The Greek islands of the Aegean have captivated travelers for thousands of years — and reaching them from Turkey's western coast has never been easier.
Whether you are planning your first day trip to a neighboring island or organizing a week-long escape across the Dodecanese, this page is designed to answer every question you might have before you set sail.
From visa requirements and ferry schedules to what to pack and what to expect at the port, we have gathered everything you need to know in one place.
Our team at Meander Feribot has been helping travelers cross these waters for years, and we know that a well-informed passenger is a happy passenger.
Browse the topics below, and if you cannot find what you are looking for, do not hesitate to contact us — we are always happy to help you plan the perfect island getaway.
It depends on your nationality:
The Visa Express is a special visa-on-arrival program that allows Turkish nationals and their families to visit 6 Greek islands for short stays of 1 to 7 days. There is no need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance. The visa is issued directly at the port of arrival.
You must remain on the designated islands during your stay — travel to mainland Greece or other Schengen countries is not permitted under this visa.
The 6 islands currently covered by the program are:
The process includes passport verification and fingerprint recording at the port.
No. The Visa Express is strictly valid for a maximum of 7 days and cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer or wish to visit mainland Greece, you will need to apply for a standard Schengen visa through the Greek consulate or an authorized visa center in Turkey.
No. The Visa Express is only valid for the 6 designated Greek islands. You cannot use it to travel to mainland Greece, Athens, or any other Schengen country. Doing so would be a visa violation.
Your passport should have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of travel and at least 2 blank pages available. This applies to all nationalities.
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own valid passport. Under the Visa Express program, children traveling with their parents are also covered, but each child needs their own passport. For Schengen visa applications, children need separate visa applications as well.
We provide ferry services on the following routes:
| Departure Port (Turkey) | Destination (Greek Island) | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ayvalik | Lesvos (Mytilene) | 45 min - 1.5 hours |
| Cesme | Chios | 30 - 45 minutes |
| Kusadasi | Samos | 1 hour |
| Bodrum | Kos | 30 - 45 minutes |
| Turgutreis | Kos | 30 - 45 minutes |
| Marmaris | Rhodes | 50 min - 1 hour |
| Kas | Kastellorizo | 20 - 30 minutes |
Ferry departure times vary by season, route, and ferry company. During the high season (April-October), there are typically multiple daily departures on most routes. In the low season (November-March), services may be reduced to a few departures per week.
Please check our individual route pages for up-to-date departure schedules, or contact us directly for the latest timetable.
Most ferry routes operate from April through October during the main tourism season. Some routes, such as Kusadasi-Samos and Bodrum-Kos, may have limited winter services.
The Kas-Kastellorizo route typically operates year-round due to the short distance. We recommend checking current schedules or contacting us for off-season travel.
We recommend arriving at the port at least 60-90 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This allows time for check-in, passport control, security screening, and boarding. During peak summer months, ports can be very busy, so arriving earlier is advisable.
The general process is as follows:
Departing from Turkey:
Arriving at the Greek island:
Returning to Turkey:
The same process applies in reverse — Greek exit immigration, ferry crossing, and Turkish entry immigration at the arrival port.
BUY YOUR FERRY TICKET TO GREEK ISLANDSYou can book your ferry tickets through the following methods:
We recommend booking in advance, especially during the peak summer season (June-September), as ferries can sell out quickly.
BUY YOUR FERRY TICKET TO GREEK ISLANDSMost ferry routes offer:
Yes, most ferry companies offer reduced fares for:
Discount policies vary by ferry company and route. Please contact us for specific pricing.
Your ferry ticket includes the sea crossing and a seat on board. Depending on the ferry and route, port taxes and fees may or may not be included in the quoted price. Food and beverages are typically available for purchase on board but are not included in the standard ticket.
BUY YOUR FERRY TICKET TO GREEK ISLANDSAbsolutely. We specialize in group travel and offer competitive group rates for parties of 10 or more. We can help coordinate ferry schedules with your ground arrangements on the islands.
Whether you are organizing a school trip, corporate retreat, religious pilgrimage, or social club excursion, please contact us for a tailored quote.
We can assist you in obtaining travel insurance suitable for your Greek island trip. Visit our Travel Insurance page or contact us for more details.
