13.06.2026 07:50
A mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and special passports between Turkey and Saudi Arabia has entered into force. The regulation, published in the Official Gazette with the approval of President Tayyip Erdogan, was implemented to facilitate diplomatic relations and mutual mobility between the two countries.
According to the Official Gazette decision published with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, it was decided to approve the annexed "Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the Mutual Exemption of Holders of Diplomatic and Special Passports from Visa Obligations", signed in Ankara on May 6, 2026, in accordance with Article 18 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection and Articles 2 and 3 of Presidential Decree No. 9.
According to the agreement published in the Official Gazette, the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shall henceforth be referred to individually as "Party" and jointly as "Parties." Furthermore, considering the special relations between the two countries, their efforts to develop bilateral relations, and their mutual desire to facilitate the mobility process of citizens of the two countries in accordance with the principle of reciprocity, an agreement was reached in 12 articles.
The articles of the agreement are as follows:
Article 1: The passports referred to in this Agreement are as follows: 1. Valid diplomatic or special passports in the Republic of Türkiye, only for Turkish citizens. 2. Valid diplomatic or special passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, only for Saudi citizens.
Article 2: 1. Citizens of the Party States holding valid passports specified in Article 1 shall be exempt from visa requirements for entry, transit, exit, and temporary stay in the territory of the other Party for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days within any one hundred and eighty (180) day period. 2. For the purposes of this Agreement, "valid passport" means a passport with a validity of at least six months at the time of entry into the territory of the Parties.
Article 3: 1. Citizens of the Party States holding the passports specified in Article 1 shall apply for a visa for permanent residence or multiple stays exceeding the period specified in Article 2 of this Agreement. 2. Pursuant to the provisions of Article 2 of this Agreement, citizens of the Party States shall not engage in any activity during their stay unless it is in accordance with the laws and regulations of the host country. 3. Endorsed visas regulating visit purposes such as work, study, research, training, and family reunification in the territory of each Party are subject to the provisions of the national legislation of the Parties.
Article 4: 1. Citizens of the Parties holding valid passports specified in Article 1 may enter, exit, and transit through the territory of the other Party using border crossing points designated for international passenger traffic. 2. Citizens of the Party States shall, in accordance with the provisions of Article 2, comply with the national laws in force in the territory of the other Party and shall, during their stay, behave in accordance with the regulations and customs prevailing in the territory of the other Party.
Article 5: The provisions of Article 2 of this Agreement shall not apply to citizens of the Republic of Türkiye arriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the purpose of performing Hajj or Umrah, and such persons shall obtain a visa specifically issued for these purposes.
Article 6: The Parties shall coordinate through diplomatic channels regarding the arrival of their citizens on official visits to the territory of either Party before their arrival.
Article 7: 1. The competent authorities of the Parties shall, within thirty (30) days at the latest after the signing of this Agreement, exchange samples of the valid passports specified in Article 1 through diplomatic channels. 2. The Parties shall exchange samples of new or modified versions of the passports specified in Article 1 of this Agreement through diplomatic channels within two (2) months from the date of their entry into circulation. Each Party shall inform the other Party of the conditions regarding the issuance and use of such passports. 3. Citizens of each Party holding valid passports specified in Article 1, in case of loss or damage to their valid passport while in the territory of the other Party, shall depart from the territory of that Party based on new valid passports or travel documents issued by the diplomatic mission or consulate of the country of which they are nationals. 4. Citizens of each Party holding valid passports of the type specified in Article 1 who, due to exceptional circumstances such as illness or natural disaster, are unable to depart from the territory of the other Party within the period specified in paragraph 1 of Article 2 of this Agreement and possess documents or other reliable evidence regarding such circumstances, may apply to the relevant authorities for permission to extend their stay in the territory of the other Party for an appropriate period necessary to return to the country of which they are nationals or permanent residents.
Article 8: The Parties shall ensure that the information and documents exchanged between them under this Agreement are used exclusively for the purposes attributed thereto. Such information and documents shall not be transferred to any third party without the written consent of the relevant Party.
Article 9: Each Party has the right to suspend the application of this Agreement wholly or partially for reasons such as natural disasters, national security, public order, or public health. Such a suspension shall take effect immediately upon written notification to the other Party through diplomatic channels. The application of this Agreement may be restored between the Parties through written notification.
Article 10: This Agreement may be amended at any time with the mutual written consent of the Parties. Amendments shall enter into force according to the same legal procedure specified in the first paragraph of Article 12.
Article 11: The Parties shall settle any dispute arising from the interpretation or application of this Agreement amicably through diplomatic channels or negotiations. No dispute between the Parties shall be submitted to any court, authority, or other body for resolution.
Article 12: 1. The Parties shall inform each other in writing through diplomatic channels that their internal legal procedures necessary for the entry into force of this Agreement have been completed. The Agreement shall enter into force thirty days after the date of receipt of the last notification. 2. This Agreement shall remain in force for a period of five years and shall be automatically renewed for five-year periods, unless either Party notifies the other Party in writing of its intention to terminate or not renew the Agreement at least six months before the expiry of its validity period.
In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.
Signed in Ankara on May 6, 2026, corresponding to Hijri 19/11/1447, in two original copies in Turkish, Arabic, and English, with all texts being equally valid. In case of any discrepancy in interpretation, the English text shall prevail.