Published on
August 21, 2025
France join Austria, Denmark, Greece and Türkiye in the spotlight as Greece’s Samothraki Island takes a major step to reopen its long-closed customs gate after fourteen years, aiming to welcome growing numbers of Turkish visitors while also expanding outreach to European markets under the Visa Express program. The move is expected to ease travel, reduce ferry delays, and strengthen regional tourism ties, marking a significant milestone in the island’s strategy to attract both neighboring and wider international travelers.
Greece’s northern Aegean island of Samothraki is preparing to welcome travelers through a long-awaited gateway. After remaining sealed for more than fourteen years, the island’s customs post at Kamariotissa Port is now set to reopen, a decision expected to transform cross-border tourism, particularly for visitors arriving from Türkiye. The move is directly tied to the rollout of the European Union’s “Visa Express” program, designed to simplify short-term entry procedures for non-EU travelers.
A Long-Awaited Step for Turkish Tourists
Samothraki, located only 37 kilometers (around 23 miles) from Türkiye’s Gökçeada, has steadily grown into a favorite destination for Turkish holidaymakers. Its proximity makes it ideal for weekend trips or short getaways, but the lack of a functioning customs office created significant challenges. For years, ferry passengers disembarking on the island had to contend with lengthy delays, as the closed customs gate forced makeshift procedures that frustrated both travelers and local authorities.
The island’s appeal to Turkish visitors has been strong enough to expose this gap in infrastructure. Rising demand in recent summers underscored how urgently a formal customs facility was needed. Now, after more than a decade of inactivity, that issue is finally being addressed.
New Customs Facilities Underway
According to reports from Greek media outlet Voria.gr, a customs officer has already been assigned to Samothraki’s port and will begin duties once the facilities are completed. The Alexandroupolis Port Authority is overseeing the technical planning, with consultants preparing both the architectural requirements and cost estimates for building a new customs office.
The development will be centered at Kamariotissa, the island’s main port, which handles nearly all ferry traffic. Establishing a fully equipped customs presence there is viewed as essential not only for Turkish tourism but also for Samothraki’s wider strategy of international engagement.
Importance for the Visa Express Program
The customs reopening is closely linked with the EU-backed seven-day visa-on-entry scheme, commonly referred to as the “Visa Express” program. This initiative allows non-EU visitors, particularly from Türkiye, to obtain a short-stay visa directly at border points for up to one week, making travel to nearby Greek islands much easier.
Samothraki was included in the program earlier this summer. However, without an operational customs office or assigned personnel, the island could not implement it in practice. Tourists had to rely on standard, slower visa procedures, limiting the program’s intended benefits.
By reopening the customs gate, the island will finally be able to enforce the policy and take advantage of the anticipated rise in short-stay visits. Authorities believe this will significantly improve travel efficiency and enhance Samothraki’s competitiveness compared to other Aegean destinations already benefiting from the scheme.
Need for Direct Ferry Connections
Officials emphasize that infrastructure upgrades alone will not be enough. Reestablishing and maintaining regular ferry links between Samothraki and the Turkish coast is equally vital. Without reliable maritime services, the customs office may operate below potential, and the Visa Express program could still face limitations.
At present, most ferry connections link Samothraki with Alexandroupolis, a mainland Greek city. While convenient for domestic travel, this route does not serve the growing Turkish market directly. Authorities and tourism stakeholders have therefore been urging for dedicated routes from Turkish ports such as Gökçeada or Çanakkale, which would provide a faster and more efficient gateway.
Expanding Tourism Outreach Beyond Türkiye
While Turkish arrivals are central to the customs gate reopening, Samothraki is also looking beyond its closest neighbor. In recent years, the island has been working to expand its international profile through targeted promotional campaigns.
In 2024, local tourism authorities launched outreach efforts in France and Austria, highlighting the island’s natural and cultural assets to Western European travelers. This year, the campaign shifted northward, focusing on Denmark as a potential growth market. At the same time, Samothraki has strengthened ties with the Balkan region, which provides a steady flow of regional visitors.
This multi-country approach reflects the island’s ambition to diversify its visitor base and reduce overdependence on any single market.
What Samothraki Offers Visitors
Unlike some more commercialized Greek islands, Samothraki has maintained an authentic character that appeals to travelers seeking a blend of nature and history. Its dramatic landscapes include waterfalls, lush mountains, and secluded beaches, making it particularly attractive for eco-tourism and outdoor activities.
The island is also steeped in heritage. Known in antiquity for the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, Samothraki continues to draw visitors interested in archaeology and cultural discovery. Festivals, traditional music, and local crafts further enrich its identity as a destination that combines natural beauty with cultural depth.
By emphasizing these qualities, Samothraki positions itself not just as a quick getaway for Turkish tourists but as a destination capable of attracting a wider international audience.
Looking Ahead
Reopening the customs gate after fourteen years is both a symbolic and practical milestone for Samothraki. It signals Greece’s commitment to strengthening regional tourism ties with Türkiye and beyond while addressing the pressing needs of modern travel infrastructure.
Yet, challenges remain. Building a customs office and staffing it effectively is only the first step. Ensuring direct ferry routes, streamlining entry procedures, and coordinating with travel operators will all play crucial roles in making the project a success.
For locals, the development brings hope of greater economic activity and improved visibility on the international tourism map. For visitors, it promises easier access to one of Greece’s most scenic and historically rich islands.
France join Austria, Denmark, Greece and Türkiye as Samothraki Island reopens its customs gate after fourteen years, a move designed to welcome Turkish tourists and strengthen wider European travel links through the Visa Express program.
As the new customs facilities move closer to completion, Samothraki stands at the threshold of a new chapter—one that could redefine its role as a gateway between Greece, Türkiye, and the broader region.
