Saudi Arabia Visa Application for Poland Residents – Requirements
If you live in Poland and have been eyeing a trip to the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is probably on your radar. The country has opened up in a huge way recently, moving past the strict entry rules of the past. Thanks to the Vision 2030 project, visiting the Kingdom is now surprisingly easy for Polish citizens.
Gone are the days of booking appointments and standing in line at the embassy in Warsaw just to get a travel permit. The new Saudi Arabia eVisa has completely flipped the script. Now, you can sort out your entire application from your laptop in Krakow, Gdansk, or wherever you happen to be. In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how the Saudi Arabia eVisa application for Poland residents works—covering the costs, the requirements, and some honest travel tips to help you plan.
Do Poland residents actually need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, if you are holding a Polish passport, you definitely need a visa to cross the Saudi border. But here is the good part: Poland is on the “green list” for the electronic visa (eVisa) program. This means you don’t need to deal with diplomatic missions or physical stamps before you fly. It’s a digital authorization that links straight to your passport, making arrival at Saudi airports a breeze.
Who is allowed to apply for the Saudi eVisa from Poland?
Before you jump onto the application site, let’s double-check that you fit the criteria:
- Nationality: You need a valid passport issued by Poland (or another eligible country).
- Passport Validity: This is crucial—your passport must be valid for at least six months after the day you plan to enter Saudi Arabia. If it’s expiring soon, renew it first.
- Age: You need to be 18+. If you are traveling with kids, you (the parent) have to apply for them.
- Trip Purpose: Strictly for tourism, chilling, Umrah, or family visits. If you are going there to work or study, this visa won’t cover you.
Why should Polish travelers pick the eVisa over other options?
Honestly, the eVisa is just the most convenient option for a few reasons:
- It’s 100% Online: You never have to leave your house.
- It’s Fast: If you are in a rush, you can literally get approved in an hour with the urgent service.
- Freedom to Roam: It’s a multiple-entry visa. You can pop in and out of the Kingdom as much as you like while it’s valid.
- Umrah Made Easy: For Polish Muslims, this is the simplest way to head to Mecca for the minor pilgrimage.
Is it Worth Paying a Service Fee?”
saudi evisa cost official vs agency” & “why pay extra for saudi visa”
The service fee is the price of convenience and security. This section breaks down the value.
| Cost vs. Value | Government Portal | saudi-arabia-evisas.com |
| The Price Tag | Standard Fee. Includes Visa Fee + Mandatory Health Insurance + Tax. (Cheapest Option) | Premium Price. Standard Fee + Service Fee for expert handling. |
| Financial Risk | Non-Refundable. If you select the wrong visa type or make a typo leading to rejection, the government keeps the entire fee (approx. $100+). | Error Protection. The service fee pays for a review that prevents these costly rejections. |
| Hidden Value | None. It is a transactional government service. | Guidance. Includes advice on mandatory medical insurance selection and Umrah eligibility checks. |
What documents do I need to have ready?
You don’t need a mountain of paperwork. Just have these four things handy:
- Your Passport Scan: A clear, color scan of the main page (the one with your face and details).
- A Selfie/Photo: A standard passport-style photo. A white background is a must.
- Your Email: Use one you actually check, because that’s where they send the visa.
- Payment Card: A credit or debit card to handle the fees.
Pro-tip: Keep a hotel address handy. They might not ask for it upfront, but it’s good to have it just in case.
How do I apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa from Poland?
The process is pretty intuitive. Here is the walkthrough:
The Form Type in your info exactly as it looks on your passport. Don’t use nicknames or typos here.
The Upload Drop in your passport scan and that photo we mentioned. Make sure the files aren’t massive—standard JPGs work best.
Payment Pay the fees online. The system is secure, so using your Polish bank card is fine.
Once it’s processed, the eVisa lands in your email inbox. Print it out. Yes, it’s digital, but having a paper copy is a lifesaver if systems go down at the airport.
How much is this going to cost me?
The price tag usually includes two things:
- The Government Fee: This goes to the Saudi authorities and, crucially, includes mandatory medical insurance for your trip.
- The Service Fee: This is what you pay the agency to check your docs and handle the submission so you don’t get rejected.
Heads up: These Saudi Arabia visa fees are non-refundable. Even if you make a mistake and get rejected, you don’t get the money back. So, triple-check your info!
How long does the processing take?
It depends on how much of a hurry you are in. Generally, you have three speeds:
- Standard: Takes about 1-2 business days. Good if you are planning ahead.
- Rush: You’ll get it in 6-12 hours.
- Super Rush: For the last-minute packers, this gets it done in 1 hour.
Can’t I just get a Visa on Arrival?
Technically, yes. Poland is on the list for Visa on Arrival at airports like Jeddah and Riyadh. But frankly, I wouldn’t recommend relying on it. Why? Because you have to wait in another line after a long flight, and if there is any issue with your system profile or passport, you are stuck at the border. Getting the eVisa beforehand just gives you that peace of mind before you even board the plane in Warsaw.
Can Polish citizens perform Umrah on this tourist visa?
Yes, absolutely. The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa covers you for Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) anytime except during the Hajj season. You don’t need a special religious visa for this anymore. Just remember, this does not get you into Hajj.
What if I’m just laying over in Saudi Arabia?
If you are flying Saudia Airlines or Flynas and have a stopover, check out the Stopover/Transit Visa. It’s valid for 96 hours (4 days), which is perfect for a quick look around Jeddah or a fast Umrah run. Plus, if you book correctly through the airline, the visa fee is often waived.
Any specific rules for the photo?
Don’t let a bad photo ruin your application. Keep it simple:
- Background: Pure white. No patterns.
- Face: Look straight at the camera. No sunglasses.
- Format: JPG. Keep the file size small (under 100KB is usually safe).
Do I really need travel insurance?
Yes, but don’t worry about shopping around for it. Medical insurance is mandatory, but it is automatically included when you pay for the visa. The Saudi government assigns you a local provider, covering you for emergencies during your trip.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?
Usually, no. The tourist eVisa is strict on the 90-day limit per visit. You can’t just extend it from inside the country for tourism. You’ll need to leave and come back, or look into a different visa type if you need to stay longer.
What should I know before I fly?
- Dress Code: It’s not as strict as it used to be, but modesty is key. Men should cover their knees; women should cover shoulders and knees. You don’t need an abaya as a tourist, but it helps you blend in.
- No Alcohol: This is a big one. Alcohol is illegal. Don’t bring it, don’t ask for it.
- Money: The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Cards work almost everywhere, but cash is king in small souks.
- Internet: Grab a SIM card (STC or Mobily) right at the airport. It’s cheap and fast.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Saudi Arabia eVisa is the first step to a pretty incredible adventure. Whether you need the visa in a couple of days or literally in the next hour, the online system handles it well. Just get your documents scanned, fill out the form carefully, and you’ll be on your way to exploring the desert, the Red Sea, and everything in between.
Safe travels!