Saudi Umrah Visa for Turkish Citizens
Saudi Umrah is a religious journey to Mecca, performed by Muslims that is not restricted to a specific time of year. Not similar to Hajj which is mandatory and must be performed once in a lifetime, especially for those who are physically and financially able.
Umrah is not compulsory but highly recommended Islamic pilgrimage for paying your respect to Allah. The rituals involved in the Umrah pilgrimage are short and are aimed at spiritual cleansing and seeking closeness to Allah.
The Ministry of Saudi Arabia plays a central role in facilitating Umrah, offering various visa options, including a special Saudi Umrah visa and tourist eVisa for eligible countries. To seek blessings from Allah, millions of pilgrims from around the world visit Saudi every year, maily during the Ramadan.
Do Turkish passport holders need a Visa to Saudi for Umrah?
Saudi Umrah visa for Turkish citizens, only those Turkish citizens can apply if they are Muslims. Turkish citizens will need the Saudi Umrah Visa to perform Umrah, a spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca.
The different options available are Saudi Umrah Visa (via online Nusuk platform or with the help of a licensed travel agent) and Saudi Tourist eVisa (that offers both Tourism and Umrah).
You can take the Umrah pilgrimage at any time of the year, except during the holy month of Hajj. If you wish to perform the Umrah pilgrimage you need to make your plans earlier or a few days after Hajj.
What is the Saudi Tourist eVisa for Turkey citizens?
Saudi Tourist e-Visa is an online visa which allows only the citizens from eligible countries to apply for it. Since Turkey is in the list of eVisa eligible countries, travelers will be able to opt for tourism and Umrah visits, apart from planning during the Hajj season.
Travelers will have the flexibility in their stay, explore different places, visit Mecca to perform Umrah and Medinah to pay respect to Prophet Muhammad as it houses the tomb of Prophet Muhammad.
Required Documentation for the Saudi Tourist eVisa for Turkey citizens
Travelers who wish to apply for Saudi Tourist eVisa for tourism and to perform Umrah will need to gather certain documents which are listed below.
- Valid Turkey passport
- Passport photos that are colored and recently clicked in a white background
- Mobile Number
- Email Address that is working
- Verification of Guardian Relationship for Women (less than 45 years) traveling with Mahram
- Vaccination proof that you have received the meningococcal meningitis vaccine (compulsory), COVID-19, Seasonal Influenza and Polio.
- Medical certification verifying that the pilgrim is in appropriate physical condition and not a carrier of communicable illnesses
- Valid travel insurance coverage
- Confirmed flight booking details for entry and departure
- A complete reservation for accommodation is required for the entire length of stay
What is a Saudi Umrah Visa?
Muslims from around the world travel to perform Umrah, a sacred Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and need to have the Saudi Umrah Visa, which is dedicated to undertake this spiritual journey and cannot be used for any other purpose. As Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, you can apply for the Umrah Visa at any time of the year, except during the Hajj period.
Key Details of the Saudi Umrah Visa
Purpose: Solely dedicated for pilgrims to enter Saudi for Umrah only
Validity: The Umrah Visa is valid for 90 days from the issuing date. However, you cannot use it at the time of Hajj, make sure to perform Umrah at least before 15 Dhu al-Qa’dah, the 11th month of the Islamic calendar. This is because the authorities need to prepare for the Hajj season.
Application Process: Pilgrims should apply for the Saudi Umrah Visa through the official Saudi site (Nusuk platform) or they can apply through authorized travel agencies licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and accredited by the Saudi Embassy.
Cost: The Umrah visa is free, but other service charges may apply which you have to take care of.
Health Requirements: Pilgrims undertaking the Umrah journey must present valid health certificates and proof of vaccinations (like MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningococcal disease and Covid-19, depending on the current travel regulations)
Hajj Period Exclusion: Pilgrims must know that Saudi Umrah visas you hold are not valid during the Hajj season (there are travel restrictions).
Entry Points: You are allowed to enter through authorised international airports, and are permitted to visit only two cities i.e. Mecca to perform the rituals of Umrah and Madina which houses the tomb of Prophet Muhammad as well as those of his close companions.
What documents are required by Turkish citizens to apply for Saudi Umrah Visa?
In order to apply for the Saudi Umrah visa solely for Umrah, you need to apply for the Saudi Umrah visa from Turkey, and for that there are certain eligibility criteria and document requirements that you must have:
Valid Turkey Passport
- Before filling the application form, ensure that your Turkey passport is valid with a minimum six months validity period or more, and has empty pages for affixing the visa.
Filled Umrah Visa Form
- The details in the form should be entered correctly without any errors or modifications.
- The name that you have entered in the application form should be identical to the name printed in your passport.
Passport-Size Photos
- Muslim women can wear the hijab while taking photos for a Saudi Umrah visa application, but the full face must be clearly visible.
- Upload passport photos that are colored and recently clicked in a white background.
Travel Requirements for Female Pilgrims under 45 years
- Female pilgrims under 45 years of age are not allowed to travel alone, they need to be accompanied by a male guardian (mahram)
- Verification of Guardian Relationship for Women Performing Umrah is a must and provide certified documents such as marriage certificate for married couples and birth certificate if traveling with brother or father.
