Advice levels
What does this mean?Overview
Safety
- Do not travel from Slovakia to Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile.
- Always be alert to terrorism. Terrorists have targeted European cities. Crowded places, such as music and cultural events, festivals, Pride events, tourist areas, markets, shopping areas, transport hubs, major sporting events and other public areas are possible targets. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities. Report anything suspicious to the police. Petty crime, theft from vehicles and highway robberies can happen. Be careful on public transport, in tourist areas, petrol stations and highway parking areas. Use secure parking facilities.
- Bars and restaurants can overcharge travellers, and disputes about overcharging can lead to violence. Always check menu prices before ordering.
- Weather in mountain regions is unpredictable and can change suddenly. Don't ski outside prepared ski areas.
Full travel advice: Safety
Health
- Take care in forests and rural areas where ticks carry encephalitis. Ticks are active from March to November. Check your body for ticks and remove them as soon as possible.
- Medical treatment standards are reasonable, but facilities may be limited in rural areas. Hospitals and doctors may require payment upfront before they will treat you.
Full travel advice: Health
Local laws
- Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties include heavy fines and prison sentences.
- Always carry your ID.
- Taking photos of military and police personnel, buildings, vehicles, or equipment is illegal.
- Penalties for driving offences are severe. Pay fines on the spot.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Travel
- Slovakia is part of the Schengen area, meaning you can enter the country without a visa in some cases.
- The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area is expected to start in October 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.
- Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact Slovakia's nearest embassy or consulate for details. Ensure that you meet all entry and exit conditions. The Australian government can't assist you if you don't.
- Register with the police if you plan to stay longer than 3 days in Slovakia.
Full travel advice: Travel
Local contacts
- The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
- Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Slovakia.
- For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Vienna, Austria.
- To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Full advice
Safety
Border with Ukraine
Do not travel from Slovakia to Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. The security situation continues to be volatile. Take care while travelling in the regions bordering Ukraine.
Terrorism
Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.
Possible targets include:
- places of worship or religious holidays
- hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
- markets and shopping malls
- outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts and sporting venues, including LGBTQIA+ events
- public transport, airports and railway hubs
To stay safe:
- be aware while in places known to be possible targets
- report suspicious activities or items to the police
- check the media for new threats
- take official warnings seriously
- follow the instructions of local authorities
If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Civil unrest and political tension
Demonstrations and events that draw large groups of people are generally peaceful but can turn violent.
They can also disrupt traffic and public transport.
To stay safe:
- avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
- follow the advice of local authorities
- monitor local media
More information:
Crime
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 often:
- work in teams
- include children
- use distraction techniques
- target foreigners
To protect yourself from crime:
- watch your belongings on trains, buses and taxis, especially at night
- don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places, especially on foot
- always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
- be alert to suspicious behaviour
- leave a situation if you think there may be danger
- monitor local media for new safety risks
- keep your passport separate from your other ID
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
- don't leave valuables in the car
Drink spiking
Drink spiking can occur at popular nightclubs, sometimes leading to sexual assault.
Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.
More information
Overcharging
Bars and restaurants sometimes overcharge travellers. Disputes about overcharging can lead to violence.
Always check the price of food and drinks before ordering. Be wary of invitations to restaurants and bars from strangers.
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.
More information:
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Climate and natural disasters
Slovakia experiences severe weather events and natural disasters, such as:
- avalanches
- flash flooding
- snowstorms
- mudslides (in mountain regions)
Weather in mountain regions is unpredictable and can change suddenly.
If you're visiting mountain regions:
- 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 prepared skiing areas (off-piste) is dangerous and may void your insurance. Stick to marked slopes and trails.
Check your travel insurance covers all your planned activities.
More information:
- European Avalanche Warning Service
- Slovak Mountain Rescue Service (in Slovak language)
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
If you need help from the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service, you'll need to pay 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.
Wildlife safety
Bears and wolves are occasionally encountered in mountain areas. You should take particular care if you're in an area where bears have been sighted.
Health
Travel insurance
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. 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 thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
- what activities and care your policy covers (especially if you plan to do adventure sports or winter sports)
- that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)
- If you plan to undertake high-risk activities, such as mountaineering or skiing, make sure your travel insurance covers you in an emergency.
Physical and mental health
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.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
- General health advice
- Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
Medication
Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are 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 medication is
- your required dosage
- that it's for personal use
More information:
Health risks
West Nile virus (WNV) cases have been reported in Slovakia. There's no vaccine to prevent WNV.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forest areas.
Ticks are common in country areas and active from March to November.
To protect yourself from illness:
- make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
- use insect repellent
- wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
- check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests
- remove ticks as soon as possible, making sure to remove the whole tick
- monitor the tick site for signs of infection
Other health risks
Outbreaks of foodborne and other infectious diseases can occur. These include:
To reduce your risk of illness:
- practice good hygiene
- avoid contaminated food or water
- make sure your vaccinations are up to date
More information:
Medical care
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.
Local laws
Local law
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.
More information:
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. This includes marijuana.
More information:
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.
Australian laws
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Dual citizenship
Local customs
Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't widely accepted. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.
More information:
Travel
Visas and border measures
Visas
Slovakia is part of the Schengen area, which means that you can sometimes enter the country without a visa.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Slovakia for details about visas, currency, customs and other rules.
Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.
Border measures
You may be subject to random border checks by authorities, including at Schengen borders, particularly at borders with Austria.
Make sure you:
- check that the entry stamp in your passport is readable when you enter the Schengen area for the first time. Border officials may ask you to show them an onward or return ticket.
- carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area.
More information:
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area is expected to start in October 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.
The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.
You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced. If you visit the Schengen Area again within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.
This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Slovakia for the latest details on entry requirements before you travel.
Passport
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, 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.
Passport with 'X' gender identifier
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
Money
Slovakia's official currency is the Euro.
Declare more than 10,000 euros or equivalent funds if you're travelling between Slovakia and a non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not just cash. Failure to do so will result in fines.
You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.
ATMs may be rare in mountain areas or small villages.
Local travel
Driving permit
You can drive in Slovakia for up to 90 days with both:
- a valid Australian driver's licence, and
- an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.
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
- keep your headlights on at all times (even during the daytime)
- carry a warning triangle and first aid kit in your vehicle
Check your rental car is fitted with the required equipment.
The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0%.
You must purchase an electronic permit (vignette) to drive on motorways. You can buy these online or at petrol stations, post offices and border stations.
More information:
Motorcycles
Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis
Use only clearly marked taxis. Check that the meter is running at the beginning of your trip to avoid being overcharged.
If using rideshare apps, make sure you enter the vehicle with the same plate number and name shown in the app.
Public transport
Slovakia has a well-developed and reliable public transportation system. This includes trains that run to all major towns. Take care of your personal belongings, particularly on trains and in major transport hubs. Don't leave bags unattended on trains, even briefly.
More information:
River cruises
If you plan to join a Danube river cruise, read the health and travelling by boat pages.
Make sure you consider border crossings and travel with your passport.
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:
Local contacts
Emergencies
Depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- insurance provider
- employer
- airline
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
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.
Consular contacts
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
The Icon, Gertrude-Fröhlich-Sandner-Str. 2
1100 Vienna
Phone: +43 1 506 740
Email: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au
Website: austria.embassy.gov.au
X: @AusAmbVIE
Facebook: @AusEmbassyVie
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