Slovakia

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in some locations across the country, including in major cities. The security situation continues to be volatile. Do not travel from Slovakia to Ukraine. There's a risk to life.

If you have arrived in Slovakia from Ukraine and are in need of assistance, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

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
• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• public areas that attract large groups of people, such as sporting venues, shopping centres and tourist attractions.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• always be aware of your surroundings
• take care near places known to be possible terrorist targets
• report suspicious behaviour 
• alert police to unattended bags
• monitor the media for updates
• 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

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 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
• don't leave valuables in the car

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 invites to restaurants and bars from people you don't know. 

Drink spiking

Travellers have been robbed or assaulted after having their drinks spiked. 

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
• make sure you have seen your drink prepared 

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 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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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
• follow the advice of local authorities

Don't ski outside prepared skiing areas (off-piste). This is highly dangerous.

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

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 (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)
• if your travel insurance covers cancellation for COVID-19, in the case where you or a travelling companion contract COVID-19 

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.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, 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)
• COVID-19 vaccines (Department of 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 medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in Slovakia. For information on Slovakia's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the COVID-19 vaccine page (in Slovak). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.

Public health measures may be in place to help protect you and others. Wearing a mask is only required in high-risk settings, such as healthcare facilities and pharmacies. You can be fined if you don't follow public health measures.

To protect yourself and others from illness:

• practise good hygiene 
• stay home if you're unwell
• self-quarantine as soon as possible if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19. Call Slovakia's health hotline on +421 911 989 989 for further instructions.

More information:

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

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forest areas.

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

To protect yourself from illness: 

• 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

Measles

Measles cases can routinely occur. Slovakia has experienced outbreaks in the past. 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.

More information:

• Arrested or Jailed

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:

• 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

Same-sex relationships are legal but are not widely accepted. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.  

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

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

Slovakia is a part of the Schengen area. This means you can enter the country without a visa in some situations. Refer to our advisory on the Schengen area and the European Commission Re-open EU web platform for country-specific information for each EU Member State, including on entry restrictions.

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

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.

Entry into Slovakia

You don't need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR result to enter Slovakia.

Land borders are open, but you may be subject to checks by Slovak authorities, particularly at the border with Ukraine. Airports are open, and schedules have returned to normal.

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 must register with the police. Do this within 3 days of arriving.

Departure from Slovakia

Bratislava and Kosice airports are open, and schedules have returned to normal. You can access international flights with connections to Australia from Vienna, Budapest and Prague. 

More information:

• COVID-19 legislation (Slovak)
• Coronavirus information (Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs) 
• IOM Migration Information Centr

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 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.

Local restrictions

Face masks are only required in high-risk settings, such as healthcare facilities and pharmacies. Access venues no longer require proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.

You should check the Slovak government COVID-19 website (in Slovak) for the latest restrictions and exemptions, as these can change at short notice. The English pages are not updated regularly. 

More information (in English):

• Radio Slovakia International 
• Coronavirus information (Ministry of Health)
• Coronavirus in the Slovak Republic (The Slovak Spectator)

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)

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

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
• keep your headlights on at all times (even during the daytime)
• carry a warning triangle and first aid kit in your vehicle 

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 borders stations. 

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

Use only clearly marked taxis. Check that the meter is running at the beginning of your trip to avoid being overcharged. 

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.

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:

• 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

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
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