Saudi Arabia Visa for Turkmenistani Citizens

Citizens of Turkmenistan must have a valid visa to legally enter and stay in Saudi Arabia to meet the Kingdom’s immigration policy rules.

The permits that Turkmenistani travelers can obtain are a Regular Visa, Electronic Visa, Visa on Arrival, and Transit Visa.

Each of these visas differs in the permitted length of stay in the country, the validity period, and the permitted activities to pursue in Saudi Arabia.

To get a Saudi visa, all nationals of Turkmenistan must have:

• A passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
• A recent face photo meeting the official requirements.
• Health insurance (included with online visa applications).

Before application, you should consider the processing times for your chosen visa and apply in advance to avoid delays.

For instance, the eVisa application is processed within 24–72 hours, while a Regular Visa takes 2–8 weeks, depending on the embassy’s workload.

Transit Visa and VOA are conveniently approved right after the fee payment.

Visa Application at the Saudi Arabian Embassy

Turkmenistani citizens applying for a Regular Visa need to visit a Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate upon scheduling the appointment earlier (walk-ins aren’t approved).

Visitors from Turkmenistan can obtain one of the various visa types depending on their purpose of travel:

The application process to obtain a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia is uncomplicated but may be time-consuming. It’s best to check the visa requirements beforehand for a smoother procedure.

1. Collect the documents – Gather all required paperwork, including your passport, face photo, and any supporting documents listed by the embassy.
2. Visit the embassy – Make sure to check the office’s working hours and bring identification with you. It’s advised to call ahead to confirm the appointment.
3. Fill out the form and submit it – Complete the form carefully to avoid errors. Attach all required paperwork when submitting your application.
4. Attend any required interviews – Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans or provide fingerprints if requested. Dress professionally and bring copies of your documents.
5. Pay the visa fee – Confirm the accepted payment methods in advance (cash, card, etc.). Keep the receipt as proof of payment for your records.

Once submitted, Regular Visa applications are typically processed within 2–8 weeks, but the approval time may vary based on individual circumstances.

Applying for a Saudi visa through an embassy is beneficial for complex travel purposes, such as long-term work, relocation, or extended business trips.

NOTE: Application for a Saudi Regular Visa is available to all travelers from Turkmenistan, making it a primary method of obtaining an entry permit to the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabian Electronic Visa

The one-year, multiple-entry eVisa allows Turkmenistani visitors to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days in total.

Activities permitted during the visit include leisure trips, exploring the country’s landmarks, business negotiations, and religious visits.

The Electronic Visa is available to eligible Turkmenistani travelers who are GCC, UK, US, or EU residents/holders of valid UK, US, or Schengen visas.

You can apply for a Saudi eVisa using the official platform at ksavisa.sa:

1. Click on the menu button located in the top right corner of the page to get started.
2. Select your travel purpose and nationality from the options provided to ensure the correct visa requirements.
3. Sign in to your existing account, or if you’re a new user, take a moment to register before proceeding.
4. Carefully fill out the application form with accurate information to avoid any delays in processing.
5. Upload all the required documents, such as your face photo and additional paperwork.
6. Include your health insurance details as part of the application, as this is a crucial requirement.
7. Make the payment for the visa fee and keep a confirmation of your transaction for reference.

The Saudi eVisa processing time may vary depending on the current workload of the immigration office, but on average, it will take 24–72 hours.

A benefit of the online application is that you can monitor your Electronic Visa status through the portal and be prepared to respond quickly to any additional requests for information.

Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia

For Turkmenistani citizens who are holders of UK, US, or Schengen visas for tourism/business and residents of the UK, US, or EU, applying for a Saudi Visa on Arrival is a convenient option.

This visa is available upon entering through designated ports to Saudi Arabia and requires minimal effort from Turkmenistani travelers for a successful application:

1. Head to the passport control desk or a self-service KIOSK machine at the entry point.
2. Present your valid passport and eligibility proof to start the VOA process.
3. Provide the necessary personal data and passport information in the application form.
4. Pay the visa fee and receive your Saudi Arabian visa immediately.

Eligible citizens of Turkmenistan can obtain a Saudi Visa on Arrival which will become valid for one year and permit staying up to 90 days in the Kingdom.

