The Republic of Slovenia

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Slovenia, they can still happen.

Terrorists have staged attacks in European cities in recent years. Targets include:

• airports
• public transport, including train stations
• places of worship
• sporting venues
• areas that attract large groups of poeple
• places popular with foreigners

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report any suspicious behaviour to police
• monitor the media for updates
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Petty crime

Slovenia has a low rate of serious crime but petty crime happens.

Don't leave your valuables on the beach while you're swimming.

Look after your belongings:

• in tourist areas
• on public transport
• at transport hubs
• on international trains and buses

Stay alert when you're out after dark.

Vehicle break-ins

Vehicle break-ins happen, especially at petrol stations and service areas along the highway.

To avoid vehicle break-ins:

• watch your vehicle and belongings at rest areas
• always lock your vehicle
• use anti-theft devices
• don't leave items in your vehicle
• park in well-lit areas
• use secure parking garages

Check the Slovenian Police Force for advice if you're a victim of crime.

Demonstrations and protests

Peaceful demonstrations happen in Slovenia. They can disrupt traffic and public transport.

Protests in Ljubljana are usually held in and around Kongresni Trg (Congress Square), opposite the Slovenian Parliament.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor local media for updates
• avoid affected areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Severe weather

Slovenia experiences severe weather, including:

• avalanches
• flash flooding
• mudslides in alpine areas

People have been killed in mudslides in recent years.

The weather in mountain regions can change suddenly.

If you're visiting an alpine area:

• monitor local weather
• check safety conditions
• take weather warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities
• obey warning signs and notices

Before you travel:

• pack suitable equipment 
• plan your activities carefully
• tell someone about your plans

Skiing outside of prepared skiing areas is dangerous. Stick to marked slopes and trails.

Check your travel insurance covers all your planned activities.

Western Slovenia is on an earthquake fault line, and you may feel occasional tremors.

More information:

• European Avalanche Warning Service

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Slovenia or any limits apply. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription, and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use only

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

There's a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in forests.

Ticks are very common in country areas. They are active from spring to autumn.

To protect yourself from tick-borne disease:

• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

During and after visiting a forest:

• check your body for ticks
• carefully remove the whole tick as soon as possible
• monitor tick sites for signs of infection

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities is of a similar standard to Australia.

Slovenia and Australia have a reciprocal health care agreement, which may provide some emergency care to Australians. Most agreements specify the care must be urgent and medically necessary. They usually need a co-payment from the patient.  

Costs for public hospital stays can reach 1000s of dollars, depending on the treatment you need.

More Information:

• Slovenia Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (Department of Human Services)

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. You can be convicted and sent to jail for carrying even small amounts of drugs.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Slovenia recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Slovenia is part of the Schengen area. This means you can enter Slovenia without a visa in some cases.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Slovenia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Other entry requirements

Some Schengen countries, including neighbouring Austria, have temporary immigration controls in place.

Slovenia's border with Croatia has full immigration control. Croatia is not part of the Schengen area.

To avoid delays:

• carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area
• monitor the media for news on border conditions
• ask transport providers for updates

When you enter the Schengen area for the first time, check that the entry stamp in your passport is readable.

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket.

More information:

• Border formalities
• Travel advice for Croatia

Other formalities

You must register with local police within 3 days of arrival or risk paying a fine. Registration is usually part of the hotel check-in procedure. If they don't do this, or you're staying in a private home, register at the nearest police station.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Euro.

If you're travelling to or from any non-European Union (EU) country, declare funds of 10,000 euros or more, including the equivalent in another currency. This covers all forms of currency, not just cash.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Driving permit

To drive a vehicle, you'll need both:

• a current Australian driver's licence
• a valid international driving permit (IDP)

Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

Get your IDP before you travel.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Road travel

Slovenia's main roads are generally safe and in good condition. However, secondary roads tend to be narrow.

The road network is well-developed and clearly marked with road signs.

Road rules are similar to those used throughout Europe. 

Roads in alpine areas can become dangerous during winter.

You must use winter tyres from 15 November to 15 March, or whenever winter weather conditions otherwise require. If you do not use winter tyres, you must have snow chains in your vehicle ready for use.

Vehicles must display a valid permit sticker (vignette) to use toll roads.

By law:

• always have your headlights on
• when outside your vehicle on the hard shoulder of any road, place a warning triangle on the road behind your vehicle
• driver and passengers wear high visibility vests when outside the vehicle
• carry a first aid kit in your vehicle

Check your rental car is fitted with the required equipment.

Police issue on-the-spot fines for traffic violations. If you refuse to pay, they may take your passport and other documents. You may need to appear before a police court judge.

More information:

• Slovenia Police guidance on traffic safety
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer if your policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Taxis are reliable and safe. Make sure the meter is running.

Public transport

Slovenia's public transport network is well-developed and reliable.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Slovenia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.  

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Police

Call 112 or 113.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

AMZS roadside assistance

Call 1987.

Tourist telephone

Call 080 1900.

For non-emergency criminal issues, contact the local police.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Ljubljana, headed by an Honorary Consul. It provides limited consular and passport services. Check before you visit.

Australian Consulate, Ljubljana

Zelezna Cesta 14
1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Phone: (+386 1) 234 8675
Fax: (+386 1) 234 8676
Email: austral.cons.sloven@siol.net

You can get full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Austria.

Australian Embassy, Vienna

Australian Embassy, Vienna 
Mattiellistraße 2-4 (3rd floor) 
1040 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 1 506 740
Fax: +43 1 5067 4185
Email: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au
Website: austria.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @AusAmbVIE

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia