Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Slovakia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Slovakia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Slovak Embassy in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Slovakia.
Passport validity requirements
Slovakia follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
- have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
- have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Slovakia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
- as a tourist
- to visit family or friends
- to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
- for short-term studies or training
If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period
To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you must meet the Slovak government’s entry requirements.
If you’re in Slovakia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
You could get a fine of up to 1,600 euros if you stay longer than legally allowed.
Read about passport stamping if you live in Slovakia.
Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.
If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.
If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.
At border control in Slovakia, you may also need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- prove you have enough money for your stay
- show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
New Schengen entry requirements
Plans for the introduction of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area has been delayed. Information will be updated when available.
Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System.
Registering with the police
As a visitor to Slovakia, you must report where you are staying to the nearest Foreigners Police Department. If you stay at a hotel, the hotel will do this for you. If you are in private accommodation, you must notify the police by letter, email or in person within 3 working days of your arrival.
If you plan to stay in Slovakia for a longer period, you must apply for a residence permit.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Slovakia guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Slovakia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking food into Slovakia
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
Taking money into Slovakia
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Slovakia
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Slovakia.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
An attack on a bar popular with the LGBT+ community in the capital, Bratislava, on 12 October 2022, which resulted in 2 deaths, was classified as a terrorist act. Prior to this attack, there was no recent history of terrorism in Slovakia.
Border with Ukraine
There is widespread military activity in Ukraine. See warnings against travel in Ukraine travel advice.
Political demonstrations
Demonstrations may start with little or no warning. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Crime
Protecting your belongings
There is a risk of petty crime, especially in Bratislava. Take precautions against pickpockets and bag snatchers and do not leave your possessions unattended. Pickpockets operate around the main tourist areas, particularly the Christmas markets and in bars, and have targeted foreign nationals.
Do not leave your passport as a deposit for services such as car rental. Keep sight of your bank card when making payments.
Drink spiking and scams
There is a risk of drink spiking and theft in clubs around the Bratislava Old Town pedestrian area. People have sometimes been charged extortionate prices for drinks, so check prices before ordering.
Vehicle crime
Criminals sometimes target foreign-registered vehicles. They may puncture your tyres at a petrol station and then pretend to help or fake a breakdown. If you stop to help, they may rob you or steal your car.
At night, only stop your car in a well-lit public area such as a service station. Make sure you lock your car and be extremely wary of anyone offering help.
Do not leave luggage in view in your car.
Laws and cultural differences
Personal ID
You must always carry your passport with you as ID. You can get a fine of up to 1,600 euros for not showing ID if the Slovak police ask for it.
Alcohol laws
Bratislava has become a popular destination for stag parties. Tourists have been fined or imprisoned for being a public nuisance. Unruly or rowdy behaviour is illegal could attract police attention, particularly between 10pm and 6am. In Bratislava Old Town, it is illegal to drink alcohol in the street. If you drink alcohol (for example, bought in a supermarket) in this or other public areas, you could get a fine of 33 euros.
Illegal drugs penalties
Penalties for smuggling, possessing and using drugs are severe.
Using cameras in secure areas
Taking photos of any location that could be seen as a military establishment or security related may result in problems with the authorities.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual relationships are legal in Slovakia, but Slovak law does not recognise same-sex marriages and civil partnerships. Same-sex couples showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Swimming and watersports
Observe local rules and regulations on publicly accessible lakes, rivers and other water sources. Jumping into unknown waters can result in serious injury, including paralysis or death.
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Skiing and hiking
If you’re planning a winter sports holiday in Slovakia, see Preparing for winter sports abroad.
If you need help from the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service (HZS), you will have to meet costs of up to 1,000 euros. Make sure your insurance includes rescue costs. Anyone ignoring or violating HZS rules or instructions will get a fine of up to 3,320 euros.
Visitors in mountain areas occasionally encounter bears and wolves. Take particular care if you’re in an area where bears have been sighted. For advice on minimising risks, see the Slovak Wildlife Society website.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Slovakia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Slovakia guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Slovakia for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
If you stay longer than 6 months, you must exchange your licence for a Slovak one.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP .
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Slovakia. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine of up to 1,300 euros, have your licence confiscated and face possible imprisonment.
Road conditions
Many main roads have only a single carriageway in each direction making overtaking difficult. Beware of oncoming cars overtaking on your side of the road. Road markings are difficult to see in poor weather and can be faded. In winter, you must equip your car for severe driving conditions.
Tolls
If you use Slovak motorways (‘Dialnica’), you must display a motorway vignette (sticker) on the inside of your windscreen as you enter Slovakia. If you do not, you could get a heavy fine. You can get a motorway vignette at all major border crossings into Slovakia and at larger petrol stations. More information and a road network map is available from the toll system operator.
Taxis
Only use officially licensed taxis. Drivers must display their licence. Take sensible precautions, particularly at night or if you are alone. Do not get into a taxi if you are concerned about the driver or condition of the vehicle. Taxi drivers sometimes try to overcharge tourists by adding unauthorised supplements or by not setting the meter at the start of a journey. Make sure the taxi meter is on or agree a set price for the journey beforehand.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 155 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Slovakia, including an increased risk of tick bites from April to October.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Slovakia. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Slovakia
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Slovakia where some staff will speak English.
Health insurance cards
To get medically necessary state healthcare in Slovakia, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
- how to apply for a GHIC
- how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
- who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
- what treatment counts as medically necessary
A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
- changes to travel and accommodation bookings
- additional standard costs for treatment
- medical repatriation to the UK
- treatment that is ruled non-urgent
- private healthcare
- private clinics
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Slovakia.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Slovakia
Ambulance: 155
Fire: 150
Police: 158
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
You can also contact FCDO online.
Help abroad in an emergency
If you are in Slovakia and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Bratislava.
FCDO in London
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Slovakia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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