Express visa for the Greek islands
The 12 islands you can reach by ferry and stay on for up to 7 days without a Schengen visa, and how to apply.
The express visa in four steps
- Choose your island and datesPick one of the 12 islands below. The visa is valid only on the island you enter.
- Apply through an operatorApply through a ferry operator or authorised agency 1–2 weeks before you travel.
- Send your documentsPassport, biometric photo, return ticket, accommodation and travel health insurance.
- Get your visa at the portThe visa is issued into your passport when you arrive; the fee is paid at the port.
Islands included
RhodesRhodes / ΡόδοςMarmaris, ~50 min – 1 h 15 min
KosKos / ΚωςBodrum / Turgutreis, ~45 min – 1 h
SymiSymi / ΣύμηDatça, ~45 min – 1 h
KastellorizoKastellorizo / ΚαστελλόριζοKaş, ~20–30 min
KalymnosKalymnos / ΚάλυμνοςTurgutreis / Bodrum, ~1 h
LerosLeros / ΛέροςBodrum (seasonal), ~2 h
PatmosPatmos / ΠάτμοςBodrum / Kuşadası (seasonal), ~2–3 h
LesvosLesvos / ΛέσβοςAyvalık / Dikili, ~1 h 30 min
SamosSamos / ΣάμοςKuşadası, ~1 h 15 min – 1 h 30 min
LemnosLemnos / ΛήμνοςSeasonal connection, Varies
SamothraceSamothraki / ΣαμοθράκηSeasonal connection, Varies
Express visa checklist
Your progress is saved on this device as you tick items. Use “Download PDF” to print the list or save it as a PDF.
You can stay at most 7 days with the express visa. Your dates (including arrival and departure days) may exceed this; check with your operator.
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Source: https://adatatili.com.bercesoft.com/en/kapida-vize · Rules may change; confirm with your ferry operator before travelling.
Greece offers Turkish citizens an express (on-arrival) visa for the 12 islands below. In March 2026 the scheme was extended for another year.
How it works
- Apply through a ferry operator or authorised agency at least 1–2 weeks before you travel. Individual applications are not accepted at the port.
- Send your documents (passport, biometric photo, return ferry ticket, accommodation and travel health insurance) to the operator.
- On arrival, the visa is issued into your passport at the port and the fee is paid.
Good to know
- The visa is valid only on the island you enter; you cannot travel on to another island, the mainland or another Schengen country.
- The maximum stay is 7 days and cannot be extended.
- As of 2026, the total cost including the fee and agency service charge is usually around €80–90; check the current amount with your operator.
- Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and the other Cyclades are not included; a Schengen visa is required for these islands.
FAQ
How long can I stay with the express visa?
You can stay up to 7 days on the island you enter. It cannot be extended.
Can I travel to another island with the express visa?
No. The visa is valid only on the island you enter. You cannot go on to another island, Athens or other Schengen countries.
Can I apply myself at the port?
No. You apply before travelling through a ferry operator or authorised agency; the visa is issued into your passport at the port.
Are Santorini or Mykonos included?
No. The Cyclades, Crete and the Ionian Islands are not part of the scheme; a Schengen visa is required for them.
Visa rules are updated periodically by the Greek authorities. Confirm with your ferry operator and official sources before you travel.
