UTIKAD, the Association of International Forwarding and Logistics Service Providers, took action for the difficulties experienced by TIR drivers in obtaining Schengen visas. UTIKAD conveyed the request for solutions to the problems experienced by the drivers in the visa processes to all the consulates and commercial attachés in the European Union countries, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
Our country's international road transport is hit by the difficulties experienced by TIR drivers in obtaining visas after the TIR queues at the border gates. Suspension of Schengen visa applications of truck drivers creates problems in the logistics sector. The fact that TIR drivers are not given Schengen visa valid in European Union countries, the suspension of applications and the extension of the visa purchase process over a long period of time reduces the competitiveness of our country. In addition, it narrows the market share of Turkish companies in the global logistics sector.
The problems experienced during the application process for the drivers of logistics companies engaged in international road transport, especially UTIKAD member logistics companies, by fulfilling the necessary commitments requested in visa applications, together with the problem of lack of professional drivers, which has become a global problem and whose effects are felt in our country, are an integral part of our economy and foreign trade. It causes disruptions in international logistics processes.
UTIKAD took action regarding this situation, which is expected to cause more serious problems in the international road transport of our country in the coming period. UTIKAD conveyed its letter describing the issue in detail and requesting a solution to all consulates and commercial attachés in the European Union countries, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. In the article in question; First of all, the contribution of road transport, which has an important share and critical role in our country's foreign trade, to our service export revenues was mentioned.
Also in the article; It was emphasized that the commercial relations between Turkey and European countries were adversely affected by the difficulties experienced in Schengen visa applications. It was underlined that the visa application process times of Turkish drivers were extended and even an appointment could not be made, and it was stated that this problem not only hinders Turkey's transportation to Europe, but also harms the trade with the geographies that our country can access via the road network. Finally, the request for the necessary initiatives and studies to solve the visa problem experienced in road transport, which is the main element of our goods trade and logistics sector, was conveyed to the competent authorities.