Kos Door Visa Guide (Greek Islands Door Visa)

For Turkish Republic citizens holding a burgundy passport who plan a short-term tourist trip to Kos Island, the Door Visa (Fast-Track / Express Island Visa) is a simplified system that allows entry to certain Greek islands without applying for a Schengen visa. This visa does not replace a Schengen visa; it is valid only for the island where the visa is issued and is generally arranged as a single-entry visa.

What the Door Visa Is — and What It Is Not

The Door Visa Is:

• A simplified Greek visa issued for passengers traveling directly by sea from Türkiye to a specific island such as Kos
• A visa allowing short-term stays
• A visa valid only for the specific island where entry is made

The Door Visa Is Not:

• A Schengen visa (it does not allow travel to Athens, mainland Greece, or free Schengen circulation)
• A visa allowing free travel between islands; island-to-island transfers are generally not permitted, and travelers are expected to leave from the same island where they entered

How Many Days Can You Stay in Kos with a Door Visa?

The system is designed for short-term visits and generally allows stays of up to 7 days.
(In practice, maximum stay periods and procedures may change according to official regulations.)

Which Islands Offer a Door Visa?

The door visa program applies to certain Eastern Aegean islands, and the list may expand over time. Under the current system, it is valid for designated islands including Kos.

Who Can Get a Door Visa?

Eligible Passenger Profile

The door visa mainly applies to:

• Holders of a burgundy (ordinary) passport
• Travelers visiting for tourism purposes
• Passengers traveling directly from Türkiye to Kos by ferry

Passport Requirements (Important Checklist)

Before traveling, make sure that:

• Your passport has sufficient validity after your travel end date (in practice “at least 6 months” or longer may be required; the safest option is preferably 1 year or more)
• Your passport contains at least 2 blank pages
• Your passport does not contain a TRNC entry/exit stamp (this may cause problems with Greek authorities at entry)

Green and Grey Passport Holders

Since visa exemption rules for special (green) and service (grey) passports may vary depending on the travel plan, they should be checked separately.
(The door visa system mainly focuses on burgundy passport holders.)

How to Apply for a Kos Door Visa? (Step by Step)

1) Finalize Your Travel Dates

First, confirm your departure and return plans. Transportation and accommodation documents must be consistent within your application file.

2) Buy Your Round-Trip Ferry Ticket

A round-trip ferry ticket is one of the main required documents for the door visa application.

For Bodrum–Kos ferry tickets:
👉 bodrumkosferry.com

3) Prepare Your Documents Properly

Applications are individual. Even families or groups must prepare separate files for each traveler.

Documents should be:

• Without staples
• Not double-sided
• Not folded
• Placed inside a transparent folder

4) Submit Documents on Time

Documents must generally be delivered several business days before travel (the common practice is approximately 10 business days; shipping time should also be considered).

5) Entry Procedures at the Port on Travel Day

Passport control and biometric checks such as fingerprint scanning may be carried out upon arrival in Kos. Waiting times may increase during busy periods, so arriving early at the port is important.

Required Documents for the Kos Door Visa (Complete Checklist)

Mandatory Documents

• Passport photocopy (original passport is not submitted/shipped)
• 4 biometric photos (taken within the last 6 months, white background)
• Door visa application form (generally completed in English on a computer with wet signatures where required)
• Round-trip ferry ticket
• Travel health insurance (issued in English and covering travel dates)
• Bank account statement (last 3 months, applicant name visible, active account preferred)

Accommodation Documents

• Confirmed hotel reservation
• Guest names clearly shown
• English or Greek language preferred

(Day trips may not require hotel confirmation, although this may vary.)

Additional Documents for Children Under 18

• Separate application form for the child
• Sponsor letter and sponsor bank statement
• Consent letter may be required depending on whether both parents are traveling

Fees and Payment Structure

Door visa fees may vary depending on:

• Season
• Island
• Age group
• Application channel or intermediary agency

The safest approach is to follow the latest fee information provided by the application or ticket channel.

Most Common Mistakes (Reasons for Rejection or Delay)

Avoid the following mistakes:

• Insufficient passport validity
• Non-compliant biometric photos
• Missing applicant name on bank statements
• Handwritten forms or incorrect Turkish character usage
• Missing round-trip ferry ticket
• Late document submission (including shipping delays)
• Attempting travel with a passport containing a TRNC stamp

Ready Checklist Before Traveling from Bodrum to Kos with a Door Visa

Before departure, make sure these 6 items are complete:

✅ Passport valid with blank pages
✅ 4 biometric photos ready
✅ Application form completed and signed
✅ Insurance issued in English with correct dates
✅ Bank statement covers last 3 months
✅ Round-trip Bodrum–Kos ferry ticket ready

For ferry tickets and schedules:
👉 bodrumkosferry.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Kos door visa a Schengen visa?

No. It is valid only for Kos Island and does not provide travel rights to Athens or other Greek islands.

How many days can I stay with a door visa?

Generally up to 6 nights and 7 days.

Can I travel to other Greek islands with a door visa?

No. The visa is island-based and valid only for Kos.

Who can obtain a Kos door visa?

Mainly:

• Burgundy passport holders
• Tourists
• Travelers arriving directly by ferry from Türkiye

Should green passport holders apply?

Generally no. Green and grey passport holders are usually visa-exempt.

How long should my passport be valid?

At least 6 months after return date, preferably 1 year or more, with at least 2 blank pages.

What if there is a TRNC stamp in the passport?

Travelers with TRNC stamps are generally not allowed to enter Greece.

When should the application be made?

Documents should usually be submitted at least 10 business days before travel.

Which documents are mandatory?

• Passport copy
• 4 biometric photos
• English application form
• Round-trip ferry ticket
• Travel health insurance
• Last 3 months bank statement

Can children obtain a door visa?

Yes. Separate applications are required for all children and babies.

What happens if the visa is rejected?

• Visa fees are not refunded
• Flexible/refundable ferry tickets are recommended

Where can I buy a ferry ticket from Bodrum to Kos?

For Bodrum–Kos ferry tickets and updated timetables:
👉 www.bodrumkosferry.com