Turkish passport holders can use the Saudi tourist eVisa to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. Other Türkiye residents may need a dedicated Umrah visa through an approved channel, depending on their nationality.
Which Visa Do Turkish Citizens Need for Umrah?
Turkish citizens have two main routes into Saudi Arabia for Umrah. The one you choose depends on whether you are booking independently or through a licensed travel agent.
Saudi Tourist eVisa
The Saudi tourist eVisa is the most practical option for Turkish pilgrims. It is valid for one year and multiple entries, with a maximum total stay of 90 days during the visa’s validity.
Holders may perform Umrah outside the Hajj season and apply online without an embassy visit. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Türkiye’s inclusion in the eVisa program in October 2023.
Traditional Umrah Visa via a Licensed Agent
Some residents of Türkiye who do not hold a Turkish passport may need an Umrah visa through an authorized external agent or Nusuk, depending on nationality. Packages may include flights, accommodation and ground transport.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) also organizes Umrah pilgrimages for Turkish citizens, handling visa processing, travel arrangements, and religious guidance as a package.
Check the Wego Umrah visa guide for a broader look at how the traditional visa process works across different nationalities.
Documents Required for a Türkiye Umrah Visa
Getting your paperwork right is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays or rejections. Here is what you need ready before you apply.
For the eVisa (Turkish passport holders)
- Valid Turkish passport with at least 6 months’ validity from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia
- Recent digital passport photo: white background, full face visible, no head covering unless for religious reasons
- Active email address for receiving the approved eVisa
- Debit or credit card for payment
For the traditional Umrah visa (via agent or Diyanet)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival
- Passport-style photograph
- Information requested by the Nusuk provider or authorized external agent
- Confirmed service package and travel details
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate
Biometrics for Turkish applicants
Saudi Arabia collects biometric data: fingerprints and facial recognition: from all arriving travelers. For tourist eVisa holders, biometrics are captured by immigration authorities at the port of entry. No prior biometric enrollment is required to apply for or receive the eVisa online.
How to Apply Step by Step
Booking online: Wego is an official partner of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, with ministry-approved hotels and the eVisa in partnership with Nusuk.
Packages are managed by licensed Umrah operators. The Nusuk-linked stay, transport options and visa application are handled in one flow. See how it works from your phone.
The tourist eVisa application is completed online.
- Visit the official Saudi eVisa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com and select “Turkey” as your nationality.
- Enter your passport details, personal information, and travel dates exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Upload your digital passport photo and pay the visa fee by card.
- Receive the eVisa by email if the application is approved.
- Use the Nusuk platform to obtain the required Umrah permit and, if wanted, reserve a Rawdah appointment in Madinah.
An Umrah permit is required before performing the ritual and is issued only through Nusuk. Link your visa in the app and obtain the permit before heading to Masjid al-Haram.
For a deeper look at how Nusuk works, read the Wego Nusuk app guide.
Fees and Processing Time
The official eVisa portal shows the current visa price, insurance and taxes before payment, and the Ministry may amend the fee. A dedicated Umrah visa is priced with the package selected through Nusuk or an approved provider.
Processing time is not guaranteed, so apply early and avoid booking non-refundable travel until the visa is approved. For the wider cost picture, see Wego’s Umrah visa price breakdown.
Vaccination and Health Requirements
Saudi Arabia requires Umrah pilgrims to have a meningococcal ACWY vaccine. A conjugate vaccine is valid for five years and a polysaccharide vaccine for three years; either must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Travellers over 65, pregnant travellers and specified medical risk groups also need proof of COVID-19 vaccination or immunity under the current Saudi health rules.
For the full breakdown of which shots are mandatory, which are conditional based on your travel route, recommended vaccines, and what proof to carry, read the Wego Umrah vaccine guide.
Women Traveling for Umrah From Türkiye
Saudi Arabia has relaxed its rules significantly in recent years. Turkish women applying through the tourist eVisa face no Mahram (male guardian) requirement regardless of age.
Read the Wego guide to Umrah without a Mahram for the full picture on solo female pilgrimage options.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Umrah Visas From Türkiye
Avoid these frequent pitfalls that trip up Turkish applicants.
- Applying too close to Hajj season: Umrah visa issuance closes several weeks before Hajj begins. The eVisa does not cover the Hajj period, and touristic visits during Hajj are limited to cities outside the Holy Sites
- Missing the Umrah permit: your eVisa alone does not authorize the ritual. Obtain the permit through Nusuk before heading to Masjid al-Haram
For detailed information on reasons why your Umrah visa could potentially be rejected and fixes thereafter, check out our dedicated guide on Common Reasons for Umrah Visa Rejections & How to Reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly directly from Türkiye to Jeddah or Madinah for Umrah?
Yes. Current published timetables list nonstop services from Istanbul to both Jeddah and Madinah, including flights by Turkish Airlines and Saudia. Schedules vary by date.
Sources
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Press Release on Saudi E-Visa Inclusion
- Saudi Tourism Authority: Official eVisa Portal
- Nusuk: Official Umrah Platform
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Umrah Information
- Visit Saudi: Visa Regulations
- Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet): Official Website
- Saudi Ministry of Health: Umrah Health Regulations
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
