Türkiye has decided to end the visa-free arrangement for Tajikistan citizens traveling with regular foreign passports.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued the decree, which was published in the official state paper Resmi gazete on Saturday, VisaGuide.World reports.
The visa-free privilege for Tajikistan citizens traveling to Turkey with regular foreign passports is revoked.
Türkiye Imposes Visa Rule for Tajik Citizens from April 20
As the local media reports, starting from April 20, Tajik citizens holding ordinary passports will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Türkiye. However, it remains uncertain whether Tajik travelers can acquire visas upon arrival at the Turkish border or if they must apply for them at the embassy.
Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed that they had not received official notification from Ankara regarding the termination of the visa-free arrangement. This arrangement has been in place since 2018, permitting Tajik citizens to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days without a visa.
Türkiye conducted crackdowns on individuals linked to ISIS following the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall near Moscow on March 22. Among those apprehended were a 37-year-old Tajikistani and a 41-year-old Kyrgyzstani.
The 37-year-old masterminded the attack under the alias Abu Ismail, with the assistance of the Kyrgyzstani. Both were confirmed members of ISIS. The Tajikistani suspect was arrested, while the Kyrgyzstani individual was deported.
The assault at Crocus City Hall unfolded during a music concert, claiming 143 lives and injuring 360 others. Four assailants, dressed in camouflage, entered the venue and initiated gunfire before igniting a fire. Law enforcement has apprehended ten suspects in connection with the incident.
2.3 Million Visitors Visited Türkiye in February 2024
In 2018, Türkiye recorded a total of 458 citizens from Tajikistan within its borders. Moreover, data provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism revealed that the country experienced a significant increase in foreign visitor numbers, with arrivals reaching 2.3 million in February 2024. This surge marked the highest influx in ten months, following a 2.1 percent rise in January.
The notable increase in arrivals to Türkiye was primarily driven by tourists from Iran, showing a 101.4 percent rise to 226,100 visitors. Similarly, Germany and Bulgaria also contributed to the surge, with increases of 26.9 percent to 187,900 and 21.2 percent to 182,900 visitors, respectively.
However, there were declines in arrivals from Israel, with a substantial decrease of 86.1 percent to 4,900 tourists, as well as Sudan and South Africa, showing decreases of 38.1 percent to 2,200 and 12.5 percent to 2,300 visitors, respectively.