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🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
🇸🇰SlovakiaSA-SK

Saudi Arabia to Slovakia visa requirements

Yes — a Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder needs a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Slovakia for tourism. Saudi Arabia is on the EU's visa-required (Annex I) list, so the visa must be obtained before travel through the Slovak visa application centre (BLS) in Saudi Arabia. Slovakia is a full member of the Schengen Area. Saudi Arabia is not on the EU visa-exemption list, so Saudi ordinary passport holders cannot travel visa-free; they must apply in advance for a Schengen Uniform (Type C) short-stay visa, which permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. Applications for Slovakia are lodged in Saudi Arabia through the Slovak Embassy's outsourcing partner BLS International (centres in Riyadh; some routes via Kuwait), with the visa decision made by the Slovak Embassy. The standard Schengen visa fee is EUR 80 for adults, plus a BLS service charge, with normal processing of about 15 calendar days. The EU has discussed facilitating visa-free entry for Saudi nationals, but as of 30 May 2026 no visa-waiver is in force and a Schengen visa remains mandatory. Note: ETIAS (the EUR 7 travel authorisation expected in Q4 2026) applies only to visa-exempt nationals and does NOT apply to Saudi passport holders, who continue to need a full Schengen visa.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen Uniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double or multiple entry (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 80 (adult) + BLS service fee
consular fee only
Processing time
About 15 calendar days (may extend to 30-45 days)
standard track
Validity
Validity of stay period as granted; multiple-entry visas may be issued for up to 1-5 years for frequent travellers
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a visa and choose the main destination
As a Saudi ordinary passport holder you require a Schengen Type C visa. If Slovakia is your only or main destination (longest stay), apply through Slovakia; if your trip spans several Schengen states, apply via the country of main stay.
· Annex I nationality· Main-destination rule
/02
Book an appointment at the BLS Slovakia visa centre
Register and book an appointment online with BLS International, the Slovak Embassy's authorised service provider in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh; certain services via Kuwait). Apply no earlier than 6 months and ideally at least 3 weeks before travel.
· BLS International· Apply 6 months-3 weeks ahead
/03
Complete the application form and gather documents
Fill out the Schengen visa application form and assemble passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, financial proof and a cover letter explaining the trip.
· Schengen application form· Supporting documents
/04
Submit application and give biometrics
Attend your appointment in person to submit documents, pay the fee, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) unless you have valid biometrics on file from the last 59 months.
· In-person submission· Biometrics (VIS)
/05
Wait for processing by the Slovak Embassy
The Embassy decides on the application, normally within 15 calendar days; allow extra time in peak season or if additional documents are requested.
· ~15 calendar days· Possible interview
/06
Collect passport and verify the visa sticker
Retrieve your passport from BLS or by courier and check the visa sticker details (validity dates, number of entries, days allowed) before you travel.
· Passport collection· Verify visa details
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Slovakia · Schengen Uniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure, with 2+ blank pages, issued within last 10 years
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent biometric passport photos (ICAO standard)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 valid across Schengen
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed round-trip flight reservation
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of accommodation for the full stay (hotel booking or host invitation)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements, e.g. last 3-6 months)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedCover letter / detailed travel itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedProof of employment, business ownership, or student status (Saudi residence/Iqama if applicable)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredVisa fee plus BLS service fee paid
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Riyadh — Schengen Visa
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 80Standard short-stay Type C visa fee; payable per applicant
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 40Reduced fee; children under 6 are exempt
BLS service feeapprox. EUR 20-30Service provider charge, varies; paid at the visa centre
Travel medical insuranceapprox. EUR 20-60Mandatory; min EUR 30,000 coverage, cost depends on trip length
Optional add-ons (courier, SMS, photos)approx. EUR 5-20Optional convenience services at BLS
Total estimateEUR 100EUR 190incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Peak-season / extended review
Up to 30-45 calendar days
Additional time when document checks, consultations, or high application volumes apply.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Saudi Arabia is a visa-required (Annex I) nationality
Saudi ordinary passport holders are not on the EU visa-exemption list, so a Schengen visa must be obtained before travelling to Slovakia.
High
/02
Slovakia is a full Schengen member
Entry is governed by common Schengen visa rules and the 90/180-day short-stay limit.
High
/03
No visa-waiver agreement in force as of 2026
The EU has discussed facilitating visa-free entry for Saudi nationals, but no waiver is in effect on 30 May 2026.
Medium
/04
ETIAS does not replace the visa for Saudi nationals
ETIAS (Q4 2026) applies only to visa-exempt travellers; Saudi passport holders still need a full Schengen visa.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Saudi Arabia to Slovakia route verified
Confirmed via the Slovak Embassy in Riyadh and the German Federal Foreign Office that Saudi ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa for Slovakia (EUR 80, ~15 days). Verified that ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals and no EU visa-waiver is yet in force.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can a Saudi citizen visit Slovakia without a visa?
No. Saudi Arabia is on the EU visa-required list, so a Schengen Type C short-stay visa must be obtained before travelling to Slovakia.
How long can I stay in Slovakia with a Schengen visa?+
Where do I apply for the Slovakia Schengen visa in Saudi Arabia?+
How much does the visa cost?+
Does ETIAS apply to Saudi travellers?+
Can I use a Slovak Schengen visa to visit other European countries?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Saudi Arabia passport

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