Umrah from Ankara
What pilgrims leaving from Ankara need to know: the flight, the visa route for Turks, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from Ankara
Ankara, Turkey's capital, has a well-organised Umrah travel trade, though most pilgrims connect through Istanbul for the international leg to Jeddah or Madinah rather than flying nonstop, since Esenboğa Airport's long-haul capacity is more limited than Istanbul's. The domestic hop to Istanbul is short and frequent, so this two-leg routing is generally straightforward and can often be booked as a single connected itinerary through Turkish Airlines. Ankara's Umrah travel trade benefits from proximity to Turkey's larger national operators, and licensing under TÜRSAB is the key thing to check before booking with any agency. The Turkish lira is used locally and can be volatile, so verify current rates close to your travel date. Ankara's continental climate brings cold winters and hot, dry summers, so pack according to your travel month. Book several months ahead of Ramadan, when demand for connections through Istanbul rises sharply across the country.
Umrah visa for Turks
Turkish passport holders are on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so most Turks can apply directly through Nusuk or Visit Saudi rather than use an agent. The eVisa is multiple-entry, valid a year, covers Umrah as well as tourism, and allows up to 90 days per entry. It must still be used to enter within 30 days of issue, and hotel and transport now have to be booked inside Nusuk before it is issued. For the 1448 AH Umrah season (31 May 2026 to 7 Apr 2027), book early, since rooms and Rawdah or Mataf permit slots fill fast around Ramadan. Turks who prefer a fully organised trip can still book the same journey through a licensed Umrah company instead.
When to go
Ramadan carries the greatest reward and the greatest crowds and prices; the weeks after Hajj (late Dhul Hijjah into Muharram) and the winter months (November to February) are cooler and quieter. The 1448 AH season runs from 31 May 2026 to 7 April 2027 for arrivals and departures. See the best time to perform Umrah.
What it costs from Ankara
Your biggest variables are the flight from ESB, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in TRY, then compare operator quotes line by line: visa, flights, hotel nights and category, transfers, and Makkah, Madinah transport.
Before you book
- Check that the operator is contracted through Nusuk Masar (ask for their Saudi partner's name).
- Confirm the hotel name and distance, not just "near Haram".
- Read how to avoid Umrah scams and how to choose an operator.
- Install the offline companion before you fly.