Saudi Arabia Visa for Slovak Citizens

Slovak citizens need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia, and several visa options are available, including the eVisa, Visa on Arrival (VOA), Regular Visa, and Transit Visa, each suitable for different needs.

The eVisa, a one-year, multiple-entry visa, permits Slovak travelers to stay up to 90 days for tourism purposes, excluding activities such as studying or performing Hajj. It can be conveniently applied for online.

Similarly, the Visa on Arrival is issued at Saudi entry points and allows stays of up to 90 days.

For those transiting through Flynas or Saudia Airlines, a Transit Visa can be issued upon purchasing tickets.

Alternatively, a Regular Visa can be obtained through Saudi Arabian Embassies or Consulates for longer trips or purposes like employment or studies.

To apply, Slovak citizens are required to provide a passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent face photograph, and additional documents specific to the visa type.

NOTE: All travelers to Saudi Arabia, including Slovaks, must have health insurance, which is often provided with online visas.

Applying for an Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Electronic Visa is a convenient option for Slovak travelers, allowing them to apply online without visiting an embassy or consulate.

The eVisa is valid for one year from the date of issuance and permits multiple entries into Saudi Arabia.

Visitors with a Saudi eVisa can stay in the country for up to 90 days in total, making it suitable for short-term trips.

NOTE: The Saudi eVisa is available for various purposes, including tourism, business activities, family visits, or attending events in the Kingdom.

Follow the steps below to apply for an eVisa to Saudi Arabia via the official Visit Saudi Arabia website:

1. Go to https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ and click “Sign In” or “Apply Now”.
2. Create an account if you’re a new user, or log in to your existing account.
3. Upload your photo as per the specified requirements.
4. Enter your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, nationality, and other details.
5. Provide passport details, ensuring your passport has at least 6 months’ validity.
6. Select a recognized medical insurance plan and provide the required details.
7. Agree to the terms and conditions of the application process.
8. Carefully review your application for accuracy before submitting.

After submitting the application, Slovak will receive updates about the status of the Saudi eVisa on their registered email. The process is typically quick, completed within 3 business days, making it a time-saving option for travelers.

Saudi Regular Visa

The Regular Visa for Saudi Arabia is suited for more extended stays or purposes like work, study, or residency.

There are several options to choose from: Diplomatic Visa, Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Work Visa, Residency Visa, Family Visit Visa, Extend Return Visa, Escort Visa, Student Visa, Hajj Visa, and Umrah Visa.

Saudi Regular Visas require applicants to undergo a more detailed process compared to the online visa.

Travelers from Slovakia typically submit required documentation:

• An application form
• A passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
• A recent face photograph
• Supporting documents based on the purpose of travel

The application is processed through Saudi Arabian Embassies or Consulates, so scheduling an appointment beforehand is required.

Slovakians may also be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, during the appointment.

Processing times can last 2-8 weeks, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of the intended travel date.

Saudi Visa on Arrival for Slovak Citizens

Slovak citizens can take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) option, making travel to the Kingdom easier than ever.

This streamlined process allows you to obtain your visa directly at Saudi entry points, either through passport control counters or user-friendly self-service kiosks.

The Visa on Arrival is perfect for Slovak travelers looking to explore Saudi Arabia, whether for tourism, attending cultural events, or performing religious pilgrimages like Umrah (The VOA does not cover Hajj).

The visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance and allows multiple entries, with a stay lasting up to 90 days. This flexibility makes it suitable for quick visits or longer journeys.

The VOA is issued almost immediately upon arrival, so visitors from Slovakia can skip lengthy pre-approval processes. Still, it is important to have all necessary documents prepared in advance to ensure a smooth experience.

Saudi Transit Visa for Slovak Citizens

Slovak citizens can get the Saudi Transit Visa when booking flights with airlines such as Flynas or Saudia Airlines.

This visa type is specifically designed for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en route to another destination, granting an opportunity to explore the country during a short layover.

