Do I need a visa for Slovakia?

Recognised refugees in possession of a valid travel document issued by the government of any one of the above countries/territories are exempt from obtaining a visa for Slovakia (but no other Schengen country, except Germany and Hungary) for a maximum stay of 90 days in a 180-day period. You should have ID with you anyway, but to avoid hassle, make sure to keep an ID on you in border regions. If you need a visa, always apply at an embassy beforehand. There is no chance you will get a visa at a Slovak border, no matter how you enter or what your nationality is.

What is the best time to visit Slovakia?

The best months to visit are usually May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

What are the cultural customs in Slovakia?

Slovaks are friendly and peaceful people living in a free, democratic state. There are not really issues that would provoke actual hostility or trouble. Usually the worst thing that can happen is that you would be thought a bit boorish and have some history explained to you over a beer. However, it pays to be respectful and sensitive when discussing certain topics.

Field guide

Slovakia

Europe • Central EuropeBratislavaEuro (EUR) · €

SK, Slovak Republic, Slovenská republika

Updated December 22, 2025 at 12:34 AM · Sources

Names & aliases

SlovakiaSlovak RepublicSKSlovenská republika

Quick facts

CapitalBratislavaCurrencyEuro (EUR) · €LanguagesSlovakPopulation5,413,813Area49,037 km²Calling code+421Driving sideRight-hand

Climate (capital proxy)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

0°38

1°33

5°42

10°60

16°59

20°83

22°71

21°60

17°47

12°58

5°55

1°43

BestMayJunJulAugSep

Source: Open-Meteo Climate

Timezones

UTC+01:00

IANA zones (1)

Europe/Bratislava1 cams

Source: REST Countries

Pre-trip intel

Safety & entry

Source: U.S. Department of State

No data source connected

Safety highlights

No summary available.

Needs review

No bullet notes stored.

Source: U.S. Department of State

Entry & docs

Recognised refugees in possession of a valid travel document issued by the government of any one of the above countries/territories are exempt from obtaining a visa for Slovakia (but no other Schengen…

Recognised refugees in possession of a valid travel document issued by the government of any one of the above countries/territories are exempt from obtaining a visa for Slovakia (but no other Schengen country, except Germany and Hungary) for a maximum stay of 90 days in a 180-day period.
You should have ID with you anyway, but to avoid hassle, make sure to keep an ID on you in border regions.
If you need a visa, always apply at an embassy beforehand. There is no chance you will get a visa at a Slovak border, no matter how you enter or what your nationality is.

Source: Wikivoyage

On the ground

Getting around & connectivity

Source: Wikivoyage

Getting around

No summary available.

No bullet notes stored.

Source: Wikivoyage

Wi-Fi, SIMs & staying online

The international calling code for Slovakia is +421. You may dial emergency numbers from any phone for free.

The international calling code for Slovakia is +421.
You may dial emergency numbers from any phone for free. The universal European emergency number is 112. You may also dial 150 for the fire brigade, 155 for an ambulance, and 158 for the police. Dial 18300 for the Mountain Rescue Service or 18155 for the Air Rescue Service.
Slovak phones operate on the GSM standard, which covers practically all of the country. Mobile network operators use the 900 and 1800MHz GSM frequency bands, which might not be compatible with some US phones operating on 1900MHz.
Cellular network coverage of the three major networks (Slovak Telekom, Orange, and O 2 ) is mostly excellent throughout the country. 4G (LTE) is available in the huge majority of the country, including the countryside, with some 5G coverage primarily in urban areas.
They all (along with some virtual operators, biggest of which are Funfón and Tesco Mobile) offer a variety of prepaid cards with various "pay as you go" schemes (some market research is advised, if you want the best deal) and incentives. If you have an unlocked phone, these are easy to pick up in any phone shop, or you can purchase a cheap phone with a prepaid card included.

Source: Wikivoyage

Local wisdom

Etiquette, tipping & staying well

Etiquette & respect

Slovaks are friendly and peaceful people living in a free, democratic state. There are not really issues that would provoke actual hostility or trouble.

Slovaks are friendly and peaceful people living in a free, democratic state. There are not really issues that would provoke actual hostility or trouble. Usually the worst thing that can happen is that you would be thought a bit boorish and have some history explained to you over a beer. However, it pays to be respectful and sensitive when discussing certain topics.

Source: Wikivoyage

Tipping guidance

Tipping is not compulsory in Slovakia, but in practice it is common in establishments where you sit in (cafes and restaurants), where rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% tip is common. The tip is given directly to the waiter (i.

