For travelers from Slovakia, the idea of visiting Saudi Arabia used to feel distant and complicated. But today, the Kingdom has opened its doors wide, inviting the world to explore its ancient heritage sites like AlUla, the bustling metropolis of Riyadh, and the pristine waters of the Red Sea.
If you hold a Slovak passport, you are in a fantastic position. Slovakia is one of the select countries eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa. This means you can forget about lengthy embassy appointments in Bratislava or Vienna. You can now secure your travel permit entirely online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Saudi Arabia eVisa for Slovakia citizens—from costs and requirements to essential travel tips for a smooth journey.
Do Slovak citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, if you are traveling on a Slovak passport, you do need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. However, the process is modern and hassle-free. You are eligible for the electronic visa (eVisa), which allows you to apply from the comfort of your home. It is a digital authorization linked directly to your passport number, eliminating the need for physical stickers or paperwork.
Am I eligible for the Saudi eVisa from Slovakia?
Before you start your application, let’s confirm your eligibility. As a citizen of Slovakia, you qualify if:
- You hold a valid Slovak Passport: It must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- You are visiting for a permitted purpose: Tourism, leisure, or Umrah. This visa is not for paid employment or residency.
- You are 18 or older: Adults can apply individually. If you are traveling with children (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must include them in their application.
Can I apply with a Travel Document or Refugee Passport?
No, the Saudi eVisa system is strictly for holders of standard, ordinary passports. If you hold a Refugee Travel Document, Alien’s Passport, or any other non-standard travel document issued by Slovakia, you are not eligible for the online eVisa. You must visit the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate (usually in Vienna for Slovak residents) to apply for a traditional sticker visa.
Is there an emergency visa option for Slovak citizens?
Yes, if you have a sudden need to travel—perhaps for a last-minute business meeting or a family emergency—you can utilize the Super Rush processing service. While there isn’t a specific “Emergency Visa” category, the Super Rush option effectively serves this purpose by prioritizing your application. In many cases, this service can deliver your approved eVisa in as little as 1 hour, allowing you to fly out the same day.
The ‘Send to Embassy’ Trap: How to Avoid It”
“saudi evisa status send to embassy meaning”
This is the most dreaded status for travelers. It means your “instant” eVisa has been flagged for manual review, forcing you to visit a consulate in person.
| Status Handling | Government Portal | saudi-arabia-evisas.com |
| The Risk | High. Triggered by simple data mismatches (e.g., selecting the wrong “Mission” location or a typo in your name). Once triggered, it cannot be undone online. | Prevention. Experts review your data before submission. They know exactly which fields trigger the “Embassy” flag and correct them to ensure your application stays in the “Digital/Instant” queue. |
| The Fix | None. You are on your own to find the embassy and book an appointment. | Guidance. If you have a complex travel history, the team advises you before you pay, potentially saving you the cost of a rejected application. |
Documents required for Saudi eVisa application from Slovakia
You don’t need a mountain of paperwork. The system is designed to be paperless. Just have these soft copies ready:
- Passport Scan: A clear, high-quality color scan of your passport’s biographical page. Ensure all text is readable and no edges are cut off.
- Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photo of yourself against a white background.
- Email Address: Use an email you check often, as this is where your visa PDF will be sent.
- Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) to pay the fees online.
Applying for Saudi visa from Slovakia
The Saudi Arabia Visa Online application is straightforward and can be completed from your computer or smartphone.
Enter Your Details Fill in the form with your personal information exactly as it appears on your Slovak passport. Double-check your passport number and name spelling!
Upload Documents Upload the digital scan of your passport and your photo. Ensure the file sizes meet the requirements (usually under 100KB).
Pay the Fees Complete the secure online payment for the visa and insurance fees.
Receive Your Visa Once approved, the eVisa is sent directly to your email. Print a copy to keep with your travel documents as a backup.
Saudi Arabia eVisa fees for Slovak citizens
The cost is standardized for all eligible nationalities. It typically breaks down into two main components:
- Government Fee: This goes to the Saudi authorities and covers the visa issuance plus the mandatory medical insurance.
- Service Fee: If you use a visa assistance service to review your application and prevent errors, they charge a small service fee.
Important: Saudi Arabia Visa fees are generally non-refundable. If you make a mistake on the form and get rejected, you won’t get your money back.
Processing time for Saudi eVisa for Slovakia passport holders
The processing speed depends on how urgently you need the document. Most services offer three tiers:
- Standard Processing: Takes about 1-2 business days. Ideal if you are planning ahead.
- Rush Processing: Usually delivers the visa in 6-12 hours.
- Super Rush: For last-minute trips or emergencies, you can get approved in as little as 1 hour.
Can Slovak citizens perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes, absolutely. This is a major benefit for Muslim travelers from Slovakia. The standard tourist eVisa allows you to perform Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) at any time of the year, except during the Hajj season. You do not need a specific “Umrah Visa” anymore. Just remember, this visa does not grant access to the Hajj pilgrimage.
Photo requirements for the Saudi visa application
Don’t let a simple photo error delay your trip. Follow these rules:
- Background: Must be plain white. No patterns or shadows.
- Expression: Neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open looking at the camera.
- Format: JPG or JPEG format.
- Quality: Clear, sharp image with no blur.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory for all tourists entering Saudi Arabia. The good news is that you don’t need to shop around for a policy. The insurance is automatically included when you pay the government fee for your eVisa. The system assigns you a Saudi-approved insurance provider that covers emergency medical costs (including COVID-19 treatment) during your stay.
Common reasons for Saudi visa rejection
While rejections are rare for Slovak citizens, they can happen due to simple mistakes:
- Blurry Scans: If the system can’t read your passport details, it will reject the file.
- Data Mismatch: Typing a name or passport number incorrectly.
- Passport Validity: Applying with a passport that has less than 6 months of validity left.
What should I do if I lose my passport in Saudi Arabia?
Losing your passport abroad is stressful, but here is what you need to do:
- Police Report: Immediately go to the nearest police station to report the loss and get a police report.
- Contact the Embassy: Contact the Slovak Embassy in Riyadh. They can assist you in issuing an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to allow you to return home.
- Visa Transfer: You may need to visit the Saudi passport office (Jawazat) to transfer your visa details to your new travel document before exiting the country.
Staying connected: eSIM or local SIM in Saudi Arabia?
Staying online is crucial for maps and translations. You have two great options:
- eSIM: Buying an eSIM (from providers like Airalo or Holafly) before you leave Slovakia is the most convenient option. You scan a QR code, and your data works the moment you land.
- Local Physical SIM: If you prefer a physical card, major Saudi telecom providers like STC, Mobily, and Zain have kiosks at all international airports. Their tourist packages are excellent, offering 5G speeds at competitive rates.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia eVisa for Slovakia citizens opens up a world of contrast and culture that is vastly different from Central Europe. Whether you are exploring the futuristic vision of NEOM or the ancient history of Diriyah, the process to get there is now digital, fast, and secure. Whether you need your visa in 2 days or in just 1 hour via urgent processing, the system is ready for you. So, get your passport ready, apply online, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
Šťastnú cestu! (Safe travels!)