Countries / Territories
Related offices
European Union/Turkey
The European Commission has proposed to the EU Parliament and Council to remove the tourist and business visa requirement for Turkish nationals traveling to EU member states and associated Schengen states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) except for Ireland and the United Kingdom. Until the proposal is approved (which is expected to happen June 2016), Turkish nationals will require Schengen visas.
The lifting of the visa requirement is also subject to Turkey complying with the outstanding benchmarks of the Visa Liberalisation Roadmap, a document developed by the European Commission and other EU experts to outline a plan for Turkey to address the following areas in exchange for consideration of visa-free status:
- Immigration document security;
- Migration management;
- Public order and security; and
- The fundamental rights and readmission of irregular migrants.
If the proposal is approved, Turkey is expected to remove visa restrictions for nationals of EU member states and associated Schengen states mentioned above.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
If the proposal is approved, Turkish nationals would benefit from visa-free business and tourist stays in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
The proposal is under consideration and Fragomen will report on further developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Countries / Territories
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Rica’s Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how US authorities evaluate prior criminal records under ESTA and what UK travellers need to know when completing their applications.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.
Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazil’s new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Rica’s Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how US authorities evaluate prior criminal records under ESTA and what UK travellers need to know when completing their applications.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.
Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazil’s new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.
Visas
Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.
Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.