Maximize Your DIY Umrah Journey: Turkish Airlines Stopover in Istanbul

🕌 Introduction:

If you're planning Umrah or traveling internationally, why not elevate your journey with an enriching stopover in Istanbul? Turkish Airlines offers a special Stopover Accommodation Program that allows eligible passengers to enjoy free hotel stays, perfect for Muslim travelers on their way to Saudi Arabia or beyond.

Here’s a complete guide to help you understand how the stopover works, the conditions you must meet, how to extend your stay, and key sites Muslim travelers shouldn’t miss.

✈️ What Is Turkish Airlines' Stopover Program?

Turkish Airlines' stopover program provides free hotel accommodation for international travelers transiting via Istanbul. Depending on ticket class and country, you’ll receive:

• Economy Class: 1 free night at a 4-star hotel (2 nights for certain countries)
• Business Class: 2 free nights at a 5-star/boutique hotel (3 nights for certain countries)

Arinara Homestay
Your Gateway to IOI City Mall and Putrajaya

📌 Key Terms & Eligibility:

• Layover must be at least 20 hours and not exceed 7 days
• Applies to roundtrip flights operated entirely by Turkish Airlines (tickets starting with 235)
• One-time use only (outbound OR return leg)
• Your departure and arrival countries must be the same (e.g., roundtrip from Malaysia → Saudi Arabia → Malaysia).
• Fare classes N and R not eligible
• Under-18 passengers cannot travel alone under this program
• Visa, transportation, and additional hotel nights are passenger's responsibility
• You cannot combine the stopover service with Touristanbul (free Istanbul city tour service).

🛏️ How to Extend Your Stay Beyond Free Nights

While Turkish Airlines covers the first 1-3 nights (depending on ticket class and origin), you can extend your stay for up to 7 days total by booking extra nights independently.

Recommended Platform:

👉 Book Halal-Friendly Hotels on HalalBooking

Enjoy halal-certified food, alcohol-free environments, prayer-friendly facilities, and family privacy.

After you receive your hotel voucher, you can directly contact the hotel to book additional nights at Turkish Airlines' special rates—or reserve through HalalBooking or your preferred provider.

🕌 Must-Visit Islamic Sites in Istanbul:

	Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque):  A symbol of Islamic architecture, adorned with elegant minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya): A UNESCO World Heritage site, now a functioning mosque.
	Topkapi Palace:  Houses sacred Islamic relics, including Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH)
Süleymaniye Mosque:  An architectural gem with panoramic views of Istanbul.
	Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar: Perfect for halal shopping, Islamic calligraphy, Turkish sweets, and prayer accessories.

🕋 Why Istanbul Stopover is Ideal for Muslim Travelers

Even if you're not heading for Umrah, this stopover is a unique opportunity for Muslim travelers to explore Ottoman history, pray in significant mosques, and enjoy halal hospitality—all in a vibrant, welcoming environment.

🔑 Booking Your Stopover-Friendly Flight:

Steps to Use the Stopover Program:

1. Book a Roundtrip Turkish Airlines Flight:
   • Must be operated entirely by Turkish Airlines (ticket starts with 235) on the same booking.
2. Use Trip.com to Compare Flights:
   • Filter for Turkish Airlines and long layovers in Istanbul.
3. Apply for the Stopover:
   • After ticketing, apply at least 72 hours before departure through Turkish Airlines' local offices (details vary by country).
4. Receive Hotel Voucher:
   • You must present your voucher and boarding pass at hotel check-in.
5. Book Additional Nights:
   • Arrange extra stays via HalalBooking or contact the hotel directly.

👉 Compare Turkish Airlines Flights & Book for Umrah via Trip.com

📌 Important Reminders:

• Visa Required:
  Don’t forget your Turkish e-visa!
• Luggage:
  Confirm if you need to collect your luggage during stopover.
• Flight Changes:
  Stopover hotel voucher becomes invalid if your flight is changed or canceled. 

🕋 Conclusion:

Don’t miss the chance to transform your Umrah trip into a spiritually and culturally enriching journey. Turkish Airlines' stopover, combined with halal-friendly accommodations and iconic landmarks, creates a memorable travel experience.

👉 Start Planning on Trip.com Today

👉 Browse Halal Hotels on HalalBooking 

Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links, including those for Trip.com, Halalbooking, Klook Travel and other partners. We may earn a commission if you make a booking through these links, at no extra cost to you. Please note that we are not authorized to sell Umrah packages; all bookings are made directly with the respective providers.