03.09.2026 09:20
Portugal stood out in the applications of Turkish citizens seeking a Schengen visa. While demand increased for the country with the lowest rejection rate at 3.5 percent, 14.6 percent of the 1.2 million Schengen applications made from Turkey last year were rejected. The rejection rate reached 27 percent in Germany and 38.5 percent for applications made for mainland Greece.
While rejections faced by Turkish citizens seeking Schengen visas continue, the large rate differences between countries drew attention. Portugal stood out in Turks' visa requests, with the country's rejection rate reportedly remaining at 3.5 percent.
With the increasing interest of Turkish citizens in Portuguese visas, applications have been directed to the Portuguese Embassy in Ankara.
IMPORTANT WARNING FOR THOSE WHO GET THEIR VISA FROM PORTUGAL
Which country the Schengen visa is obtained from is also important in terms of the travel plan. The application must be made to the country that is the main destination of the trip. Therefore, it is important that the travel plans of those who obtain visas through Portugal are consistent with the route they presented in their application.
According to the news from Sözcü, it is stated that if individuals obtain a visa from Portugal and travel directly to another Schengen country, they may encounter additional questions about the purpose and route of the trip during border controls.
1.2 MILLION APPLICATIONS FROM TURKEY
According to European Commission data, approximately 1.2 million Schengen visa applications were made from Turkey last year. 14.6 percent of the applications were rejected.
Turkey ranked second worldwide in the number of Schengen visa applications, after China, where 1.5 million applications were made.
REJECTION RATE IN GERMANY IS 27 PERCENT
Rejection rates among countries also varied in visa applications made by Turkish citizens. It was stated that Germany rejected 27 percent of the applications made by Turkish citizens.
The country where Turkish citizens applied the most was Greece. Approximately 311,000 visa applications were made to Greece.
HIGH REJECTION IN MAINLAND APPLICATIONS IN GREECE
It was noted that the visa-on-arrival program implemented for Turkish tourists on some Aegean islands was also effective in the intense demand for Greece. While convenience was provided for travel to the islands, it was stated that the rejection rate for visa applications made for the Greek mainland reached 38.5 percent.
Following Greece, Germany was among the countries where Turkish citizens applied the most, with 218,000 applications.
Portugal's 3.5 percent rejection rate, on the other hand, made the country one of the striking options for Turkish citizens seeking Schengen visas.