Saudi Arabia citizens require a valid visa to enter Turkey. However, Turkey offers different types of visas, depending on the duration and purpose. If you want to visit the country for tourism or business purposes, the electronic Turkish e-visa is the perfect pick for you.
That being said, the Turkey e-visa is actually a short-term visa. So, if you want to stay in the country for a longer period of time, you might have to apply for a traditional visa. Here's everything you need to know to visit Turkey from Saudi Arabia.
Turkey Visa Options for Saudi Arabians
Turkey is one of the most popular destinations all around the world. This is because they have astonishing landscapes, delicious cuisines, and much more. Moreover, the country is known for its unmatchable hospitality to other nationality holders.
For different nationalities, Turkey offers different types of visas. In fact, some countries even enjoy visa exemption, meaning they don’t have to get a visa to enter Turkey. Sadly, Saudi Arabia is not one of them. Saudi citizens must have a valid visa to visit Turkey. However, there are different types of visas that you can get.
Electronic e-Visa
For tourism and business purposes, Turkey offers electronic visa to Saudi nationals. This visa type is perfect for those who don’t want to waste their precious time visiting the Turkey embassy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs allows you to apply for an e-visa from the comfort of your home.
Saudi e-visa is a short-term visa. Saudi passport holders, both ordinary passport holders and official ones, can apply for this visa. Once you get your document, you'll be able to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days with a period of 180 days. In addition, the Turkey e-visa is a multiple entry visa, meaning you don’t have to apply for the visa every time you have to visit the country.
Traditional Visa
Next, we have the traditional visa. If you'll be staying in the country for more than 90 days, you are required to have a traditional visa. Unlike e-visa, you cannot apply for a traditional visa online. So, you have to visit the nearest Turkish mission.
Transit Visa
If you are traveling to some other country, you can get a Turkey transit visa. This visa allows you to transit through the country and stay in Turkey for up to 2 days.
Applying for Turkish e-visa
For tourism and business purposes, the Turkish online e-visa is undoubtedly the best choice. You can get this online visa from the comfort of your home. In addition, the Turkish e-visa application process is quite simple. All you need to do is:
Fill out the e-visa application form online
Pay the visa fee using a secure online payment method
Submit your application
Afterward, you'll get your visa via email that you can keep on your mobile device or print a copy.
Required Documents
There are some Turkey visa requirements that you must fulfill to enter Turkey. You need to have some additional documentation as well, including:
A passport valid for the next 6 months
A credit or debit card
A valid e-mail address
To fill out the visa application form, you're required to provide personal details and contact details, including:
Name and surname
Date of birth
Passport number
Passport issue and expiry dates
Phone number
Once Saudi Arabian citizens submit their Turkish e-visa application, applicants are required to wait for a few days while their application is being processed.
Visa Processing Time
The actual processing time differs from applicant to applicant. On average, you might have to wait 2-3 days to get your Turkey visit visa.
Visiting Turkey - Entry Requirements
Once you get your visa, you can pack your bag and travel to Turkey. To enter the country, you're required to bring:
A valid passport with blank pages
A valid Turkish visa
Travel document
Residence permit or identity card
COVID-19 vaccination certificate
It's recommended to bring your COVID-19 vaccination certificate to avoid self-isolation. Moreover, keep in mind that your visa does not guarantee your entry to the country. The immigration officials will determine whether or not you should enter Turkey!
Turkey Embassy in Saudi Arabia
The best thing about an e-visa is that you don’t have to visit the Turkey embassy, saving you a lot of money and time. However, the electronic Turkish e-visa is certainly not for everyone.
For instance, if you want to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you are not eligible for an e-visa. In that scenario, you are required to get a traditional visa. To get your traditional visa, you need to submit your visa application form to the nearest Turkish embassy.
Turkey Embassy Address:
MJJC+2HG, Abdullah Alsahmi St, Al Safarat
Riyadh 12523
Saudi Arabia