The application process for the Transit Visa is straightforward and often results in the visa being issued immediately upon payment of the necessary fees.

With this visa, Slovak citizens can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours, allowing time to visit major landmarks or relax before continuing their journey.

It is possible to apply for a Saudi Transit Visa within 90 days before the intended travel date. This early application window provides added flexibility and helps travelers account for any unexpected delays or additional requirements.

Photo for the Visa Application for Saudi Arabia

The photograph is an essential component of the Saudi visa application process and must meet specific requirements to be accepted.

Applicants must submit one face photograph that satisfies the following specifications:

• The photo must be 200 x 200 pixels and between 5 KB and 100 KB in size. It should be a close-up showing the face and top of the shoulders, with the face occupying 70-80% of the image or measuring 1.4″ x 1.6″ from chin to crown.

• The individual’s full face must be clearly visible in a straight, centered position, with both ears and cheeks showing. The expression should be neutral, with eyes directed straight at the camera.

• The background must be white, free of patterns, objects, shadows, or other people.

• Headwear is not allowed except for religious reasons, but the face must remain fully visible from the chin to the forehead, with no shadows.

These guidelines ensure compliance with official standards for Saudi visa processing.

NOTE: It is essential that the photograph is no older than 6 months, reflecting the applicant’s up-to-date appearance.

Vaccinations Required for Travel to Saudi Arabia

Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, meeting vaccination requirements is crucial for a smooth trip.

Slovak travelers are required to show proof of vaccination against certain diseases, such as yellow fever, if coming from or transiting through regions where the disease is endemic.

For those undertaking a pilgrimage, such as Hajj or Umrah, vaccination against meningitis is also a critical requirement.

Routine immunizations, including those against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), and influenza, are recommended to protect both visitors and the local population.

Checking for the latest guidelines and recommended vaccinations from the Saudi Ministry of Health Portal well before travel is essential to avoid any complication to entry procedures and stay in the Kingdom.

Importance of the Saudi Embassy for Slovak Visa Applicants

The Saudi Embassy plays a crucial role for Slovak citizens seeking a visa to Saudi Arabia.

It serves as the primary authority responsible for reviewing visa applications, verifying documentation, and ensuring all requirements are met according to Saudi regulations.

The embassy provides essential guidance to applicants, helping them understand the process and avoid errors that could delay their applications.

While there is no Saudi diplomatic mission in the Slovak Republic, travelers can contact the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Austria:

• Address: Schottenring 21, 1010 Vienna
• Phone: 004313672531
• Email: atemb@mofa.gov.sa
• Working Hours: From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Do Slovak citizens need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Slovak citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. They can apply for an eVisa, Regular Visa, or other types depending on the purpose of their visit.

• What is the eVisa, and how does it work?
  The eVisa is an electronic visa that allows travelers entry into Saudi Arabia for tourism and Umrah purposes.

• What documents are required for an eVisa application?
  Slovak citizens must provide a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity) and a recent face photograph.

• Do children need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, all travelers, regardless of age, including children, require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

• Are there any vaccination requirements for travel to Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, visitors from Slovakia may need to provide proof of certain vaccinations, for example, the meningitis vaccine.

• What are the regulations for performing Umrah on a Saudi Tourist Visa?
  Slovaks holding a Tourist Visa are allowed to perform Umrah, except during the Hajj season, when specific Hajj visas are required for pilgrimage.

• What to do if the Saudi visa application is denied?
  If the Saudi visa application is denied, Slovak travelers may inquire about the reasons for denial and provide additional documentation if necessary.

Conclusion

Traveling to Saudi Arabia can be a seamless experience for Slovak citizens, provided that all necessary visa and travel requirements are met.

All Slovak travelers can apply for an Electronic Visa, Regular Visa, Transit Visa, and Visa on Arrival, depending on their travel plans.

By understanding the available visa options and meeting the documentation and health insurance guidelines, visitors from the Slovak Republic can focus on exploring the Kingdom without issues.

Sources:

• https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/main
• https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations