The visa exemption practice for holders of diplomatic and special passports between Turkey and Saudi Arabia will begin as of November 6.
The Turkish Embassy in Riyadh announced on the social media platform X that the agreement regarding the mutual exemption of diplomatic and special (green) passport holders from visa requirements between the two countries will enter into force.
According to the agreement, citizens of both countries holding diplomatic and special passports will be able to travel without a visa, provided that they do not exceed a total of 90 days within any 180-day period. Within this scope, holders of the relevant passports will be able to enter and exit the other country, transit through it, and stay temporarily within the specified period.
The announcement also stated that individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia must possess a passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry into the country.
The Embassy's statement emphasized that Hajj and Umrah visits are outside the scope of the agreement. In accordance with Article 5 of the agreement, citizens of the Republic of Turkey who will travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah purposes must apply for a visa specifically issued by Saudi Arabian authorities for these trips.
It was noted that for Umrah trips to be made outside the Hajj period, the appropriate visa type can be obtained through Saudi Arabia's official tourism portal or e-visa kiosks at airports.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia signed the agreement in question on May 6, 2024, following the Turkey-Saudi Arabia Coordination Council Meeting held in Ankara. The Presidential Decree regarding the approval of the agreement was subsequently published in the Official Gazette.
News Source: 12punto
