03.02.2025 16:50
Germany has decided to facilitate visa applications for trade fair participants and truck drivers by removing the requirement to make an appointment for Schengen visas.
Germany has decided to ease visa applications, particularly for trade fair participants and truck drivers.
REMOVED THE OBLIGATION TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR SCHENGEN VISA
Germany has lifted the appointment requirement for Turkish businesspeople participating in trade fairs for Schengen visas. This regulation is said to be a significant opportunity, especially for those looking to accelerate their commercial activities. The application process for Turkish truck drivers, who have been affected by the strict visa procedures in European countries, has also been simplified for Schengen visas to Germany. With this new regulation, it is expected that the issues faced in the transportation sector, as well as delays and complications in Schengen visa applications, will decrease.
"WE HAVE REPEATEDLY STATED THAT IT IS NOT RIGHT TO IMPOSE A VISA BARRIER BETWEEN TURKEY AND THEM"
Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO), stated in his evaluation regarding the issue that the visa problem is a serious obstacle for the business world in Istanbul, which is the largest gateway for Turkey's exports. Avdagiç conveyed that they have continuously criticized the use of the visa as a sword of Damocles over the economic potential of their more than 830,000 members. "Because our members go abroad for many reasons, such as participating in international fairs, establishing new markets and partnerships, and purchasing new machinery. Germany is among the leading countries in this regard," he explained.
"THE REMOVAL OF THE VISA BARRIER WILL BRING US CLOSER TOGETHER"
Şekib Avdagiç noted that Germany's decision to ease visa applications, particularly for trade fair participants and truck drivers, shows that they have partially listened to the criticisms. While he finds this step taken by Germany important, he expressed that they expect more effective measures to be taken against the visa barrier. Avdagiç stated that they see the visa itself as an incorrect and unjust practice, saying, "We believe that Turkey and EU countries are vital partners in foreign trade. We see visa-free passage, which is already our right within the scope of EU membership negotiations, as the ultimate goal. Therefore, not an appointment exemption, but visa exemption would be the most appropriate." he said.
"THE REMOVAL OF THE VISA BARRIER WILL BRING US CLOSER TOGETHER"
Avdagiç pointed out that with visa exemption, short-term visas such as 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 months should also be eliminated, stating, "As we have always told EU officials as the business world, there is no increase in the number of visa applications; there is duplication because they issue short visas. We expect this to be resolved urgently. The removal of the visa barrier will bring us even closer together." he stated.