Fire and rescue services
Call 112.
Medical emergencies
Call 112.
Police
Call 112.
We advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in Slovakia.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Call 112.
We advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in Slovakia.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Slovakia.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Slovakia.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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.
A fatal shooting on 12 October 2022 was deemed a terrorist act. Before this attack, there was no recent history of terrorism in Slovakia. Further attacks can't be ruled out. Potential targets include:
To protect yourself from terrorism:
If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Petty crime happens, especially around:
Pickpockets often:
To protect yourself from crime:
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:
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.
Travellers have been robbed or assaulted after having their drinks spiked.
To reduce your risks:
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.
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 to 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:
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:
More information:
Slovakia experiences severe weather events, such as:
Weather in mountain regions is unpredictable and can change suddenly.
If you're visiting an area recently affected by severe weather:
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 thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
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:
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:
More information:
Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forest areas.
Ticks are common in country areas and active from spring to autumn.
To protect yourself from illness:
Measles
Slovakia has experienced outbreaks of measles. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Slovakia.
Face masks are only required in high-risk settings, such as healthcare facilities and pharmacies. You can be fined if you don't follow public health measures.
More information:
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:
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:
Local authorities can ask to see identity documents at any time.
Always carry your passport with you.
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:
It's illegal to take photos of:
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:
Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't widely accepted. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
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 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
Entry restrictions may change at short notice. 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 the following:
If you stay 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 are operating as normal. You can access international flights with connections to Australia from Vienna, Budapest and Prague.
More information:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Driving permit
You can drive in Slovakia for up to 90 days with both:
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:
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.
Public transport
Slovakia has a well-developed and reliable public transportation system. This includes trains that run to all major towns.
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
For non-urgent criminal issues, contact the nearest police station.
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.
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
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