Istanbul Consulates Swamped: Greek Island Rush Meets U.S. Visa Delays

Istanbul Consulates Face Dual Surge: Greek Island Demand and U.S. Visa Backlogs

Istanbul’s consulates are currently experiencing unprecedented pressure from two distinct sources. On one hand, a massive surge in Turkish tourism to Greek islands is overwhelming the Greek Consulate. On the other, U.S. visa processing is facing significant delays, extending into 2027, due to a combination of regional conflict and new security screening rules implemented in 2026. This dual demand is creating a complex situation for applicants navigating international travel requirements.

Greek Island Visa Boom

The Greek Consulate in Istanbul is working overtime to meet the high demand for travel to the Greek islands. This year, the consulate is issuing approximately 1,300 visas daily to accommodate Turkish travelers eager to visit the Aegean. This surge is a significant increase from previous years, with visits to Greek islands jumping from 416,000 in 2022 to over 2.25 million in 2025.

The popularity of short island getaways has been boosted by Greece’s expansion of its “Visa Express” program. This scheme offers a seven-day, island-specific permit, making spontaneous travel easier. The program, now extended through April 2027, has become an attractive option for many Turkish citizens, especially as standard Schengen visa refusals have risen. This has created a distinct channel for leisure travel, moving efficiently through the Greek system.

U.S. Visa Processing Challenges

In contrast to the swift processing for Greek island visits, U.S. visa applications are facing considerable delays. Several policy changes enacted in 2026 have created bottlenecks that are expected to last until 2027. These changes include new security screening rules and regional instability that have redirected visa processing to hubs like Istanbul.

A key factor contributing to the delays is Presidential Proclamation 10998, which took effect on January 1, 2026. This proclamation suspended entry and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries. Furthermore, USCIS implemented a “Hold and Review” order on pending applications from citizens of these affected countries. This means that even after an interview, cases can remain in administrative hold without a final decision.

Additional restrictions were imposed on January 21, 2026, when the Department of State announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. This pause is in place while the State Department reassesses screening and vetting procedures, meaning no immigrant visas will be issued to affected nationals.

The situation was further complicated on March 9, 2026, when the U.S. suspended services at its Adana consulate due to safety risks associated with the Middle East conflict. This move redirected more workload to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, which had already become primary regional hubs for visa processing for displaced applicants. The escalation of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict in late February 2026 led many U.S. embassies in the Middle East to suspend operations, increasing the caseload in Turkey.

Geopolitical Factors and Operational Adjustments

The increased demand for U.S. visas in Istanbul is also influenced by broader geopolitical events. The U.S. Consulate in Istanbul has been operating under a “Worldwide Caution” since February 28, 2026, reflecting a year where consular work has become more intertwined with crisis management. Travel advisories for Turkey remain at Level 2, urging increased caution, with higher warnings for areas near the Syrian and Iraqi borders.

The U.S. Department of State and DHS also imposed enhanced screening and entry limits for travelers from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan on May 18, 2026. Visa services at embassies in these countries paused, adding another layer of overflow into the regional system.

A City at the Crossroads

Istanbul has become a unique meeting point for different types of international travel demand. The city’s consulates are managing both the seasonal pressure of tourism to Greece and the administrative pressure stemming from geopolitical events and U.S. policy changes. Applicants seeking U.S. visas from restricted countries face a complex process where a completed appointment does not guarantee visa issuance.

The contrast between the Greek and U.S. visa caseloads highlights the different forces at play. Greek demand is driven by a tourism boom and accessible short-term permits. U.S. demand, however, is shaped by suspended operations, country-specific restrictions, displacement due to conflict, and a vetting framework that has significantly altered processing routes. This situation makes Istanbul a critical, albeit strained, hub for international visa services.

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