Slovakia

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 is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

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 a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism
• Slovak police on Facebook

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:

• Protests and civil unrest

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

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:

• Scams that affect travellers

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

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.

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.

West Nile virus (WNV) cases have been reported. 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:

• Hepatitis

To reduce your risk of illness:

• practice good hygiene
• avoid contaminated food or water
• make sure your vaccinations are up to date

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
• World Health Organization 

There’s no agreement between Australia and Slovakia for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

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.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

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.

Slovakia recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

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:

• EU Notifications of Temporary Reintroduction of Border Controls
• Visa information (Department of Foreign And European Affairs of the Slovak Republic)
• information on borders (Department of Interior of the Slovak Republic

The European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports. 

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues when the system starts.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to 

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen area 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.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements .

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

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.

Driving permit

You can drive 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 are generally safe.

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

When driving, 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:

• 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. 

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:

• 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

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

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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