Visa on Arrival for Greek Islands Extended for 2026

The extension of the visa-on-arrival application for another year in the Greek Islands has opened the doors to a new season in the Aegean for Turkish holidaymakers. İDO has increased its capacity by 35% with the growing number of routes for the 2026 season. With its new services, it is transforming this opportunity into a strong tourism initiative.

The visa-on-arrival application, which facilitates travel from Turkey to the Greek Islands, will continue in the 2026 season. This application offers a significant alternative, especially for those who have difficulty obtaining a Schengen visa or wish to make short-term travel plans abroad, providing advantages ranging from weekend getaways to economical holiday plans.

With this development, İDO has begun to expand its Aegean operations, offering services with 10 ships and 10 routes to 6 islands. The company aims to reach 350,000 passengers during the 2026 season with a 35% increase in capacity compared to the previous year.

“We Are Designing a New Experience in the Aegean”

İDO General Manager Dr. Murat Orhan made the following statement regarding the matter: “We are now showcasing our nearly 40 years of maritime experience in the Sea of Marmara in the Aegean Sea, establishing a strong presence in international waters. In this new era, we have gone beyond being a transportation company that merely carries passengers and vehicles from one point to another. We have become a brand that creates tourism potential, meets all the needs of holidaymakers through a single platform, and designs and manages an end-to-end travel experience. We have grown our operations in the region by 35% compared to the previous year. With 5 new routes opened to 6 islands, we will provide uninterrupted service throughout the season with a total of 10 ships and 10 routes. With our expanding product range and increasing capacity, we are providing comfortable and accessible travel opportunities to more passengers each year.

Visa-on-Arrival: An Important Advantage for Quick Visa Processing

Thanks to the visa-on-arrival application, we facilitate our guests who face difficulties in visa processes to experience a quality and economical holiday abroad. With this operation, we successfully represent the Turkish maritime sector internationally while supporting regional development through the employment we create and the contributions we make to tourism in the Aegean Region. We are now transferring the economic contribution we provide to our islands in Marmara to the Aegean, continuing our path with firm steps in line with our vision for sustainable growth.”

İDO’s Extensive Route Network to the Aegean

The routes offered by İDO to the Greek Islands are as follows:

- Seferihisar – Samos (Vathy)
- Kuşadası – Samos (Vathy)
- Bodrum Turgutreis – Leros
- Fethiye – Rhodes
- Ayvalık – Lesbos
- Dikili – Lesbos (Only İDO, no port fee)
- Akçay – Lesbos (New route – only İDO, no port fee)
- Kuşadası – Patmos (New route)
- Kuşadası – Samos (Pythagorion) (New route)
- Çeşme – Chios (New route)

The visa-on-arrival application is valid for all these islands.

Visa-on-Arrival: Easy, Fast, and Accessible

The visa-on-arrival application stands out particularly as an alternative to the classic Schengen process.

- No long and complex application processes
- Ideal for short-term holidays
- Short waiting time, a fast and practical option
- Suitable for weekend getaways

However, attention is drawn to common misconceptions about the process. Visa-on-arrival is not a type of visa that is “immediately obtained upon arrival.”

Things to consider during the application process for visa-on-arrival:

- Applications should be made at least 7–10 days before travel
- An appointment should be made through the İDO Solution Center at least 1 week before the travel date
- Documents should be sent in advance to the authorized visa office on the relevant island
- There is no feedback after the application; approval is given at the port

Essential required documents (may vary by island):

- Valid passport
- Biometric photo
- Ferry ticket
- Hotel reservation
- Travel health insurance
- Bank account statement
- Application form

In complete applications, the visa process generally proceeds smoothly.

Tourism is Gaining Momentum in the Aegean

The extension of the visa-on-arrival application and İDO’s expanding operational network are giving a strong momentum to Aegean tourism. Thanks to the advantage of visa-on-arrival, it has become possible to reach the unique atmosphere of the Greek islands in a short time without dealing with long and complex visa processes.

With İDO’s extensive route network in the Aegean, each island, with its unique character, caters to different holiday expectations:

- Samos offers an ideal route for those who want to relax and explore with its nature, clear sea, and lively coastal towns.
- Leros is a favorite for those looking to escape the crowds with its tranquility, hidden coves, and peaceful atmosphere.
- Rhodes attracts those who want to experience culture and entertainment together with its historical texture, streets bearing traces of the Middle Ages, and vibrant nightlife.
- Lesbos offers a delightful and flavor-focused experience with its gastronomy, stone architecture, and friendly island life.
- Patmos appeals to those seeking a different exploration with its spiritual atmosphere, unique monasteries, and serenity.
- Chios stands out as a special destination waiting to be discovered with its unique mastic trees, authentic villages, and clear beaches.

İDO not only facilitates access to these destinations but also provides an end-to-end experience considering the entire journey of holidaymakers. Every detail, from ticketing to destination guidance, comfortable travel to planning ease, is designed to make passengers' holidays effortless and enjoyable.

This summer, crossing to the opposite shore of the Aegean with İDO is not just a journey; it transforms into a holistic experience where you explore different cultures, discover new flavors, and create unforgettable memories.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye