In 2012, the EU made it easier to enter Greece as an experiment. Now, in order to relax on the Greek islands, you do not need to pre-apply for a Schengen visa. All holidaymakers in the resorts of Turkey can visit ancient Hellas according to a simplified system.
From July 7 to September 30, 2012, all tourists vacationing on the western coast of Turkey have a unique opportunity - to visit the five Greek islands (Kos, Lesvos, Rhodes, Samos and Chios) without a Schengen visa.
The European Union agreed to this experiment because of the assertion that the long procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa serves as a brake on the tourist flow to Greece. Therefore, it was decided to simplify the entry into the country.
Now vacationers in Turkey can legally buy a ferry ticket and enjoy the unique nature of Greece and admire the ancient monuments of Hellas for two weeks.
The Greek consulate explains that the visa-free entry principle is simple. It is necessary in Turkey to contact one of the travel companies that are officially engaged in paperwork for visiting Greece. Buy a ferry ticket at the company's office and / or book a hotel on one of the five islands. The travel company should be provided with a copy of the passport, one photo made according to the Schengen model and a completed visa application. All documents will be scanned and sent electronically to the Greek Immigration Office. A traveler leaving for the islands will only need to show their documents and the original visa application during passport control in Greece, as well as pay 35 euros (visa fee).
An entry permit can also be obtained directly upon arrival on the island. To do this, it is enough to pay the visa fee and fill out a visa application right at the border and provide the original passport and photo.
Having gone through this simple procedure, vacationers have the right to stay on the islands for up to 15 days. In addition, Russian tourists have a unique opportunity to spend a day in Greece on a free visa.
According to the Greek National Tourism Organization, if the experiment is successful, then visa-free travel to the Greek islands will continue.
