Officials in the northeastern Aegean islands are urging the Greek government to extend a popular "express visa" program that allows Turkish tourists to visit Greece with a simplified visa process.
The program, which is set to expire in March 2025, has been credited with boosting tourism and providing a significant economic lift to the islands.
Taxiarchis Verros, President of the Northern Aegean Regional Association of Municipalities and Mayor of Western Lesvos, has formally requested that the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Citizen Protection, and Tourism extend the program into next year.
The express visa allows Turkish visitors to stay in Greece for seven days after obtaining a visa upon arrival at designated island ports.
It was initially introduced as a pilot program following discussions between the Greek and Turkish leaders.
Mr. Verros highlighted the program's success in attracting Turkish tourists to the region and emphasized the need for its continuation to maintain this positive momentum.
He noted that the program was the result of extensive diplomatic efforts and negotiations at the European Commission level.
Local tourism stakeholders have also expressed concerns about the program's expiration, fearing it could disrupt the flow of visitors from Turkey. They are hopeful that the government will take action to ensure the continued success of this valuable initiative.