Turkish citizens have found themselves unable to obtain visas from many countries, especially European ones. Some countries have even stopped accepting visa applications altogether. As a result, demand for the green passport, which allows visa-free travel, has surged. For the first time since 2010, the number of green passports surpassed red passports in July of this year." This reflects the increasing challenges Turkish citizens face in securing visas and the growing appeal of the green passport.
"In July, 453,600 passports were produced, of which 353,600 were green passports and 100,000 were red (ordinary) passports. The production of green passports, which allows visa-free travel to over 100 countries for up to 90 days, tripled the production of the red passport in July, which is available to all citizens. For the first time since records began in 2010, the number of green passports exceeded red passports in July of this year.
1 MILLION NEW PASSPORTS
According to a report in Sözcü newspaper, based on data from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the number of green passports produced, which was 140,000 in 2018 and 28,800 in 2021, reached 491,400 in 2022 and set a record in 2023 with 1,816,700. The production of green passports continues at the same pace in 2024. In the January-July period of this year, 1,007,200 green passports were issued.
While a total of 4,044,060 passports were produced for individuals this year, it was notable that one in four passports was green. In July, demand for green passports set a new record, surpassing red passports for the first time. Of the 453,600 passports produced in July, 353,600 were green, and 100,000 were red.
WHO USES THE GREEN PASSPORT?
The special passport, known as the green passport, is issued to civil servants and their families who meet certain criteria. In addition to civil servants, state athletes and business people who exceed a certain export limit can also obtain a green passport."