FAQ

For Turkish citizens the general rule is a Schengen visa. However, 12 Aegean islands offer an express (on-arrival) visa: you apply in advance through a ferry operator or agency and can stay up to 7 days.

Lesvos, Lemnos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos, Symi, Rhodes, Kastellorizo and Samothrace. Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and the Ionian Islands are not included.

No. The express visa is valid only on the island you enter. To travel to another island, Athens or other Schengen countries you need a Schengen visa.

Ayvalık and Dikili (Lesvos), Çeşme (Chios), Kuşadası (Samos), Bodrum and Turgutreis (Kos, Kalymnos), Datça (Symi), Marmaris and Fethiye (Rhodes), Kaş (Kastellorizo). Some routes run only in summer.

At least 1–2 weeks ahead in summer and during public holidays. If you use the express visa, buying the ticket from the operator handling your application makes things easier.

Some routes such as Çeşme–Chios and Ayvalık–Lesvos take cars. Extra documents may be needed, so check with the ferry operator in advance.

The euro. Cards are accepted in most places; carry cash for small tavernas, kiosks and water taxis.

Yes, but roaming can be expensive. Get your operator's international package or buy a local SIM or eSIM.

During European summer time (late March – late October) Greece is on the same time as Turkey; in winter Greece is 1 hour behind.

June–September for swimming; May and late September–early October for a calmer, better-value trip. Compare sea temperatures month by month on the “When to go” page.

Kos for its shallow sandy beaches, short crossing and flat terrain; Rhodes for its range of facilities; Naxos for its long sandy beaches.