Visa delays point Turkish tourists to Asian routes

ISTANBUL

Visitors ride a wooden boat along a moat framed by blooming cherry blossoms near a traditional Japanese castle.

More than 6.37 million citizens traveled abroad in the first half of 2026, as vacationers increasingly pick Asian and Balkan destinations to bypass European visa delays.

Outbound travel climbed 13.1 percent in the first quarter with 2.94 million departures before jumping 16.5 percent to 3.43 million passengers in the second quarter, Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data showed. The six-month total hit 6.37 million, building on a 4.4 percent annual growth rate in 2025.

Japan sales jumped 70 percent from last year, while demand for South Korea climbed 50 percent, Prontotour Chairman Ali Onaran said. Maldives and Zanzibar bookings rose around 25 percent, he said.

“Japan became a global trend following its tourism promotion efforts,” Onaran said. Visa-free locations accounted for 60 percent of total sales, with visa-required spots making up the remaining 40 percent, he said. Greece remained a top choice for beach holidays, while Montenegro raised question marks regarding visa policies, Onaran said.

Coral Travel Türkiye General Manager Mehmet Kamçı said the share of visa-free destinations expanded this year. Balkan countries emerged as the most popular route with a 20 percent share of total sales, while Italy led visa-required tours with 12 percent, Kamçı said.

Kamçı said European demand persists across Greece, Italy, Spain, France and Scandinavia, but long-haul routes, including Japan and South Korea, gained ground based on price-performance balance. Regional military conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran also pushed routes toward the Balkans and the Far East, industry sources said.

TatilBudur Deputy General Manager Mustafa Kemal Çubuk said visa accessibility determined holiday choices across 2026. The Greek islands, Balkan nations and Thailand took center stage, Çubuk said, noting Schengen delays directly influence travel schedules despite ongoing interest in Italy and Spain.

Starting package rates for Far East tours based on a six-night stay per person stand at 130,000 Turkish Liras ($3,250) for Japan, 102,000 liras ($2,550) for South Korea, 70,000 liras ($1,750) for Sri Lanka and 48,000 liras ($1,200) for Bangkok.

Citizens have recently experienced extended wait times during Schengen application processes. These administrative procedures encourage operators to offer alternative schedules focusing on Asian countries and neighboring states with simpler entry requirements.