Diplomatic and special passport holders traveling between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia will be able to cross borders without a visa starting November 6, 2026. The mutual waiver program allows eligible travelers to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, following an agreement reached earlier this year.
Diplomatic Passport Holders Gain Entry Exemption
Under the terms of the arrangement announced by Türkiye’s Embassy in Riyadh, the exemption covers diplomatic and green (hususi) passport holders. Travelers can use the waiver for entry, exit, transit, and temporary visits, provided their passports remain valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Ordinary passport holders (bordo pasaport) are excluded from the new agreement, meaning standard citizens will continue following prior entry protocols. The regulatory framework applies strictly to the specified official and special passport categories across both nations, as detailed by CNBC-e.
The announcement detailing these provisions was published on the social media platform X by the diplomatic mission based in the Saudi capital. The regulations ensure that qualified individuals can complete necessary transit operations and temporary stays without encountering standard entry permit hurdles.
Religious Pilgrimage Exclusions
Article 5 of the bilateral agreement explicitly removes Hajj and Umrah travel from the scope of the visa waiver. Turkish citizens planning religious pilgrimages must still apply for specific visas regulated by Saudi authorities according to CNN Türk.
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— https://x.com/TC_RiyadBE/status/2117543062272639474
For Umrah trips outside the Hajj season, travelers may secure proper authorization through Saudi Arabia’s official tourism portal or electronic visa kiosks located at airports reported 12punto.
These specific religious travel protocols mean that even holders of qualifying diplomatic or green passports must adhere to the separate authorization procedures mandated for pilgrimage activities under Saudi regulations.
From Coordination Council to Official Publication
The visa exemption protocol originated during the Türkiye-Saudi Arabia Coordination Council Meeting held in Ankara on May 6, 2026. Following the initial signing, the legal process advanced as the Council of Ministers in Riyadh, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reviewed and approved the pact as noted by Taka Gazete. The decision was subsequently ratified through a Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette.
With the Cabinet meeting decisions finalized in Riyadh and the completion of administrative steps on both sides, the mutual waiver mechanisms are set for official implementation. This progression highlights ongoing bilateral efforts to ease transit requirements and strengthen institutional ties between the two governments.