Tourism agencies making money by selling fake appointments for Schengen visa: Ossowski

The European Union’s newly appointed ambassador to Türkiye, Thomas Ossowski, emphasized the bloc’s commitment to fostering constructive relations with Türkiye in an interview with Turkish media outlet Hurriyet.

Ossowski discussed various issues, including Türkiye’s E.U. accession process, visa regulations, and geopolitical cooperation.

Visa liberalization and migration cooperation

Ossowski acknowledged concerns regarding visa difficulties for Turkish citizens, describing it as a priority issue. “When I took office, I made visa facilitation a top priority because waiting excessively for a visa is unacceptable,” he stated.

Türkiye has fulfilled 66 of the 72 criteria required for visa liberalization, with key outstanding issues including counterterrorism legislation reforms, judicial cooperation, and data protection alignment with E.U. standards.

“We want to see Türkiye meet the remaining criteria,” he said, while stressing ongoing efforts to streamline visa procedures.

When I took office, I made it one of my priorities to get the visa problem under control, because it is not good for people to wait so long to get a visa.

I had very intensive contacts with Schengen countries, I increased contacts with Turkish officials, we worked to develop a new perspective. As a matter of fact, the European Union proposed visa liberalization to Türkiye 10 years ago.

There were 72 criteria, Türkiye met 66 of them. We would like Türkiye to meet the remaining 6 criteria. But in the meantime, we cannot allow people to wait in front of consulates and return without visas. That is why we have started very serious processes.

There is a system of obtaining visas with a gradation (a system that allows single entry first and then multiple entry). I should also say that 70 percent of the visas issued in Türkiye allow multiple entry. Globally, this average is 50 percent.

Thomas Ossowski, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Türkiye

Fake schengen visa appointments

Thomas Ossowski also stated that some tourism agencies are committing fraud and making money by selling fake Schengen visa appointments to Turkish citizens.

Ossowski raised concerns over fraudulent practices by certain tourism agencies that profit by selling fake appointments for Schengen visas.

He warned that such activities block legitimate applicants from securing appointments and contribute to delays in the visa process. “Some agencies are making money by manipulating the system, selling appointment slots and making it difficult for genuine applicants to get a visa,” he stated.

He stressed that the E.U. is actively working with Turkish authorities to address the issue and ensure a fair and transparent visa process. “We are in close communication with Schengen countries and Turkish officials to streamline the process and combat fraudulent activities,” he added.

Türkiye is the second largest recipient of Schengen visas after China. We are strongly looking for ways to solve this problem.

However, I have also informed the Turkish authorities that some tourism agencies are making money by selling fake appointments. Because they block many appointments, normal applicants have trouble finding appointments. I recently saw a tourism agency offering a Schengen visa for 500 Euros. A lot of fake documents are also coming in.

Nevertheless, I would like to say that one out of every 10 Schengen visas in the world is issued to Türkiye. But the other point is that if Türkiye met the criteria like other countries, it could have already had visa liberalization.

Thomas Ossowski, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Türkiye

Türkiye’s role in regional stability

Ossowski praised Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts and geopolitical significance, stating, “Türkiye has become a key geopolitical player, not only in the Mediterranean but also in Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East.”

He highlighted the country’s role in mediating conflicts, including the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process and the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

“Türkiye played a crucial role in preventing further escalation by enforcing the Montreux Convention, which restricted warship movement in the Black Sea during the Ukraine conflict,” Ossowski said.

Customs union and economic relations

On the economic front, Ossowski reiterated the importance of updating the E.U.-Türkiye Customs Union to benefit both sides.

“We have not yet begun negotiations on this matter, but economic discussions will help pave the way,” he noted.

Trade between the E.U. and Türkiye reached record levels in 2024, demonstrating the potential for economic cooperation. “The modernization of the Customs Union is in the interest of both Türkiye and the E.U.,” Ossowski added.

We have not yet started negotiations on updating the Customs Union, but I think the economic negotiations will facilitate this path.

The 27 countries in the E.U. structure need to reach a consensus on some issues. Especially at this stage when relations were revitalized, there were some disturbances on trade issues.

The more steps we take on this issue, the easier it will be for us to move forward in the Customs Union process. All these talks have concrete results.

In 2024, a trade record was broken between Türkiye and the E.U. We also think that updating the Customs Union is very important. The Customs Union benefits not only Türkiye but also the EU.

Thomas Ossowski, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Türkiye

Syrian refugees

Regarding migration cooperation, Ossowski affirmed the E.U.’s continued support for Türkiye in managing Syrian refugees.

“Türkiye has provided shelter for millions of Syrians, and the E.U. has allocated significant financial support to assist in this effort. Our cooperation will continue.”

The return of refugees in Syria must be safe, dignified and voluntary. We have a great agreement with Türkiye on this. Türkiye has made it possible for many Syrians to live in the country.

The European Union has also allocated a lot of resources. This cooperation will continue in the coming period.

Thomas Ossowski, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Türkiye

Security and defense cooperation

On defense matters, Ossowski addressed discussions surrounding a unified European defense policy, acknowledging the need for modernization and interoperability.

“We recognize Türkiye’s advancements in the defense industry over the past two decades and acknowledge that Europe must improve its own defense capabilities,” he stated.

EU-Türkiye relations moving forward

Ossowski underscored that E.U.-Türkiye relations are in a phase of renewal, following a period of stagnation since 2018.

“There is a revived willingness to engage. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s participation in the E.U. meeting last August was an important step toward revitalizing our ties. We are working on a roadmap for future cooperation,” he said.

With upcoming high-level economic dialogues and trade discussions, the E.U. aims to establish a “constructive and mutually beneficial” relationship with Türkiye.

“We want to build a broad, positive agenda for our partnership,” Ossowski concluded.