Tipping is not compulsory in Slovakia, but in practice it is common in establishments where you sit in (cafes and restaurants), where rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% tip is common. The tip is given directly to the waiter (i.e. tell him/her how much to give you back), not left on the table in most establishments. Tips are not included in the bill, if there is a percentage shown on your bill, this is usually the VAT. Tip is added to the bill and should be handed to the waiter while you pay, before you leave the table. Tipping is not compulsory, so if you are not satisfied with the service, don't feel obliged to tip! You will not be hassled if you don't.
Tipping is not common in over-the-counter establishments, bars or for other services.

Source: Wikivoyage

Health & wellness

No vaccination is necessary to visit or stay in Slovakia, although if you plan to visit countryside areas, a tick vaccination is recommended. Hepatitis A and B vaccination is also advisable as with all European countries.

No vaccination is necessary to visit or stay in Slovakia, although if you plan to visit countryside areas, a tick vaccination is recommended. Hepatitis A and B vaccination is also advisable as with all European countries.
Despite its many issues, the standard of healthcare is relatively high, but the language barrier might be a problem as not many doctors speak English. However, this should not be a problem in major towns, which have a Fakultná nemocnica.
The huge majority of foods and drinks are perfectly safe, and the hygiene standards in Slovakia are the same as elsewhere in the European Union.
Tap water is drinkable everywhere - according to one study, water used as tap water in the Bratislava-Vienna region is the cleanest in the world. If you prefer mineral waters, you can choose from a multitude of brands, since Slovakia has quite possibly the highest number of natural mineral water springs per capita.
The High Tatras might not be the biggest or tallest mountain range, but some trails may feature strenuous climbs, and rocky terrain, and the weather may prove unpredictable. Take proper gear, do not overestimate your abilities, and use common sense.

Source: Wikivoyage

Scams & street smarts

Slovakia is a very safe country, even by European standards. As a visitor you are unlikely to encounter any problems whatsoever.

Slovakia is a very safe country, even by European standards. As a visitor you are unlikely to encounter any problems whatsoever. Violent crime is especially uncommon, and Slovakia sees less violent crime per capita than many other European countries.
In case of an emergency, dial 112, the universal European emergency number. You may also dial 150 for the fire brigade, 155 for an ambulance, and 158 for the police.
When visiting cities, exercise the same caution as you would in any other European city - use common sense, be extra careful after the dark, stay aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings in sight, and avoid drunks and young men. Pickpockets can sometimes be found in bigger crowds and at major transit stations.
Attitudes towards LGBT travellers are fairly tolerant, especially so in the Bratislava region. In other parts of the country you might get weird stares for open displays of homosexuality, however, you are at no real risk of violent crime. Nevertheless, exercise caution, especially so due to the 2022 Bratislava terrorist attack, which unfortunately inspired more open displays of hostility - but also empathy.
Attitudes towards other races and ethnicities (i.e., not white) are generally very tolerant for much of the population. You might be stared upon if very "foreign-looking," but this is often simple curiosity. Nonetheless, the situation can differ in places with high support for neo-Nazi groups and movements, which can mostly be found in rural and central Slovakia. Hate speech and racist behaviour may happen. Still, violent crime is very rare and the most "passionate" display of hostility is usually shouting racist remarks, as most Slovaks keep to themselves.

Source: Wikivoyage

Practicalities

Money & essentials

Euro (EUR) · €GDP/cap $25,992.675Inflation 2.8%Plugs & voltage

Source: World Bank GDP per capita

Source: WorldStandards (plugs)

Highlights

Top places

Source: Wikivoyage

No places stored yet.

Cams

Cams in this country

Source: Webcam DB aggregates(prisma://webcams)

1MISC: 1

Top cities (1)

Bratislava · 1

Browse cams

Plan

Plan your trip

Trip planning

Source: Affiliate hub config(local://affiliate)

Flights via Skyscannerflight, transport Hotels via Booking.comhotel, lodging Travel Insurance via SafetyWinginsurance Guided Tours via Viatortours, experiences International eSIM via Airaloconnectivity

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Reference

Country reference data

Reference

ISOSKTLD.skBorders5Translations26Google Maps OpenStreetMap

Show full reference data

Identifiers

ISO Alpha-2SKCCA3SVKCCN3703CIOCSVKFIFASVKTLD.sk

Borders

AUTCZEHUNPOLUKR

Demonyms

Slovak / Slovak; Slovaque / Slovaque

Translations (26)

ara سلوفاكياbre Slovakiaces Slovenskocym Slovakiadeu Slowakeiest Slovakkiafin Slovakiafra Slovaquiehrv Slovačkahun Szlovákiaind Slowakiaita Slovacchiajpn スロバキアkor 슬로바키아nld Slowakijeper اِسلُواکیpol Słowacjapor Eslováquiarus Словакияslk Slovenskospa República Eslovacasrp Словачкаswe Slovakientur Slovakyaurd سلوواکیہzho 斯洛伐克

Sources