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 people
• places popular with foreigners

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report any suspicious behaviour to the police
• 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. 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.

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

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.

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 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:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people are usually peaceful but can turn violent. 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 stay safe:

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

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Slovenia experiences severe weather, including:

• avalanches
• flash flooding
• mudslides (in mountain regions)
• forest fires

People have been killed in mudslides in recent years.

Weather in mountain regions is unpredictable and 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 
• ensure cigarettes are completely extinguished.

Before you travel:

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

Skiing outside of prepared skiing areas (off-piste) 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. You may feel occasional tremors.

More information:

• European Avalanche Warning Service
• Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief

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 thouands 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
• If you plan to undertake high-risk activities, such as mountaineering or skiing, make sure your travel insurance covers you in an emergency. 

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)
• COVID-19 (Department of Health and Aged Care)

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. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

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

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use only

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested and rural areas.

 They're active from spring to autumn.

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

COVID-19 remains a risk in Slovenia. If you need to visit a medical provider for any illness or condition, call the provider to arrange your visit before you go.

More information:

• Coronavirus disease COVID-19 (Slovenian Ministry of Health)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Australian Department of Health and Aged Care)

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. Medical evacuations aren't covered by the agreement. 

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.

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

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

Visas

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, and customs/quarantine rules.

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

Entry into Slovenia

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 an onward return ticket.

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

More information

• Information on visiting Slovenia, including entry restrictions (Slovenian Tourist Board)
• Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Slovenian Tourist Board)
• Information on COVID-19, including entry and local restrictions  (Slovenian Ministry of the Interior)
• Border point information and opening hours (Slovenian Ministry of the Interior)
• Advisory for the Schengen Area
• Re-open EU

Departure from Slovenia

If you're departing Slovenia for a neighbouring country, you should refer to the relevant travel advisory of neighbouring countries for departure and entry information for that destination.

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.

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:  

• LGBTI travellers 

The local currency is the Euro.

Declare more than 10,000 euros or equivalent funds if you're travelling between Slovenia 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. 

Driving permit

You can drive on your Australian driver's licence for up to 12 months from your registration date.

Some car hire agencies may need you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

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 with clearly marked 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.

You must purchase an e-vignette before driving on motorways. E-vignettes can be purchased online on the DARs website or at DARs points of sale, such as petrol stations and post offices. Vignette stickers are no longer accepted.

By law:

• always have your headlights on (even during the daytime)
• carry a reflective vest, a spare wheel and a warning triangle in your 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. They may take your passport and other documents if you refuse to pay.

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 that 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

Tourist telephone

Call 080 1900 to report comments, complaints, criticism and suggestions regarding providers. This is a toll-free number available 24 hours a day. 

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

Depending on what you need, contact your:

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

Police

Call 112 or 113  in an emergency.

When it is not an emergency, you can anonymously report crimes to 080 12 00.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

AMZS roadside assistance

Call 1987.

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.

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

The Icon, Gertrude-Fröhlich-Sandner-Str. 2
1100 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 1 506 740
Email: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au
Website: austria.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @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