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Turkey Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabian Residents

Turkey Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabian Residents

tsisem.molla
Tsisem Molla
20 March 2024
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Updated: 7 May 2026
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9 min

Planning a trip from Saudi Arabia to Türkiye in 2026 is easier than ever, especially for Saudi citizens. Türkiye and Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen their travel relations, and recent diplomatic steps have made travel between the two countries even more streamlined.

On 6 May 2026, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders and special passport holders, specifically holders of the Turkish Green Passport, marking another step in the growing mobility between the two countries. For ordinary Saudi passport holders, Türkiye already offers visa-free travel for short stays, making Türkiye one of the easiest international destinations to visit from Saudi Arabia. 

For Saudi residents who are not Saudi citizens, the process depends on nationality, passport type, and whether the traveler is eligible for an e-Visa or needs to apply for a sticker visa through VFS Global.

In this guide, you can find the updated 2026 Türkiye visa requirements for Saudi citizens and Saudi residents, including e-Visa rules, sticker visa steps, required documents, and practical travel tips.

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Türkiye Visa Rules in 2026

Interior of Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey

Türkiye remains one of the most popular destinations for travelers from Saudi Arabia thanks to its rich culture, historic cities, natural landscapes, shopping options, and easy flight connections.

The most important travel trend for 2026 is the continued easing of visa procedures between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. Saudi citizens can already visit Türkiye without a visa for short stays, while Saudi residents can follow a more streamlined process depending on their nationality and visa eligibility.

As of 12 January 2026, VFS Global is the sole authorized service provider for Türkiye visa applications in Saudi Arabia. Travelers who need a sticker visa can apply through VFS Global centers in the Kingdom. 

Quick Facts for Saudi Citizens

15th of July Martyrs Bridge in Istanbul

Saudi Arabian citizens can travel to Türkiye without applying for a visa in advance for short touristic or business visits.

Saudi nationals can generally stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Travelers should still make sure their passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and that they have their return flight, accommodation details, and travel insurance ready if requested. 

For Saudi citizens, this means:

  • No Türkiye visa application is required for short visits
  • No e-Visa fee is required
  • No visa on arrival process is needed
  • Passport validity should cover the travel period and preferably extend at least 6 months beyond arrival
  • The stay should not exceed the permitted short stay period

This makes Türkiye a convenient destination for Saudi travelers planning holidays, family trips, shopping trips, business visits, or short city breaks.

Note: While the legal minimum is 150 days, we strongly recommend having at least 6 months to avoid any boarding issues at the airport.

Visa Requirements for Saudi Residents

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Saudi residents, including iqama holders from countries such as India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Jordan, Sudan, and other nationalities, should check the visa rules based on their own passport.

Being a resident of Saudi Arabia does not automatically mean visa-free entry to Türkiye. The traveler’s nationality is the main factor that determines whether they can enter visa-free, apply for an e-Visa, or need a sticker visa.

For many Saudi residents, there are two possible routes:

  • They may be eligible for a Türkiye e-Visa if they meet specific conditions
  • They may need to apply for a sticker visa through VFS Global

Some nationalities can apply for a Türkiye e-Visa if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from the Schengen area, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Ireland. The exact rule depends on nationality, so travelers should always check the official Türkiye e-Visa website before applying. 

Note: A Saudi iqama alone does not qualify you for a Turkish e-Visa. Most nationalities still require a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Ireland, or Schengen zone to use the e-Visa portal.

e-Visa or Sticker Visa

The e-Visa is the faster and simpler option for eligible travelers. It is completed online, and the approved e-Visa is sent by email.

The sticker visa is required for travelers who are not eligible for an e-Visa or whose travel purpose requires a consular visa. This process includes document preparation, appointment booking, physical submission, and visa processing through VFS Global.

Türkiye e-Visa for Saudi Residents

A cafe-filled atrium inside a spacious shopping center offers a place for rest and relaxation.

Saudi residents may be able to apply for an e-Visa if their nationality is eligible and they meet the required conditions.

In many cases, eligible applicants must have:

  • A valid passport
  • A valid Saudi iqama
  • A valid exit and re-entry visa from Saudi Arabia
  • A valid supporting visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Ireland, or Schengen countries, if required for their nationality
  • A confirmed return ticket
  • Hotel reservation or accommodation details
  • A valid email address
  • Online payment method

After the application is completed, the e-Visa is sent by email. Although the e-Visa is electronically linked to the passport, travelers are advised to keep a printed or digital copy during the trip.

