A new presidential decree published in Turkey’s Official Gazette on August 27 has officially altered visa requirements for Syrian nationals. Under the new policy, individuals holding diplomatic passports issued by the Syrian government are now exempt from visa requirements when entering Turkey.

The decision, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, permits these passport holders to enter the country for tourism or transit purposes. The exemption allows for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. While the decree marks a shift in diplomatic protocol between the two nations, the scope of the exemption is strictly limited to those possessing diplomatic credentials, rather than the general Syrian population or refugees currently residing in Turkey.

This move comes amidst broader regional discussions regarding the normalization of ties between Ankara and Damascus. While the policy change is specific to diplomatic personnel, it reflects a formal adjustment in administrative relations. There has been no immediate statement from the Turkish government regarding whether this is a precursor to broader visa reforms or if it is intended to facilitate specific diplomatic channels between the two countries.