Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for residents of Saudi Arabia, but the visa route depends on the nationality of your passport, not your country of residence. You usually have two options: the e-Visa if you meet its conditions, or a paper visa from the Turkish Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate General in Jeddah. And the point many people get wrong: Saudi residence alone is not enough for an e-Visa. This guide explains which route applies to you, the documents required and how to book an appointment.
Do you need a visa at all?
The rule depends on the nationality of your passport. Some nationalities are visa-exempt, some get an e-Visa directly, some get a conditional e-Visa, and the rest need a visa from the embassy. The fastest way to find out is the official e-Visa website evisa.gov.tr: select your nationality and passport type, and the available route will appear. Use the official website only, as look-alike sites sell the same visa for several times its fee.
The conditional e-Visa for residents
Many nationalities common among Gulf residents, including India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Bangladesh, can get a single-entry e-Visa for 30 days, provided they have:
- A valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, the USA, the UK or Ireland. Electronic visas from these countries are not accepted as a supporting document.
- A return flight reservation and a hotel booking covering the stay.
- Proof of at least $50 for each day of your stay.
Egyptians have additional conditions related to age and airline, so check your nationality’s entry on the official website. If you don’t meet these conditions, your route is the paper visa from the embassy.
The paper visa: booking a Turkish embassy appointment
Paper visa applications are submitted through the appointment system and the authorised visa application centre listed on the website of the Turkish Embassy in Riyadh. The steps:
- Open the embassy’s official website and follow the link to the appointment system.
- Fill in the application form online with details exactly as in your passport.
- Choose the city (Riyadh or Jeddah) and the nearest available appointment.
- Attend your appointment with originals and copies, and pay the fees.
- Track your application with your reference number until you collect your passport.
If you can’t find an appointment, check the system often in the early morning, try the other city if that is allowed, and don’t pay any intermediary who promises a guaranteed appointment. You can change or cancel your appointment in the same system using your reference number.
Documents required for a Turkish visa
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, with blank pages.
- A valid Saudi iqama, ideally valid well beyond your return.
- A signed application form and a recent photo with a white background.
- A letter from your employer stating your job, salary and leave approval.
- A bank statement for the last 3 months.
- A return flight reservation and a hotel booking for every night. A verifiable flight reservation and hotel booking are enough.
- Travel medical insurance covering your stay in Turkey, which is required in the paper visa file. Order it from our travel insurance page.
- For families: proof of relationship, and parental consent for minors travelling.
Documents issued in Arabic may need translation, so check the embassy’s current list before your appointment. Don’t buy your flight ticket before the visa is issued, as a reservation is enough for the file. For a ready-made trip plan, use our 10-day Turkey itinerary.
Fees and processing time
Turkish visa fees vary by nationality and visa type, plus the application centre’s service fee. Check the current amount for your nationality on the embassy’s website before your appointment. Processing usually takes one to two weeks and can take longer in summer and holiday seasons, so apply at least a month before you travel.
Common reasons for a Turkish visa refusal
- An iqama close to expiry, or a passport valid for less than 6 months.
- A bank statement that doesn’t cover the trip costs.
- Bookings with dates that don’t match the form.
- Errors on the form or details that don’t match the passport.
Prepare your Turkish visa file: a flight and hotel reservation and travel insurance from Travelosca, delivered to your inbox within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is Saudi residence enough for a Turkish e-Visa?
No. For most nationalities that need a visa, the system requires a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen, the USA, the UK or Ireland.
Do I need a paid flight ticket?
A verifiable return reservation is usually enough, and it is best not to buy a ticket before the visa is issued.
Can I change or cancel my appointment?
Yes, in the same appointment system using your reference number, well before your appointment.
What should I do if my application is refused?
Read the reason for refusal, complete what was missing, then submit a new application. Fees for the previous application are usually not refunded.
Sources
- The official Turkish e-Visa website
- The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gov.tr) and the Turkish Embassy in Riyadh website
