Visa-Free Entry for Saudi Citizens to Turkey Starts Today: 5 Weekend Getaway Spots in Istanbul

Saudi travellers now have the privilege to take a quick getaway. Saudi Arabian nationals are allowed to visit Turkey visa-free for 90 days, for both tourism and business purposes, starting from May 8, 2026. This is the first time in history that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, signed an agreement in Ankara this week that would usher in a new era of seamless travel between the two countries.

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Nowadays, you never have to go through the Official Turkish E-Visa Portal or wait for the approval of a permit. Many flights travelling in under four hours reach Istanbul directly from cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, making the city the perfect “no-fuss” weekend destination.

When packing your suitcases for a weekend getaway of 48 hours, here are five places you can visit in Istanbul without having to obtain a permit.

The Historical Peninsula: Sultanahmet

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is a must-see when in Istanbul. A Friday morning spent appreciating the detailed Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy is now possible thanks to the new visa-free rules. The Topkapi Palace Museum, home to the Ottoman Sultans, is a short walk away, with stunning views of the Marmara Sea.

A Bosphorus Cruise from Eminönü

If you want the authentic Istanbul experience, then visit the Eminönü pier. The Bosphorus is the northern cousin of the Strait of Hormuz and can be reached by a public ferry or private yacht. The sight of the city’s skyline, dotted with minarets and modern skyscrapers from the water, is the best way to unwind after a week at work. Please refer to the official Şehir Hatları ferry timetables for schedules.

Trendy Streets of Karaköy

The neighbourhood Karaköy has become the coolest neighbourhood in the city, a mixture of grime and glamour. The ideal place for a Saturday brunch. Greetings to Turkish culture with a traditional breakfast (Kahvaltı) and then explore the Golden Horn or the art galleries with a 360-degree view at the Galata Tower. It’s the perfect place for people who wish to feel the energy of the modern and creative side of Istanbul.

The Temple of the Golden Gate on the Banat Hills

When you want the best shot to post on Instagram, you will certainly want to visit the Jewish quarter of Balat. It’s a peaceful place away from the hectic city centre, with its colourful houses and cobblestone streets. There are plenty of old-fashioned boutiques and “hidden” third-wave coffee houses that draw both the locals and travellers to the area.

Grand Bazaar and Istiklal Avenue

Lastly, enjoy some high-quality shopping on a visa-free Sunday. The Grand Bazaar is a place where you can find traditional gold, spices and carpets, but Istiklal Avenue in Taksim is a more modern shopping area. For instance, Istinye Park is the perfect place to find luxury brands, including some local designers, for many Saudi tourists.

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