Schengen visa crisis disrupts Turkey-EU trade and logistics

Schengen visa difficulties, including appointment shortages, high rejection rates, and stay duration limits, are creating a structural crisis affecting trade between Turkey and the European Union. The International Transporters Association (UND) warns that these obstacles are undermining supply chain security and assembly lines in Europe by restricting the mobility of professional drivers.

According to UND President Şerafettin Aras, the crisis causes vehicles to remain idle, delays shipments, and increases transportation costs, forcing exporters to seek more expensive alternatives. This situation impacts not only Turkish exporters but also European-capitalized companies operating in Turkey and European factories awaiting raw materials.

Data regarding Schengen applications from Turkey shows significant variations between countries. Estonia, Denmark, and Sweden have been identified as having notably high visa rejection rates for Turkish citizens. Applicants face challenges ranging from securing appointments to navigating lengthy evaluation processes, with the risk of losing application fees in the event of a refusal.