Turkey Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi nationals require a Turkish e-Visa costing $60, applied for entirely online at evisa.gov.tr. The e-Visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Turkey is one of the most popular international destinations for Saudi tourists, with Istanbul drawing millions of Gulf visitors annually.
Saudi Arabia passport holders require a visa to enter Turkey.
Apply online at evisa.gov.tr. Select Saudi Arabia as nationality. Enter passport details. Pay $60 by Visa or Mastercard. The e-Visa is emailed immediately or within a few minutes. Print it and present at Turkish immigration along with your passport. No supporting documents required for the application itself.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Turkey e-Visa (online application)
Applied at evisa.gov.tr. Completed entirely online. Receive confirmation by email.
Payment Card
Credit or debit card for e-Visa fee payment online (approximately USD 50-60 depending on nationality).
Required at Entry
Valid Saudi Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Turkey.
e-Visa Confirmation
Printed or digital copy of the e-Visa approval email. Must be shown at the border or airport check-in.
Return or Onward Ticket Recommended
Confirmed departure booking from Turkey within the authorized stay period.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Turkey: What You Need to Know
Turkey has become the most popular non-GCC destination for Saudi tourists. Istanbul offers an extraordinary combination of Ottoman Islamic heritage, modern hospitality, and stunning geography straddling Europe and Asia. The Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (converted mosque), Topkapi Palace, Bosphorus cruise, and Galata Bridge are among the most photographed sites in the world.
The Turkish e-Visa for Saudi nationals costs $60 and is processed entirely online in minutes. It is valid for 90 days of stay within a 180-day window. There is no embassy visit required.
Beyond Istanbul, Cappadocia (hot air balloons over fairy chimneys) is one of the most-photographed landscapes in the world. Antalya and the Turkish Riviera offer Mediterranean beach resorts. Trabzon and the Black Sea coast appeal to nature travelers.
Turkey is Muslim-majority and halal food is universal. Arabic-language signage is common in Istanbul tourist areas.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Istanbul (IST) is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Turkish Airlines and Saudia both operate multiple daily flights. Turkish Airlines has the most extensive network from Istanbul and is a natural connector for onward European travel. Jeddah (JED) to Istanbul is similarly served.
Money & Banking
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). The lira has depreciated significantly; as of 2024, approximately 32 TRY per USD. Turkey is now excellent value for Gulf travelers. Istanbul hotels run $80 to $300 per night. Excellent restaurant meals cost $10 to $30. Cards accepted widely in Istanbul; carry some cash for bazaars.
Practical Tips
Istanbul's airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) is the primary international hub; Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) on the Asian side serves budget carriers. IST is a modern mega-airport with excellent connections across Europe, Asia, and Africa on Turkish Airlines.
Cappadocia: Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevsehir (NAV) - approximately 1 hour. Hot air balloon flights over Goreme launch at dawn and must be booked in advance, especially during spring and autumn.
Shopping: Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market are classic shopping experiences. Leather goods, Turkish carpets, gold jewelry, and spices are popular purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a visa for Turkey?
Yes. Saudi nationals require a Turkish e-Visa. Apply online at evisa.gov.tr before travel. The fee is $60 USD and the e-Visa is typically issued within minutes. It allows stays of up to 90 days.
How do I apply for a Turkish e-Visa from Saudi Arabia?
Go to evisa.gov.tr (the official Turkish government website only; avoid third-party sites that charge extra). Select Saudi Arabia as nationality. Enter your passport details and travel dates. Pay $60 by Visa or Mastercard. The e-Visa arrives by email and can be printed immediately.
How long can a Saudi national stay in Turkey?
The Turkish e-Visa allows Saudi nationals to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You may enter and exit multiple times during the visa's validity as long as you do not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
What airlines fly direct from Saudi Arabia to Istanbul?
Turkish Airlines operates multiple daily nonstop flights from Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED) to Istanbul Airport (IST). Saudia also serves this route. Flight time from Riyadh is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
Is Turkey Muslim-friendly for Saudi tourists?
Yes. Turkey is a Muslim-majority country. Mosques are everywhere; the call to prayer is heard throughout the day. Halal food is virtually universal in Turkish restaurants. Alcohol is served in licensed venues but this does not affect the availability of halal options.
How do I get from Istanbul Airport to the city center?
The Istanbul Airport (IST) Metro (Havaist M11 line) connects to Gayrettepe station in approximately 35 to 40 minutes for approximately 100 TRY. Taxis and Uber are also available; agree on a price before entering a taxi. The metro is by far the most convenient option.
What is the best way to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul?
Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevsehir (NAV). Flights are approximately 1 hour and operated by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus. From Kayseri or Nevsehir airports, private transfers or minibuses connect to Goreme (30 to 50 minutes). Alternatively, the overnight sleeper bus from Istanbul to Goreme takes approximately 10 hours.
What is the currency in Turkey and is it affordable for Saudi travelers?
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). After significant depreciation, the exchange rate was approximately 32 TRY per USD in 2024, making Turkey excellent value for Saudi travelers. A good hotel in Istanbul costs $80 to $250 per night; restaurant meals $10 to $30.