A New Era for Turkish Citizens in Schengen: Greece Also Introduces ‘Gradual Visa’
A New Era in Schengen Visas
The ‘gradual visa’ (Cascade) system, implemented by the European Commission on 15 July 2025, introduces a new convenience for Turkish citizens in the Schengen process. Previously adopted by Bulgaria, the system is now officially implemented by Greece.
This development significantly eases the frequently discussed “Schengen hassle” for Turkish citizens. Greece’s official visa application centre, Kosmos Visa Services, announced that the system will cover all Turkish citizens.
What is the Cascade System?
The gradual visa (Cascade Rule) provides increasingly longer multi-entry visas to applicants who regularly travel to the Schengen area and comply with visa regulations.
Initial applications usually result in a short-term or single-entry visa.
Those who use the visa legally can obtain longer-term visas in subsequent applications.
Turkish citizens who have obtained a Schengen visa twice in the past three years and used it properly are eligible for a one-year multi-entry visa.
After the one-year visa, if the conditions continue to be met, the duration can be extended to three years, and later to five years.
This system will offer significant convenience for Turkish citizens travelling frequently for business, tourism, education, or family visits.
Bulgaria and Greece Took the Lead
Bulgaria was the first European country to implement the system. Bulgarian authorities issued 3–6 month visas on initial applications and allowed the possibility of 1, 3, and 5-year long-term visas for regular users.
Greece followed by officially adopting the system. According to Kosmos Visa Services, all Turkish citizens applying from and residing in Turkey are included. However, international truck drivers are excluded from the system.
What Changes for Turkish Citizens?
With the ‘gradual visa’, Turkish citizens will no longer need to reapply for a short-term visa for every trip. This will:
- Reduce visa expenses,
- Ease consular workload,
- Make travel planning more predictable.
Long-term visas will be especially beneficial for businesspeople, academics, students, and frequent travellers to Europe.
European Commission Statement
On 15 July, the European Commission explained the rationale behind the Cascade system:
“The aim is to make it easier, faster, and more predictable for Turkish citizens who regularly travel to the Schengen area and comply with regulations to obtain visas, while also strengthening bilateral relations.”
Future of the System
Currently, the system is officially in place in Bulgaria and Greece. However, following the European Commission’s decision, other Schengen countries are expected to implement the gradual visa as well.
For Turkish citizens, this system represents not only individual travel convenience but also stronger economic, tourist, and cultural ties with Europe.
Conclusion
The European Union’s ‘gradual visa’ system marks a historic change in the Schengen process for Turkish citizens. Following Bulgaria, Greece’s adoption indicates that the system may soon expand across Europe.
Now, Turkish citizens who comply with the rules can access Europe more easily with 1, 3, and 5-year multi-entry visas. This step represents a major milestone in overcoming long-standing visa difficulties.
Aero Haber X-Twitter you can follow his account. Follow