Supporting Documents Needed for Female Pilgrims over 45 years
- Those female travelers who are above 45 years of age can undertake the Umrah journey independently, provided they furnish certain documents like a notarized No Objection Certificate issued by their mahram (male guardian) and must travel in an authorized group.
Approved Vaccines and Certification for Pilgrimage
- All pilgrims must receive the meningococcal meningitis vaccine (Quadrivalent ACYW135) and provide certified proof, COVID-19 (Highly Recommended / Sometimes Required), Seasonal Influenza (recommended specially for elderly pilgrims, people with chronic illnesses and healthcare workers) and Polio (for Pilgrims coming from polio-endemic or re-infected countries)
- Pilgrims should stick to the Saudi health regulations, failing to do so, your application might not be accepted.
Medical Fitness Certificate
- Medical certification verifying that the pilgrim is in appropriate physical condition and not a carrier of communicable illnesses, posing no public health risk during the trip.
Details of Accommodation for Pilgrimage Duration
- A complete reservation for accommodation in both Makkah and Madinah is required for the entire length of their stay in both holy cities which must be included in your application.
Flight Booking Details for Entry and Departure
- The itinerary should be locked, it must be fully confirmed, non-changeable, and non-refundable booking is required
- It is mandatory to depart on the dates indicated in your application, exit date must be in accordance with the timeline declared in your visa request.
Travel Coverage and Protection
- As part of the Umrah visa process, the Saudi government insists on valid travel insurance coverage for all pilgrims.
Extra Supporting Documents (If Required)
Instructions for Visa Applicants with Non-Muslim Names
- Applicants need to provide official proof of Muslim faith, you are required to present a document from an Islamic organization or mosque that confirms your Muslim identity.
Special Instructions for Minors Applying for Umrah
- When a minor under 18 travels with a single parent, a notarized consent letter from both parents or legal guardians is required, granting permission for travel, confirming no objection to the travel.
What are the different application steps for a Saudi Umrah visa?
Turkish citizens have multiple options to apply for Saudi Umrah Visa, they can apply through the official Saudi site (Nusuk platform), authorized travel agencies licensed or Saudi Tourist e-Visa.
Option 1: Apply for a Saudi Tourist e-Visa (allowing Tourism & Umrah)
Turkish travelers can apply for the Saudi tourist e-Visa which not only allows them for tourism but also to perform Umrah but ensure that it is not the Hajj period. Here is a list of the steps that you will have to follow to apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa.
Step 1: Eligible travelers access the Saudi e-Visa website to apply for the Tourist visa online.
Step 2: Complete the Application form in the website, the form requires you to enter your personal and other basic details accurately.
Step 3: Prepare in advance the necessary documents to upload them which are listed below.
- Valid turkey passport
- Verification of Guardian Relationship for Women (less than 45 years) traveling with Mahram
- Passport photos that are colored and recently clicked in a white background
- Vaccination proof that you have received the meningococcal meningitis vaccine (compulsory), COVID-19, Seasonal Influenza and Polio.
Step 4: The standard Saudi Tourist eVisa fees are not uniform and may differ according to your nationality and specific circumstances.
Step 5: Your Saudi e-Visa will be sent to your email upon approval, download and print your Saudi e-Visa from the email so it’s ready to show at entry checkpoints.
Option 2: Apply for Umrah Visa via Online/ Authorized Travel Agencies
The Saudi Umrah visa is available through the Saudi official online platform, Nusuk platform or you can apply through designated certified travel agencies approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Step 1: For a hassle-free Umrah visa process, applying through the Nusuk portal (official Saudi website) or through authorized travel agencies recognized by Saudi authorities will help you travel with confidence.
Step 2: You will need to present the following documents to successfully apply for the Umrah Visa online or through a travel agent:
- Valid turkey passport
- Verification of Guardian Relationship for Women (less than 45 years) traveling with Mahram
- Passport photos that are colored and recently clicked in a white background
- Vaccination proof that you have received the meningococcal meningitis vaccine (compulsory), COVID-19, Seasonal Influenza and Polio.
- Valid travel insurance coverage
- Medical certification verifying that the pilgrim is in appropriate physical condition and not a carrier of communicable illnesses
- Fully confirmed, non-changeable, and non-refundable flight booking is required
- Confirmed accommodation in both Makkah and Madinah is required for the entire length of their stay in both holy cities and not any other place
Step 3: The review process begins once your application is submitted which may take some time, so applying ahead of time is recommended.
Step 4: Upon approval, the Umrah visa will be handed over to you via mail.
Which Umrah Visa application option should you choose?
Turkish passport holders who are of Islam faith can apply for the Saudi tourist e-Visa which allows them for both tourism and Umrah, but make sure that it does not coincide with the Hajj period.
If you want to visit only for Umrah, then apply for the Saudi Umrah visa available through the Saudi official online platform, Nusuk platform or you can apply through designated certified travel agencies approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Note: Umrah cannot be performed during the Hajj season, avoid applying for these visas during Hajj.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA.