Turkish minister dismisses rumors of special passport expansion

Türkiye’s trade minister has rejected recent speculation about expanding the eligibility criteria for the country’s special, aka green passport, a special travel document that grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to certain countries.

In response to recent rumors about expanding the scope of the special passport, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat firmly stated, “We are not expanding the application. We cannot undermine the trust in the special passport.”

‘We cannot undermine trust in green passport’

During a meeting with the Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ATSO) Chairman Yusuf Hacısüleyman and the ATSO delegation, Minister Bolat, along with Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, discussed support for a collective workplace project aimed at boosting Antalya’s economy. Both leaders expressed full support for the initiative.

Atso Chariman Hacısüleyman presented a comprehensive dossier to the Trade Minister Bolat, outlining key issues and proposed solutions that ATSO’s professional committees had conveyed to the Executive Board.

Our dossier includes 23 issues and solutions, ranging from exemptions for corporate credit cards from spending restrictions, easing the mandatory sale of 30% of export proceeds to the Central Bank of Türkiye (TCMB), addressing visa problems, facilitating green passport issuance, enhancing fair and market research support, to problems related to business hours for barbershops, beauty salons, and pricing issues. We are at a crucial crossroads. If no corrective measures are taken soon, we may face more severe side effects

Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Yusuf Hacısüleyman

No special passport expansion

A recent wave of misinformation circulating on social media platforms claimed that certain new professional groups would soon be eligible for the special passport. Addressing this, Hacisuleyman emphasized the visa difficulties currently challenging the business community and advocated for prioritizing businesspeople in special passport issuance.

Minister Bolat dismissed these rumors, stating, “Certain professional groups were claimed to be included in the green passport application due to social media disinformation. However, this is entirely false information. We are not expanding the application. We cannot undermine the trust in the green passport.”

Countries that grant visa-free entry to Turkish special passport holders

Turkish citizens holding a special passport can do visa-free travel to a wide array of countries across different continents. This special travel document allows for visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, facilitating international mobility for Turkish citizens engaged in business, tourism, and more.

Europe

Green passport holders can travel to numerous European countries without the need for a visa. These include Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, among others, for stays of up to 90 days. Countries such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands also offer visa-free entry for the same duration. Notably, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) allows green passport holders free movement without any visa requirements.

Asia

In Asia, countries like Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates grant visa-free access to green passport holders for up to 90 days. Other countries such as China and Russia offer shorter stays or require an e-visa. Türkiye’s neighboring countries, including Iran and Iraq, are also part of the visa-free list, allowing Turkish green passport holders to enter for a limited time.

Africa

On the African continent, nations such as South Africa, Tunisia, and Morocco are among the countries where green passport holders can visit without a visa for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days. Other countries, including Kenya and Egypt, offer similar privileges, enhancing the ease of travel for Turkish citizens across Africa.

South America

In South America, green passport holders can explore destinations like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, all of which offer visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela are also included in the list, broadening the travel options available to Turkish citizens in this region.

North America

Several North American countries, including Mexico and the Dominican Republic, grant visa-free access to Turkish green passport holders for stays of up to 90 days. The Bahamas and Barbados, among others, offer similar privileges, while some nations, such as Panama, allow for extended stays of up to six months.

Oceania

In Oceania, countries like Fiji and Samoa allow Turkish green passport holders to visit without a visa, with stays ranging from 30 to 120 days. Other island nations such as Tonga and Vanuatu also extend visa-free entry, making this region accessible for Turkish travelers.