Vehicle transport availability varies by route and ferry company. Some ferries accommodate cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, while others are passenger-only.
Vehicle transport requires a separate ticket and must be booked in advance. Special documentation including vehicle registration and insurance valid for Greece (Green Card) is required. Contact us to check availability on your specific route.
Yes, pets are generally allowed on ferries traveling between Turkey and the Greek islands, but specific rules apply. You will need:
Pets may be required to stay in a designated area on board. Policies vary by ferry company, so please contact us in advance to confirm the requirements for your route.
Cancellation penalties depend on the ferry company and how far in advance you cancel. Generally:
Complete details are shown within our Terms & Conditions under the heading "Cancellations, Refunds and Changes". Policies may differ between ferry companies and ticket types.
In most cases, yes — you can change your return date subject to availability and the specific ticket conditions. Changes may incur a small fee.
We recommend contacting us as soon as possible if you need to modify your return date. Last-minute changes are harder to accommodate during peak season when ferries are often fully booked.
Safety is the top priority. If a ferry is cancelled due to severe weather or sea conditions, you will typically be offered:
Weather-related cancellations are decided by the port authorities and coast guard, not the ferry companies. During windy periods (especially in the Aegean in July-August when the "Meltemi" winds blow), cancellations can occur.
We recommend keeping your travel plans flexible and purchasing travel insurance.
Complete details are shown within our Terms and Conditions under the heading "Schedule & Force Majeure". Policies may differ between ferry companies and ticket types.
The Greek islands use the Euro (€). We recommend exchanging some currency before departure or withdrawing Euros from ATMs on the island. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit and debit cards, but smaller establishments and local markets may prefer cash.
Yes, there's a 1-hour time difference. Greece (Samos) is 1 hour behind Turkey (Kusadasi). This means when it's 10:00 in Kusadasi, it's 09:00 in Samos.
Late March → Late October - No difference (both UTC+3)
Late October → Late March - Turkey is 1 hour ahead
Remember to adjust your watch when traveling between the two countries.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. If you are traveling under the Visa Express program, travel health insurance is a required document.
Even for visa-exempt travelers, having insurance provides peace of mind, especially for medical situations — the Greek islands have limited medical facilities compared to mainland hospitals.
Visit our Travel Insurance page or contact us for more details.
Yes, but be aware of international roaming charges. As Greece is an EU country and Turkey is not, roaming fees apply. We recommend:
Check with your mobile provider for specific roaming rates and options to avoid unexpected charges.
As an EU member, Greece charges VAT on purchases. Non-EU residents (including Turkish citizens) may be eligible for a VAT refund on purchases exceeding a minimum amount (currently €50 from a single store) when leaving the EU. Ask the shop for a Tax-Free form, and present it at customs when departing.
Here are our recommendations:
Get to know the islands before you arrive — explore our Island Guides for must-see places, local tips, and suggested itineraries.
Yes! We have curated itineraries and travel guides for each island we serve. These include recommended sightseeing routes, must-visit attractions, dining suggestions, and practical tips. Visit our individual island pages:
You can also contact us for customized itinerary planning based on your interests and group size.
It depends on your visa type:
Visa Express holders: No. The Visa Express is a single-entry visa valid only for the island where it was issued. You cannot travel from one island to another or to mainland Greece under this visa. If you wish to visit a second island, you would need to return to Turkey and obtain a new Visa Express upon arrival at the next island.
Schengen visa holders: Yes. With a valid Schengen visa, you are free to travel between any Greek islands, including mainland Greece, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Inter-island ferries operated by Greek domestic carriers connect many of the Aegean islands.
Visa-exempt travelers (EU, US, UK, etc.): Yes. You can island-hop freely with no restrictions within the 90-day Schengen limit.
If you are planning a multi-island trip, we recommend booking your inter-island ferry connections in advance, as schedules between smaller islands may be limited.
Each season offers a different experience:
Here is a quick pre-departure checklist:
Key emergency numbers in Greece:
Countries maintains consular representation on or near some of the major islands. In case of an emergency involving your passport or legal issues, contact the nearest consulate.
For the most up-to-date consular information, check the related Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before your trip, or ask us for assistance.
