Turkey’s Schengen Visa Refusal Rate Edges Upward in 2025
In 2025, Turkish citizens faced a slight increase in Schengen visa rejections, with the refusal rate climbing to 14.6%. This marks a small but notable rise from the previous year’s 14.5%, according to data released by the European Commission. Turkey continues to be a significant source of Schengen visa applications, ranking second globally behind China. Despite high demand for travel to Europe, applicants from Turkey are navigating a landscape of stricter screening and increased costs.
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs reported that Turkish citizens submitted over 1.26 million Schengen visa applications in 2025. This volume represents an increase from the 1.17 million applications filed in 2024. The persistent demand highlights the strong desire among Turkish nationals to visit European countries for tourism, business, study, and family reasons. However, the rising refusal rate means that a growing number of these applications are being denied.
Greece as a Primary Gateway
Greece emerged as the main entry point for Turkish travelers seeking to enter the Schengen Area. Greek consulates processed a substantial number of applications, handling 310,920 in 2025, an increase from 296,377 the year before. This indicates that Greece is not only a popular destination but also a key processing hub for Turkish applicants. The approvals issued by Greek authorities played a significant role in the overall visa statistics for Turkish citizens.
Varied Refusal Rates Across Schengen States
While Greece processed a large volume of applications, the refusal rates varied considerably among different Schengen member states. Malta, for instance, reported a significantly higher refusal rate of 34.8% for Turkish applicants. Denmark also maintained a relatively high rejection level. These national differences underscore the fact that visa application outcomes can be influenced by the specific policies and practices of individual consulates within the Schengen zone.
Financial Impact of Rejections
The increase in rejected Schengen visa applications has a direct financial consequence for Turkish applicants. It is estimated that Turkish citizens lost approximately €13.6 million in non-refundable visa application fees in 2024 and 2025 due to denied cases. This figure does not include the additional costs associated with appointment brokerage, where some applicants resort to paying unofficial agents substantial sums, reportedly up to €1,000, to secure visa appointments due to shortages.
The Ongoing Visa Liberalization Stalemate
The current visa situation for Turkish citizens remains a point of political sensitivity. Turkey has been seeking easier travel terms with the European Union for years, including visa-free movement. However, this goal has not yet been achieved. Negotiations are reportedly in a “systemic stalemate,” with Turkey still needing to meet several benchmarks required for EU visa liberalization. This lack of progress contributes to the ongoing challenges faced by Turkish travelers.
Broader Trends in International Travel Screening
The stricter scrutiny of Schengen visa applications for Turkish citizens occurs within a broader global context of tightened international travel screening. In early 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced strengthened screening and vetting processes for foreign nationals seeking entry or immigration benefits. While not specific to Turkey, these broader policy shifts reflect a global trend toward more rigorous eligibility checks and risk assessments for international travelers.
Impact on Multiple-Entry Visas
Despite the rising refusal rate, a significant number of successful applicants still received multiple-entry visas. Out of roughly one million visas issued to Turkish citizens in 2025, 736,556 were multiple-entry permits. This suggests that while the overall approval rate may be under pressure, those who successfully navigate the application process often receive permissions for more than one trip, offering some flexibility for future travel.
The data from 2025 indicates that the challenges for Turkish applicants seeking Schengen visas are multifaceted. They involve navigating varying national policies, dealing with appointment availability, and facing a backdrop of increased global security measures. The slight increase in the refusal rate, from 14.5% to 14.6%, serves as a reminder that the conditions for obtaining a Schengen visa remain demanding for Turkish passport holders.
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