14 January 2010

PRESS RELEASE

Turkey and Romania are linked by deep-rooted bonds of friendship and common historical and cultural ties.In the past years, the relations between our countries enhanced rapidly in every field, to reach unprecedented levels.Romania is now a major economic collaborator and strategic partner for Turkey in the region.

Yet, Turkey believes that there are still many opportunities to further improve our relations and attaches great importance to encouraging more people-to-people contacts in this regard.With these considerations, following a decision taken by the Government of the Republic of Turkey, visa requirements for Romanians on short-term visits to Turkey have been lifted as of 9 January 2010.

According to the new visa regime;

a) Romanian citizens who hold ordinary passports are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

b) Romanian citizens who hold ordinary passports must obtain appropriate visa from Turkish diplomatic/consular missions, if they are going to Turkey for work, long term residence (more than 90 days), study, training, scientific research and other special purposes such as assembly-maintenance-repair.

c) Romanian truck/trailer drivers and their assistants who hold ordinary passports may enter Turkey after obtaining appropriate visa from Turkish diplomatic/consular missions.

d) In line with the current practice, Article 8 of Passport Law No: 5862 shall be taken into account regarding Romanian citizens with prohibitions.

e) In line with the previous practice, maritime, railway and airline crew and members of the companies who make regular trips to Turkey shall be exempted from visa to Turkey until 90 days, on the basis of name lists exchanged through diplomatic channels.