Explanation: Bonafide travelers are persons who are considered trustworthy and whose trip is made without the intention of violating entry regulations.
The term is often used in the context of immigration and border control systems for people who pose a lower risk and can therefore be processed more easily or quickly.
New tiered model for Schengen visas - What's changing now
The new regulation - known as the visa cascade rule - enables Turkish citizens with good travel behavior to gradually obtain longer valid visas for the EU:
- After two correctly used visas in three years: Visa valid for 1 year
- For further lawful use: visa for 3 years
- At the end: Visa valid for up to 5 years
Truck drivers are exempt for the time being. For all other applicants residing in Turkey, however, the change will significantly simplify travel planning.
"It will be much easier and faster for Turkish citizens," emphasized EU Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski to media representatives in Ankara. The aim is to simplify visa procedures and give reliable applicants more planning security.
Turkey: A step towards visa-free travel in the EU?
Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership for over 25 years. However, negotiations have repeatedly stalled since 2018 - partly due to criticism of the human rights situation.
Nevertheless, the EU sees visa facilitation as a signal of rapprochement. Ossowski called for a resumption of talks on full visa-free travel: "Every other accession country has visa-free travel - except Turkey."
According to the Reuters news service, the EU Commission is open to entering into formal talks on further facilitations after the summer. The Turkish government also welcomes the development.
Background: Cooperation in EU migration
The decision was also made in light of the close cooperation between the EU and Turkey in the area of migration. Facilitating entry should not only promote economic and social contacts, but also facilitate the readmission of irregular migrants by Turkey in return.
What is the Schengen visa - and who needs it?
The Schengen visa is a short-term visa for entry into and transit through the 29 European countries that belong to the Schengen area. It entitles the holder to a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days.
Citizens from countries requiring a visa, such as Turkey, require such a visa for short stays for tourism, business or family reasons. A valid Schengen visa allows free travel within the entire Schengen area.
Please note: A separate visa is required for travel to EU countries outside the Schengen area - such as Ireland, Cyprus or Great Britain.
Requirements for a Schengen visa
Anyone applying for a Schengen visa must meet certain requirements. These include:
- A plausible and comprehensible travel purpose
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the stay
- The will to return before the visa expires
- Travel health insurance that covers the entire stay in the Schengen area
You must also have a valid passport that is valid for at least three months after the planned end of your trip.
The visa decision is generally made by the diplomatic mission of the country in which the main travel destination is located. For example, if you mainly want to visit family in Germany, you should apply to the German embassy or consulate.
Conclusion: What will change for Turkish applicants
- Faster access to multiple-entry visas
- Graduated model: from 6 months to up to 5 years
- Valid since: July 15, 2025
- Prerequisite: Previous visas used in accordance with regulations
