16.06.2026 15:20
The European Parliament (EP) published a report on service passports, which closely concern Turkish citizens. The report alleged that service passports, known publicly as "gray passports," are being misused by the Turkish government.
A report prepared during a period when European countries have rejected millions of visa applications from Turkey in recent years included criticism of the freedom of movement provided by service passports within the Schengen Area.
Service passports can only be issued with an assignment letter from public institutions. These passports, which are not permitted for tourist use, have attracted increasing interest in recent years due to their visa-free travel opportunity to Europe.
In the report cited by the BBC, the EP argued that Turkey has not taken the necessary steps for a general visa liberalization framework that all citizens could benefit from. Meanwhile, discomfort was expressed over the misuse of an unknown number of service passports for purposes other than their intended use.
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT COULD BE SUSPENDED
European Union member states offer visa-free travel to holders of gray passports issued by Turkey. A small number of countries, including the UK and the US, require visas from service passport holders.
The EP report indicated that gray passports, which have long provided visa-free entry to the Schengen Area, could face sanctions in the future.
The report noted that if the irregularities mentioned continue, the European Union has the authority to suspend or completely revoke the freedom of movement right granted to gray passport holders within the Schengen Area.
GRAY PASSPORT
A gray passport, officially known as a service passport, is a special type of passport issued in Turkey only to individuals sent abroad on official duty. It is issued solely for official duties and representation, not for personal travel.
This passport can be granted to personnel assigned abroad by the government, municipalities, or public institutions; individuals assigned by institutions such as the Turkish Red Crescent and the Turkish Aeronautical Association; public personnel working in international organizations; and certain athletes, academics, and delegation members sent on official duties. In some cases, family members may also benefit from this passport as part of the assignment.