Eased Schengen Visa Rules Could Boost Turkish Tourism to Slovakia

Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bola has said easing visa restrictions could boost Slovakia’s tourism industry.

His comments were made at the Türkiye-Slovakia Round Table Meeting held in Türkiye alongside Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Denisa Sakova, Schengen.News reports. 

The Turkish Trade Minister said that his country welcomes about 300,000 tourists from Slovakia each year, nearly five per cent of the population of Slovakia. 

The Minister said that Turkish citizens are interested in visiting European countries; however, visa issues make this process difficult. He said that facilitating the visa restrictions could have a positive impact in attracting a larger number of Turkish visitors to Slovakia. 

In order to travel to EU countries, Turkish nationals are required to apply for a visa first. Many Turkish nationals have expressed their concerns regarding the long waiting times they are subject to in order to obtain a Schengen visa. 

In December 2024, the European Union Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, met with the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in which the relationship between the EU and Türkiye was discussed. 

Following the meeting, Von der Leyen stressed that the EU is open to further deepening cooperation on visas. 

It is crucial that we work together on our shared priorities and deepen our cooperation on border management, the fight against migrant smuggling, and visas. President of EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen

Türkiye Praises Slovakia for EU Accession Support 
In the meeting held yesterday, January 21, in Ankara, Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bola emphasised that Slovakia is a friend and partner within the European Union. 

The Minister appreciated Slovakia’s support of Türkiye’s European Union membership efforts. 

Bola considered it essential for further progress in trade and investment between the two countries.

In addition to focusing on reaching a visa-free travel agreement with the EU, Türkiye is also attempting to become part of the bloc. 

Last month, the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said that the EU accession for his country remains a strategic goal, stressing that the accession of Türkiye to the EU would bring significant benefits for both parties.

Source: https://schengen.news/eased-schengen-visa-rules-could-boost-turkish-tourism-to-slovakia-minister-says/