Turkey rejects green passport request for pilots and cabin crew

Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, has responded to parliamentary inquiries regarding whether pilots and cabin crew members will be granted access to the ‘green passport’ (special stamped passport) privilege.

Uraloğlu stated that there is currently no need for additional regulatory work or studies by his ministry. He explained that flight crew members already utilize Aircraft Crew Documents (UMB) for international duties, which allow for visa-free or passport-free entry and stays of 48 to 72 hours in foreign countries. He noted that these procedures are fully compliant with international standards, including ICAO Annex-1 and EASA regulations.

The Minister further clarified that visa and entry procedures are governed by the principle of reciprocity in international relations, placing such matters under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while passport law regulations fall under the Ministry of Interior.