurance, and proof of financial means.
Why the EU Made This Change
The updated visa policy responds to mounting administrative challenges and longstanding travel barriers faced by Turkish nationals. In 2024, Turkish citizens filed nearly 1.2 million Schengen visa applications, marking a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Despite high demand, applicants frequently faced delays, repeat documentation requests, and limited visa validity, even with a history of compliant travel.
The European Commission stated that the goal of the cascade system is to streamline processing for low-risk travelers and reduce workloads at EU consulates in Turkey. By offering longer-validity visas to proven applicants, the EU aims to make consular services more efficient and responsive.
The change also acknowledges the broader diplomatic relationship between the EU and Turkey, which includes ongoing discussions on visa liberalization and customs union modernization.
While this shift improves procedural access, it does not replace the EU’s visa liberalization framework. Turkey must still meet six outstanding benchmarks outlined in the EU’s roadmap to qualify for visa-free travel. These include requirements related to anti-corruption measures, data protection, and judicial cooperation. Full visa liberalization remains contingent on meeting those conditions.
Who Qualifies Under the New Rules
The EU’s updated Schengen visa framework for Turkish citizens introduces specific eligibility requirements tied to travel history, residency, and documentation standards. While the new system allows a smoother path to longer-validity visas, it is only available to applicants who meet defined criteria. Below is a breakdown of the key requirements.
Residency in Turkey
Applicants must be Turkish citizens legally residing in Turkey. The cascade rule applies only to those who file their applications from within the country, and consulates will verify residency as part of the submission process.
Positive Travel History
To enter the cascade system, the applicant must have lawfully used two previous Schengen visas within the past three years. This means no overstays, no violations of visa conditions, and a history of returning to Turkey before the visa expires. This track record forms the foundation for receiving longer-term, multiple-entry visas.
Progressive Visa Validity
Under the new rules, eligible applicants may receive a six-month multiple-entry visa on their second application. If this visa is also used compliantly, future applications can yield visas valid for one, three, or five years. This progression depends on continued lawful use and the applicant’s ability to meet documentation and financial requirements.
Passport Validity
The applicant’s passport must be valid beyond the requested visa period. EU regulations require that the passport remain valid for at least three months after the intended end date of the stay. The validity of the visa issued cannot exceed the remaining validity of the passport.
Exclusions by Category
Some applicants are excluded from the cascade process. For example, international transport workers, including commercial truck drivers, are not eligible under this rule. These categories are subject to separate processing pathways and visa types.
Standard Schengen Requirements Still Apply
All applicants must still meet the standard Schengen visa conditions. These include submitting biometric data, travel insurance, confirmed accommodation, evidence of financial means, and a clear itinerary. The cascade rule does not replace these steps but adjusts visa duration for applicants with a history of compliance.
Responses from EU and Turkish Officials
EU Ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Hans Ossowski, called the new visa system a positive development for Turkish citizens with a compliant travel history. He clarified that it does not replace the broader goal of visa-free travel, which depends on Turkey meeting six remaining EU benchmarks.
Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat welcomed the change, describing it as a long-awaited improvement. He also urged further progress in EU-Turkey cooperation, including updates to the customs union and expanded engagement in digital services. Both sides acknowledged the reform as a useful step, while underscoring that broader policy objectives remain unresolved.
Conclusion
The EU’s updated Schengen visa policy offers meaningful relief for Turkish citizens who travel regularly and follow the rules. With a clear pathway to longer-validity visas, the process is now more predictable for eligible applicants. This change reduces paperwork and provides greater travel flexibility.
However, full visa-free access remains tied to broader political and legal conditions. Turkey must still meet EU benchmarks before that becomes a reality. Until then, the cascade system serves as a structured improvement for compliant travelers.