Türkiye and Armenia have collaborated to ease travel and visa requirements for some special residents. Starting Thursday, January 1, diplomats, holders of service, and special passports from both countries can apply for free e-visas.
Türkiye And Armenia Ease Visa Rules For Diplomats
Forget long queues! The announcement came from Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry as per Public Radio Armenia. Although the change only affects a specific group, these visa policies seem to be aiming for something larger.
What Exactly Is Changing From January 1
Under the new agreement, eligible passport holders from both sides can obtain e-visas at no cost. This applies equally to Turkish and Armenian diplomatic, service, and special passport holders. Cities like Ankara and Yerevan used this moment to restate their shared goal. This means full normalisation, without conditions.
Normalisation Talks Are Picking Up Pace
Throughout this year, both governments have publicly committed to pushing normalisation forward. They have agreed to speed up talks aimed at reopening border crossings, which have stayed shut since 1993. For decades, trade, travel, and formal cooperation have been closed. While the visa easing does not reopen borders, it clears one obstacle in the process.
Armenia has long accused Türkiye, specifically the Ottoman Empire. Some unresolved dispute has shaped public opinion, diplomacy, and policy on both sides. Yet, recent actions suggest both governments are choosing progress.
Signs Of Cooperation Are Already Visible
Relations for both countries are getting stronger as they have appointed special envoys and started structured talks. While a full border reopening has not happened, limited agreements have allowed diplomats and third-country citizens to fly to the countries involved.
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This visa decision will not change daily life overnight, but diplomacy moves through small, deliberate steps. Free e-visas is to build a movement and to create routine contact between the countries.
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