One of the questions we get most from people living in Turkey: can I get the Saudi tourist visa because I hold a Turkish residence permit? The short answer is that residence alone is usually not enough, because eligibility for the e-visa is determined by the nationality of your passport. In this guide we explain the full picture and the possible routes for each situation.
Important note: the information here is based on the latest announcements from the official Saudi authorities at the time of writing, and conditions and fees may change without notice. The decision to grant a visa rests exclusively with the Saudi authorities, and no travel agency can guarantee approval.
The golden rule: your nationality comes before your residence
When you apply for the Saudi tourist e-visa, the system asks you to select the nationality of your passport. If your nationality is on the list of eligible countries, you can apply wherever you live. If it is not on the list, a Turkish residence permit does not normally change that.
The real benefit of a Turkish residence permit shows up on other routes, such as applying for visit visas through Saudi missions in Turkey, or applying for visas to other countries that may open the door to the Saudi tourist visa later, as we explain below.
Who is eligible for the Saudi tourist e-visa?
- Citizens of eligible countries: The official list includes dozens of countries, among them Turkey. If you hold Turkish citizenship, you are eligible to apply online.
- Holders of US, UK or Schengen visas: As announced since 2023, anyone holding a valid tourist or business visa from these destinations that has been used at least once with an entry stamp may apply, regardless of nationality. This includes permanent residents of the US, the UK or EU countries.
- Residents of Gulf countries: They have a special route with conditions related to the validity of the Gulf residence permit. Details are on our Saudi visa for Gulf residents page.
Which route suits your situation?
| Your situation | Likely route | Note |
|---|---|---|
| You hold a Turkish passport | Tourist e-visa | Online application with mandatory medical insurance |
| You hold the nationality of an eligible country and live in Turkey | Tourist e-visa | Eligibility is based on nationality; residence is usually not required |
| Your nationality is not eligible and you have a used Schengen, US or UK visa | Tourist visa based on that visa | It must be valid and used, with an entry stamp |
| Your nationality is not eligible and you have a relative living in Saudi Arabia | Family Visit Visa | The request starts from the host inside the Kingdom |
| Your only goal is to perform Umrah | Umrah visa through the approved routes | We explain the requirements for your nationality |
If you are planning to visit Europe anyway, a Schengen visa from Turkey may be a useful step, since once used it opens the Saudi tourist visa route. But we do not recommend applying for a Schengen visa for that purpose alone, without a real travel plan.
What does the tourist visa allow, and what does it not?
- Allowed: tourism, visiting cities and events, visiting family and friends, and performing Umrah outside the Hajj season.
- Not allowed: Hajj, work and study.
- Validity and stay: Under the announced regulation, the multiple-entry visa is usually valid for one year with a stay of up to 90 days, and there is a single-entry option with a shorter validity and duration.
A note for citizens of some Arab countries: in February 2025 it was announced that visit visas, including tourist visas, for citizens of a number of countries, among them Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Sudan, would be limited to a single entry and a shorter stay. We have not found any official announcement canceling this decision so far, and we check it for you when you apply.
Documents and basic requirements
- A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- A recent personal photo with a white background, in digital format.
- The applicant must be 18 or older; minors apply together with a guardian.
- Mandatory medical insurance, purchased with the visa.
- Your address and expected travel dates.
- For the Schengen, US or UK route: a photo of the visa and a photo of the entry stamp proving it was used.
Application steps from Turkey
- Choosing the route: We review your nationality and documents with you to determine the right visa.
- Preparing the file: We make sure the photo and details match your passport exactly, because any error in a name or number can cause a problem when you travel.
- Online application: Through the official platform, including payment of the fee and insurance.
- Receiving it: The visa arrives by email, and we go over its details with you before you book your final flight.
Fees and processing time
The fee follows the official rate at the time of application and includes the mandatory medical insurance, so we do not publish a fixed figure that may change. We confirm the exact amount when you request it. Processing can be very quick in many cases, but it sometimes takes longer, so do not leave your application to the last days.
We always recommend getting the e-visa before you travel and not relying on a visa on arrival, even if you have read that it is available for some nationalities, because how it is applied varies from case to case.
Umrah with the tourist visa
A tourist visa holder can perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, provided they book an Umrah permit through the Nusuk app before going to the Grand Mosque. If Umrah is your main goal, or you are not eligible for the tourist visa, see our Umrah visa from Turkey page for the alternatives.
Common mistakes we see when applying
- Choosing the wrong nationality or entering residence details instead of passport details: The system relies on passport data only, and any mismatch puts the application at risk of rejection or causes a problem on arrival.
- Relying on an unused Schengen visa: The announced requirement is that the visa has actually been used with an entry stamp. A visa that has not been used is not enough.
- A passport close to expiry: Make sure it is valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and renew your passport before applying if necessary.
- A photo that does not meet the specifications: A colored background, sunglasses or an old photo can delay the application.
- Applying through unofficial websites: Sites that look like the official platforms and charge double fees have spread. Check the site before entering your card details, or let us handle it through the official channels.
After the visa is issued: tips before you travel
- Print a copy of the visa and keep a digital copy on your phone.
- Check the name, passport number, validity dates and entry type as soon as you receive it.
- If you will perform Umrah, book your permit through the Nusuk app well ahead of your date, especially during Ramadan and holidays.
- Respect the permitted length of stay, as overstaying can lead to fines and affect your future applications.
- Book your flight after the visa is issued, or choose a changeable ticket. You can compare options with us on our flight booking page.
How does OYA Tourism help you?
We offer an initial consultation to determine the most suitable visa, then prepare your file and follow it up until you receive it, and we can also book your flight and hotel. Learn more on our Saudi tourist visa page, or browse our family visit visa page if you have relatives in the Kingdom.
Remember that our role is preparation and follow-up, and that approval or rejection is a sovereign decision of the Saudi authorities. Message us on WhatsApp with your nationality, type of residence and expected travel date, and we will tell you the realistic route available to you.
