European Union Eases Schengen Visa Rules for Turkish Citizens

Key Points 

• The European Union introduces a new “cascade” visa regime to simplify and extend Schengen visa access for eligible Turkish nationals

European Union Launches Cascade Visa System for Türkiye-Based Applicants 

The European Union (EU) introduced new visa rules for Turkish citizens applying for Schengen visas on 15 July 2025.  

The new “cascade” regime applies to Turkish nationals residing in Türkiye, excluding truck drivers, who apply for short-stay Schengen visas and have a proven history of lawful travel to the EU. 

Under the new system, eligible applicants may receive multi-entry Schengen visas with progressively longer validity: 

• If applicants lawfully use two Schengen visas within three years, authorities may grant them a one-year multi-entry visa.
• This can be followed by a three-year visa, and eventually a five-year visa, provided previous visas were used properly and the passport remains valid. 
• The first visa typically matches the intended travel period, while the second may allow multiple entries for up to 90 days within a six-month span. 

This policy shift reflects the EU’s commitment to facilitating travel for Turkish citizens and deepening bilateral cooperation on migration and readmission.