This new cascade regime applies to all Turkish nationals - except truck drivers - who reside in Türkiye, and apply in Türkiye for Schengen short-stay visas and – most importantly – have an established travel history (a bona fide traveller). For these applicants, the new rules will provide easier access to Schengen visas with longer validity.

• According to the visa “cascade” regime for Türkiye, Turkish nationals can now be issued a longer-validity, multi-entry Schengen visa, valid for one year after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.

• The validity of the first visa will normally cover the intended travel (can be single or multiple entry). The second visa can be a multiple entry visa valid for 90 days in a six-month period.

• The one-year visa can then be followed by a three-year and then by a five-year visa, if the previous visa were lawfully used and the passport has a sufficient remaining validity.

• This decision comes against the background of the cooperation with Türkiye on migration, including readmission.