No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nSlovakia follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
\n\nhave a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
\nhave an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou 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:
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nTo stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you must meet the local foreigner residence requirements and the recent changes to this made on 1 July 2025.
\n\nIf you’re in Slovakia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
\n\nYou could get a fine of up to 1,600 euros if you stay longer than legally allowed.
\n\nRead about entry processes if you live in Slovakia.
\n\nAt border control in Slovakia, you may also need to:
\n\nThe European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
\n\nThis means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.
\n\nOn your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.
\n\nYou do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
\n\nEES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
\n\nIf you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.
\n\nYour digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
\n\nRead more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
\n\nIf you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
\n\nIf you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.
\nAs 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.
\n\nIf you plan to stay in Slovakia for a longer period, you must apply for a residence permit.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nDeclare 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.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"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.
\n\nUK 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.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Slovakia cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks 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.
\n\nAn 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.
\n\nThere is widespread military activity in Ukraine. Border crossings with Ukraine may be affected by security measures, temporary restrictions or delays at short notice. If travelling near the Slovakia-Ukraine border, check local information before departure, follow instructions from Slovak police and border authorities. FCDO advises against travel to Ukraine. See warnings against travel in Ukraine travel advice.
\n\nPolitical demonstrations can take place in Bratislava and other cities, sometimes at short notice. Recent demonstrations have generally been peaceful, but large gatherings may disrupt transport and public areas. Stay away from demonstrations, monitor local media, and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nDo not leave your passport as a deposit for services such as car rental. Keep sight of your bank card when making payments.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nCriminals 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.
\n\nAt 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.
\n\nDo not leave luggage in view in your car.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Slovakia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nBratislava 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.
\n\nTaking photos of any location that could be seen as a military establishment or security related may result in problems with the authorities.
\n\nSame-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.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nObserve 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.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nIf you’re planning a winter sports holiday in Slovakia, see Preparing for winter sports abroad.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nBrown bears are present in many mountain and forested areas, particularly in central and northern Slovakia, including parts of the Tatras, Low Tatras and Poľana areas. Bear sightings and occasional attacks have been reported. If hiking, stay on marked trails, avoid dense vegetation where visibility is poor, make noise in forested areas, keep dogs under close control, do not approach or feed wildlife, and check local warnings before setting out.
\n\nFor advice on minimising risks, see the Slovak Wildlife Society website.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nIf you stay longer than 6 months, you must exchange your licence for a Slovak one.
\n\nIf you are visiting Slovakia, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP .
\n\nDrink-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.
\n\nMany 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nIn Bratislava Old Town and in nightlife areas, check prices before ordering, keep your drink in sight, use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing services. If you feel threatened, leave the area and contact police. See information on local taxi use.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nSlovakia can experience extreme weather, including heatwaves, storms, heavy rain, flash flooding, winter snow and mountain weather that changes quickly.
\n\nCheck local forecasts and weather warnings in Slovakia and follow the instructions of local authorities.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 155 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Slovakia, including an increased risk of tick bites from April to October.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Slovakia. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Slovakia where some staff will speak English.
\n\nTo get medically necessary state healthcare in Slovakia, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
\n\nThe NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
\n\nA GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Slovakia.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nAmbulance: 155
\n\nFire: 150
\n\nPolice: 158
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe 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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