Lesvos will launch fast-truck visas for Turkish tourists from April 1st, the mayor of Mytilene Panagiotis Taktikos announced on Thursday.
The announcement follows an agreement by Athens and Ankara, approved by the EU, to revive a previous scheme the special Schengen Express Visa program for Turkish citizens wishing to visit certain eastern Aegean islands.
The agreement was announced during the visit of the President Recep Tayip Erdogan on December 7 in Athens. Greece got permission from the European Union to re-enable Turkish citizens to apply for a seven-day tourist visa for 10 islands close to the Turkish coast.
The special visa includes the islands of Lesvos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Symi, and Kastellorizo.
Earlier today, a conference aimed to iron out issues for the expected influx of Turkish tourists was held in Mitilini – it was attended by several relevant authorities, including the police chief of the North Aegean Region, the Mitilini Coast Guard, and the island’s customs officials.
Renovations are also taking place at the port in order to facilitate the arrival of the tourists and their vehicles. [via kathimerini.gr]
Fast – Track Vidas