Slovakia

Petty crime

Petty crime happens, especially around:

• railway stations
• public transport
• markets and bars
• other popular tourist spots, including Bratislava's Old Town area

Pickpockets sometimes:

• work in teams
• are children
• use distraction techniques

To protect yourself from crime:

• look out for suspicious behaviour
• leave a situation if you think there may be danger
• monitor local sources for new safety risks

Theft

Thefts and break-ins happen, including theft from cars.

Criminals sometimes slash tyres so they can offer to help. After distracting their victim, they then steal items.

To protect yourself from theft:

• pay attention to your belongings, especially on public transport and at tourist spots
• use secure parking if it's available
• on overnight trains, lock your door from the inside
• be wary of direct offers of help from strangers

Overcharging

Bars and restaurants can overcharge travellers. Disputes about the overcharging can then lead to violence.

Always check the price of food and drinks before ordering.

Drink spiking

Travellers have been robbed or assaulted after accepting spiked drinks from strangers.

To reduce your risks:

• stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs
• don't accept drinks from strangers
• don't leave food and drinks unattended

Fake police officers

If you suspect someone is posing as a police officer, don't hand over your personal belongings. Offer to go to the nearest police station, or call 112 to check their identity.

Demonstrations and events that draw large groups of people sometimes happen and are generally peaceful. However, they can disrupt traffic and public transport. Demonstrations can turn violent.

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the local media

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Slovakia, 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 people
• places popular with foreigners

To protect yourself:

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

If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Slovakia experiences severe weather events, such as:

• avalanches
• flash flooding
• snowstorms
• mudslides (in mountain regions)

Weather in mountain regions is unpredictable and can change suddenly.

If you're visiting an area recently affected by severe weather:

• confirm your plans and activities with your tour operator or travel provider
• check the condition of roads, transport and facilities with local tour operators and hotels

Don't ski outside prepared skiing areas. This is highly dangerous.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

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 even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Slovakia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

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

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in Slovakia. Public health measures are in place to help protect you and others. You must wear a face mask in enclosed public spaces. Authorities recommend you wear one outdoors too. You must maintain a safety distance of two metres from other people where possible. You can be fined if you don’t follow the public health measures in place.

To protect yourself and others from illness:

• practise good hygiene 
• stay home if you’re unwell
• self-quarantine as soon as you can if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19. Call the health hotline on 0911 989 989 for further instructions

More information:

• Coronavirus information and hotlines (The Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forest areas.

Ticks are very common in country areas. They're active from spring to autumn, March to November.

Take measures to avoid tick bites, particularly in rural areas.

During and after visiting a forest:

• check your body for ticks
• carefully remove any whole ticks as soon as possible
• be alert for any signs of infection

Measles

Measles cases can routinely occur, with Slovakia, experiencing an increase in measles activity, mainly in the east of the country. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

More information:

• Measles Outbreaks 2019 (Department of Health)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health)

Medical facilities

Medical treatment standards are reasonable. Hospitals and other medical facilities are improving, but vary in quality.

In rural and border regions, facilities can be limited.

Some doctors speak English, but other hospital staff rarely do.

Doctors and public hospitals usually expect you to pay cash up-front.

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

If you're arrested, 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

Don't use or carry illegal drugs.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. Possessing even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Proof of identification

Local authorities can ask to see identity documents at any time.

Always carry your passport with you.

Alcohol laws

It's illegal to drink alcohol in the street in Bratislava Old Town. Doing so can result in a fine.

There may be exceptions for:

• seasonal markets
• outdoor seating at restaurants and bars

Photography

It's illegal to take photos of:

• military areas
• military vehicles
• other security-related subjects

Driving offences

Fines for minor driving infringements are heavy.

You need to pay these fines on the spot. If you don't, officials may take your licence.

Penalties for serious driving offences can include prison sentences.

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

Slovakia recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Slovakia is a part of the Schengen area. This means you can enter the country without a visa in some situations.

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

Global travel has been impacted by COVID-19 and remains unpredictable. Your plans may be disrupted at short notice. Be aware of the risks of travelling at this time and make informed decisions about your travel. See the COVID-19 Information for Australian Travellers.

Entry into Slovakia

Slovakia has entry restrictions in place. If you've been in a country in the preceding 14 days that Slovakia deems to be ‘low risk’ then you can enter without restrictions or quarantine. The list of low risk countries and entry requirements, including for Australian travellers, is here. The list is reviewed approximately every two weeks based on the prevalence of COVID-19 and is subject to change.

Slovakia is part of the Schengen Area. It is not possible to enter Slovakia from outside a neighbouring or EU and Schengen Area country. If you're arriving from a country that is not on the list, you may enter through internal borders with neighbouring EU countries. Land borders are open. You must enter self-isolation and remain there until receiving a negative COVID-19 test, unless an exemption applies. It is your responsibility to contact the health authorities or register online at the Slovak Government's Coronavirus website to arrange the test. Isolation at accommodation facilities is acceptable.

Refer to the European Commission Re-open EU web platform for country-specific information for each EU Member State, including on entry restrictions.  

If you're transiting through Slovakia, you're not required to quarantine or provide a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test. You must pass through without stopping, no later than eight hours after entry, including any necessary refuelling.

Departure from Slovakia

Airlines operating from Bratislava Airport are gradually reintroducing services. Be aware that flights are less frequent than before the pandemic and may be subject to change or cancellation. If you’re in Slovakia and want to return home, you can access international flights with connections to Australia from Vienna, Budapest  and Prague. 

Staying in Slovakia

If you’re staying in Slovakia, find out about visa regulations in place and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Slovakia is gradually re-opening. The further easing of COVID-19 measures is dependent on further developments. Authorities could bring back restrictive measures at short notice. Strict compliance with hygiene and social distancing rules remains essential.

• Monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities
• Take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19
• Ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay
• Keep in contact with family and friends so they know you're safe and well.

More information:

• Coronavirus information (Ministry of Health, in English )
• List of regional public health authorities for COVID-19 tests (Public Health Authority)
• Coronavirus information (Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in English) 
• Coronavirus in the Slovak Republic (The Slovak Spectator, English language media)

The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

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

Customs officials may ask you for:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of enough money for your stay

If you're staying in private accommodation for more than 30 days, you need to register with the police. Do this within 3 days of arriving.

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 carry your passport securely.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must notify the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Slovakia's official currency is the Euro.

Only change money at banks or other authorised dealers. Don't use street money changers.

Declare cash of more than 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Slovakia and a non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

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

Driving permit

You can drive in Slovakia for up to 90 days with both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before departing Australia.

Road travel

Roads in Slovakia are generally safe.

Driving in poor weather, particularly on rural roads, may be dangerous.

When driving in Slovakia, you must:

• have winter tyres in snow or icy conditions
• switch your vehicle headlights on all year round
• equip your vehicle for emergency situations

The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0%.

Purchase online an electronic permit (vignette) if you drive on certain highways and motorways.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Taxi drivers can overcharge tourists by adding fees or by not using the meter.

Use only clearly marked taxis. Insist that you'll pay only the fare shown on the meter. 

Public transport

Slovakia has a well-developed and reliable public transportation system. This includes trains that run to all major towns.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

River cruises

If you plan to join a Danube river cruise, read the health and travelling by boat pages.

Air travel

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

Check the Slovakia 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

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

For non-urgent criminal issues, contact the nearest police station.

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 doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Slovakia.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Austria.

Australian Embassy, Vienna

Mattiellistraße 2-4 (third floor) 
1040 Vienna
Phone: +43 1 506 740
Fax: +43 1 506 74 185
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