NOTE: More information about the Saudi VOA can be found at the Visit Saudi website.

Transit Through Saudi Arabia with a Visa

The Transit Visa is perfect for Turkmenistani travelers with layovers in Saudi Arabia who want to explore the Kingdom during a short-term stay.

This type of visa can be obtained only when flying with cooperating airlines like Saudia and Flynas. The application option is available 90 days before the planned date of travel.

Once approved, the Transit Visa permits spending 96 hours in Saudi Arabia.

The visa application can be completed for minors with the assistance of their parents or guardians.

Taking a Face Photo for the Saudi Visa Application

When taking a face photo for the Saudi visa application, Turkmenistani citizens should follow the specific guidelines of Saudi authorities so that the process is smooth.

The photo must be in color with a plain white background to meet formal requirements.

Your face should be directly facing the camera, with a neutral expression, and your eyes clearly visible to avoid any potential issues. Head coverings or accessories that obscure your features should be avoided.

The photo must be recent, taken within the last 6 months, to accurately represent your current appearance.

The image should be high-resolution and free of filters that could misrepresent your appearance. It is also crucial to ensure proper lighting is used so that shadows do not distort the image.

Non-compliance with these specifications may result in delays or the rejection of your Saudi visa.

Dealing with a Saudi Visa Denial

Facing a Saudi visa denial can be a frustrating and stressful experience for Turkmenistani citizens, especially when travel plans are time-sensitive.

It’s important to remain calm and understand the possible reasons behind the rejection – by addressing the issues, you can improve your chances of a successful reapplication.

The most common reasons for a Saudi visa rejection include incomplete documentation or inconsistent information in the application.

Steps to take in case of a visa denial include:

1. Reviewing the rejection notice to understand the reasons behind the decision.
2. Double-checking your documents and correcting any errors.
3. Reapplying after addressing the issues highlighted in the rejection.

If your application is still denied after reapplying, you may want to seek clarification directly from the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate.

Patience and attention to detail are crucial when navigating the visa application process to avoid trouble and unnecessary stress.

Saudi Embassy Assistance

The Saudi Embassy can provide extensive support throughout the visa application process for Turkmenistanis.

Whether handling complex visa types or answering critical questions, the assistance of the immigration officers can lead to a smoother application process for Turkmenistani citizens.

The embassy staff can also provide information about the current entry requirements to Saudi Arabia or recommend insurance policies (required for all visitors).

You can contact the Saudi Embassy in Turkmenistan via phone or email:

• Address: Str. crossing Gorogly 2009 & Sh. Batyrova 2056, Ashgabat
• Phone: +99 312 369 621
• Email: tmemb@mofa.gov.sa

FAQ

• Do Turkmenistani citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, a visa is required for all Turkmenistani citizens traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and it can be obtained in person, upon arrival, or online.

• How can Turkmenistani citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa?
  Turkmenistani citizens can apply for a Saudi visa online through the official KSA Visa portal. After the application is approved, the eVisa will be sent to the applicant’s email.

• What is the processing time for a Saudi eVisa?
  The processing time for a Saudi eVisa is typically 1-3 business days.

• What is the difference between an eVisa and a Visa on Arrival?
  An eVisa is applied for and processed online, while a Visa on Arrival is granted at Saudi entry points, such as airports, seaports, and land crossings.

• Can I perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia with an eVisa?
  Yes, you can perform Umrah while traveling with an Electronic Visa (except during Hajj season).

• Is health insurance mandatory for Saudi visas?
  Health insurance is mandatory for obtaining a Saudi visa as it ensures travelers can access medical services during their stay in the country.

• How long is a Transit Visa valid?
  A Transit Visa for Saudi Arabia is valid for a period of up to 96 hours.

Conclusion

Traveling to Saudi Arabia is very accessible for Turkeministani citizens as they can choose between a few available visa types: Electronic Visa, Visa on Arrival, Transit Visa, and Regular Visa.

Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or other purposes, understanding the visa types, their requirements, and stay durations allows for a seamless travel experience.

Thanks to mandatory health insurance, visitors are well-protected throughout their stay.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations