Slovakia
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Slovakia’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
There is widespread military activity in Ukraine. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Slovakia. See Safety and security
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information.
If you’re living in or moving to Slovakia, visit our Living in Slovakia guide in addition to this travel advice.
If you need to contact the emergency services in Slovakia call 112.
A fatal shooting on 12 October has been classified as a terrorist act. Prior to this attack, there was no recent history of terrorism in Slovakia. Further attacks cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Update history
2025-01-16 15:58
Updated information on risks from terrorism (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-10-08 11:18
Updated information on bear attacks (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-09-05 13:24
Information on the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), planned to be introduced from November 2024 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-07-22 16:49
Addition of information on water safety (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-07-18 15:12
Information that the US Embassy in Bratislava has issued a security alert about Bratislava Pride Festival from 19 to 21 July (‘Safety and security’ page)
2024-07-17 18:39
Updated to reflect new terrorism risk advisory.
2024-03-27 13:45
Information on outdoor activities (under ‘Skiing and hiking’ on the ‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-02-15 14:57
Information on using taxis (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-09-07 15:07
Information on political demonstrations (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-08-17 12:02
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-06-22 10:17
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-03-28 15:51
Updated information that you no longer have to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 in Slovakia and additional information on fines for staying in Slovakia longer than legally allowed (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-01-23 09:23
Updated information that all COVID-19 entry requirements have been lifted (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-12-21 17:00
Updated information on planning a winter sports holiday in Slovakia (‘Safety and security’ page).
2022-11-25 14:35
Updated information on airside transit (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-11-01 16:06
Addition of information to the Terrorism section (‘Terrorism’ page).
2022-05-17 10:13
Addition of information on the risks from wild bears in Slovakia (‘Safety and security’ page)
2022-05-12 15:35
Clarification about current passport validity (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-25 15:22
Lifting of requirement to wear facemasks in most settings; updated information on what to do if you come into contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19; Slovak Foreigners Police reopen for routine business (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-04-07 13:03
Information about the lifting of some COVID-19 entry and self-isolation requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-16 15:36
Updated with information about the lifting of a number of COVID-19 restrictions within Slovakia and the removal of a PCR test as an entry requirement from certain ‘at risk’ countries (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-03-10 17:14
Update to information under ‘Definition of a fully vaccinated individual’ (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-04 13:20
Updated information for people arriving in Slovakia from Ukraine; restricted operation of Foreigners Police services. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Slovakia (‘Summary’ and Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-02-24 05:31
There are multiple reports of widespread military activity in Ukraine. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Slovakia. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-02-18 16:32
New information on entry into Slovakia from Ukraine, Updated information on COVID-19 requirements for hotels, information on getting a COVID-19 vaccination in Slovakia if your previous vaccinations were received outside the EU and advice to avoid large political gatherings (‘Entry requirements’, ‘Coronavirus’ and Safety and security’ pages)