2023-12-24T04:26:51+00:00
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/ Turkey exempted citizens of 6 new countries from entering the country for the purpose of tourism, including Gulf countries, in order to enhance the movement of incoming tourists and develop its revenues from this vital sector.
According to a presidential decision published in the Official Gazette, the countries included in the exemption from tourist visas are the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain, in addition to the United States of America and Canada.
Turkey had exempted citizens of Qatar from the tourist visa in 2016, and Kuwait in 2017, so that now all citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are exempt from the tourist visa to Türkiye.
According to the decision signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the exemption from the tourist visa allows citizens of the six countries included in the decision to reside for 90 days out of every 180 days.
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeatedly calls on the Turkish side to facilitate the procedures for granting entry visas and renewing the residency of Iraqis there.
In April 2023, the Turkish authorities decided to raise the price of visas for Iraqis, at a time when tourism companies expressed their frustration with this decision.
It is noteworthy that Türkiye ranked sixth in the world in receiving tourists, after 52.5 million visitors visited it in 2019, according to the World Tourism Organization.
Earlier, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced that Türkiye received 52 million 742 thousand and 526 visitors during the first 11 months of this year.
Exempted from visa requirements for Turkish tourism are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This move is aimed at boosting tourism and fostering stronger economic ties with these nations.
The Turkish government believes that easing entry restrictions will lead to an increase in tourist arrivals from the Gulf region, which is a key target market for Turkish tourism. This decision is part of a broader strategy to revive the tourism sector, which has faced significant challenges in recent years due to various global events.
In addition to the visa exemptions, the Turkish government is also expected to implement promotional campaigns and improve tourism infrastructure to make the country more attractive to visitors from these Gulf nations. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture, Turkey aims to solidify its position as a prime destination for travelers from the Middle East.