For Turkish citizens who loves to travel—or just need to go to Europe regularly—there’s finally some good news on the visa front. Bulgaria and the EU have both introduced new visa regulations that are much more favorable for Turkish passport holders. Let’s break it down and see what’s changing.
Bulgaria Now Offering Up to 5-Year Visas for Turks
Starting from July 15, Bulgaria is officially extending the validity of visas it grants to Turkish citizens. The announcement came from Bulgaria’s Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh, who said that in addition to the usual short-term (3- or 6-month) visas, Turkish travelers can now apply for 1-year, 3-year, or even 5-year multiple-entry visas.
This is a big step, especially for people who travel frequently to Bulgaria for tourism, business, or family visits. And it’s not a coincidence—Bulgaria says Turkish tourism is booming. According to the minister, in the first half of 2025, the number of Turkish tourists visiting Bulgaria increased by 60% compared to the same period in 2024.
So, Bulgaria is clearly trying to make it easier for Turks to visit—and encouraging them to come more often.
Easier Schengen Visas on the Way Too
And it’s not just Bulgaria. The European Union is also taking steps to ease the Schengen visa process for Turkish citizens—at least for those who have a clean travel history.
Here’s how it works, based on recent updates from the European Commission:
- If you’ve had a Schengen visa before and used it properly (meaning no overstays or visa violations), and you apply for a new visa within one year after it expired, you’ll now be eligible for a 6-month visa.
- If your last Schengen visa was a 6-month one and you apply again within two years, you can get a 1-year visa.
- Had a 1-year visa and used it correctly? You may now get a 3-year visa next time.
- And for those who held a 3-year Schengen visa, applying within two years of its expiry can now get you a 5-year visa—with multiple entries.
These changes are meant to reward people who travel regularly and responsibly. It’s a big win for Turkish students, business travelers, and tourists who have long complained about short-term or inconsistent visa approvals.
What This Means
If you’re someone who frequently travels to Europe—either for leisure or work—these updates could save you a lot of time, money, and stress. Longer visas mean fewer applications, fewer trips to the consulate, and less paperwork.
Bulgaria’s move is particularly significant because the country is on track to fully join the Schengen Zone soon, and it’s already part of the EU. So a long-term Bulgarian visa could be very valuable down the line.
It’s also a strong sign that some European countries are starting to view Turkish travelers more positively, especially those with clean visa records.
With the combination of Bulgaria’s extended visa policy and the EU’s relaxed Schengen rules, things are finally getting a bit easier for Turkish citizens who want to explore Europe. Of course, the usual documents and procedures still apply, but if you’ve been traveling regularly and respecting the rules, you might find the door to Europe is opening just a little wider.
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