Türkiye Sticker Visa for Saudi Residents

Saudi residents who are not eligible for an e-Visa must apply for a sticker visa. As of January 12, 2026, VFS Global is the official service provider for Türkiye visa applications in Saudi Arabia. 

Applications can be submitted through VFS Global centers in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, depending on appointment availability.

Travelers should book appointments early, especially before peak travel periods such as Eid holidays, summer vacation, and school breaks. During these periods, appointment slots and processing times may take longer than usual.

Türkiye Visa Document Checklist for 2026

Interior of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

The required documents may vary depending on nationality, employment status, and visa type, but Saudi residents commonly need the following documents for a Türkiye sticker visa application:

  • Valid passport
  • Saudi iqama copy
  • Valid exit and re-entry visa
  • Completed visa application form
  • Recent biometric photographs
  • Confirmed flight booking
  • Hotel reservation or invitation letter
  • Travel insurance
  • Bank statement for the last 3 months
  • Salary certificate
  • Chamber of Commerce attestation for salary letters, if required
  • Employer letter or no objection letter
  • National address proof in Saudi Arabia
  • Marriage certificate for family applications, if applicable
  • School registration letter for children, if applicable

Travelers should prepare complete and accurate documents before the appointment to avoid delays or rejection.

How to Apply for a Türkiye Sticker Visa from Saudi Arabia

The sticker visa process includes several steps.

First, check whether you need a sticker visa or whether you are eligible for an e-Visa. This depends on your nationality and supporting documents.

Next, prepare all required documents. Make sure your passport, iqama, exit and re-entry visa, bank statement, salary certificate, travel insurance, and travel bookings are valid and consistent.

Then, book an appointment through VFS Global. Choose the most suitable center, such as Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar, based on availability and location.

On the appointment date, visit the VFS Global center to submit your documents and biometric data. You may also be asked to pay the visa and service fees during the application process.

After submission, the application is reviewed by the relevant Turkish authorities. Processing times can vary, especially during peak travel seasons, so it is better to apply well before your travel date.

After Application

  • Once your application is submitted, you can track its status online through the relevant service provider system.
  • If your visa is approved, check all details carefully, including your name, passport number, validity period, number of entries, and permitted stay duration.
  • If your visa is rejected, some service fees may not be refundable. Travelers should review the reason for rejection if available and correct any missing or incorrect documents before applying again.

Travel Tips for 2026

  • Apply early if you need a sticker visa, especially before Eid and summer travel periods.
  • Check your passport validity before booking flights.
  • Make sure your Saudi iqama and exit and re-entry visa are valid for your travel dates.
  • Do not assume that all Saudi residents can enter Türkiye visa-free. The rule depends on nationality.
  • Use the official e-Visa website to confirm eligibility before paying any third party.
  • Keep printed and digital copies of your hotel booking, return ticket, travel insurance, and visa documents.

Flying from Saudi Arabia to Türkiye

Türkiye is well connected to Saudi Arabia, with frequent flights from major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah to Istanbul and other Turkish destinations.

For 2026 travelers, it is also worth checking available routes from emerging departure points such as NEOM Bay Airport. Flight availability may vary by season and airline, so travelers can compare routes, prices, and departure airports before booking.

Whether you are planning a short Istanbul getaway, a family holiday in Antalya, a shopping trip, or a cultural route through Cappadocia, comparing flight options in advance can help you find better prices and more convenient travel times.

Key Points to Remember

  • Saudi citizens can travel to Türkiye visa-free for short stays.
  • Saudi residents should check requirements based on their nationality.
  • Some iqama holders may qualify for a Türkiye e-Visa if they meet the conditions.
  • Travelers who are not eligible for an e-Visa should apply for a sticker visa through VFS Global.
  • VFS Global is the sole authorized Türkiye visa service provider in Saudi Arabia as of 12 January 2026.
  • Saudi residents should prepare documents such as iqama, exit and re-entry visa, bank statement, travel insurance, flight booking, hotel booking, and salary letter.
  • For smoother travel, apply early and check the latest rules before booking.

With the right documents and early planning, traveling from Saudi Arabia to Türkiye in 2026 can be simple and stress-free. Explore your flight options now and find the best deals on WINGIE for your flight to Türkiye. 

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Tsisem Molla
Tsisem Molla
289 Article
After graduating from Political Science and International Relations she volunteered at NGOs and is ambitious about advocacy.
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Tsisem Molla
Tsisem Molla289 Article