Travel Simplified: Romania Gains Visa-Free Status in Turkey
Türkiye has abolished visa requirements for Romanian citizens, enabling them to travel for tourism and transit purposes with just their national ID cards. This significant change, initiated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marks a milestone in the bilateral relations between Türkiye and Romania.
Simplified Travel for Romanian Citizens
Travel with Ease
Romanian nationals can now travel to Turkey without a visa, greatly simplifying their travel arrangements. This policy allows Romanian travellers to explore Türkiye for up to 90 days within a 180-day period using only their national ID cards.
Effective Date of the New Policy
The new visa-free travel regulation is expected to come into effect at the beginning of next month following the completion of technical adjustments. This swift implementation underscores the commitment of both nations to enhancing travel convenience.
Details of the Visa-Free Policy
Legal Framework
According to Article 18 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, Romanian nationals holding a national identity document are exempt from visa requirements for tourist and transit travel to Türkiye. This allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Significance of the Decree
The decree was signed during Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu's visit to Türkiye, at the invitation of President Erdogan. This visit signifies the strengthening diplomatic ties and mutual cooperation between the two countries.
Contrasting Requirements for Turkish Nationals
Visa Requirements for Turkish Citizens
Despite the recent changes for Romanian citizens, Turkish nationals still need visas to travel to Romania. This requirement remains unchanged, highlighting the ongoing visa policies that govern Turkish travel to Bucharest and beyond.
Current Visa Statistics and Impact
Visa Issuance to Turkish Nationals
In 2023, Türkiye ranked second in the number of Schengen visa applications submitted to Schengen countries. Out of 1,055,885 applications from Turkish citizens, 867,646 visas were issued, while 13,611 applications were denied, according to the European Commission.
Romania's Schengen Zone Status
On March 31, Romania officially joined the Schengen Zone for air and sea travel, although land border controls are still in place. Following this accession, Romania has initiated talks with Türkiye to establish a new visa agreement based on the Schengen acquis.
Future Bilateral Negotiations
Initiating New Agreements
Romania's government has approved the start of negotiations with Türkiye for a new visa agreement. These talks aim to align with the Schengen acquis and further facilitate travel between the two nations.
Impact on Innovation and Technology
Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır recently advocated for the exemption of young Turkish researchers and entrepreneurs from EU visa requirements. He emphasized that this would significantly boost innovation and technology in Europe.
Challenges in the Travel Sector
Schengen Visa Denials
Firuz Bağlıkaya, head of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), highlighted the rising rates of Schengen visa denials for Turkish nationals. This trend has disrupted the operations of tour companies, affecting the travel industry in Türkiye.
Conclusion
For Romanian nationals visiting Turkey, the elimination of visa requirements represents a significant advancement in fortifying bilateral ties and advancing tourism. This policy not only simplifies travel for Romanians but also sets the stage for further collaboration between the two countries.
FAQs
- How long can Romanian citizens stay in Türkiye without a visa?
Romanian citizens can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
- What documents do Romanian citizens need to enter Türkiye?
Romanian citizens need only their national ID cards to enter Türkiye for tourism and transit purposes.
- Are Turkish citizens required to have a visa to enter Romania?
Yes, Turkish citizens still need a visa to enter Romania.
- When will the visa-free policy for Romanian citizens come into effect?
The visa-free policy for Romanian citizens is expected to come into effect at the beginning of next month.
- What is the purpose of the new visa agreement negotiations between Romania and Türkiye?
The negotiations aim to establish a new visa agreement based on the Schengen acquis, facilitating easier travel between the two nations.