Passengers are required to hold health insurance covering the period of stay in
Slovakia, as well as funds equal to at least US$50 per day of stay (credit cards not accepted). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries:
Austria,
Belgium,
Czech Republic,
Denmark,
Estonia,
Finland,
France,
Germany,
Greece,
Hungary,
Iceland,
Italy,
Latvia,
Lithuania,
Luxembourg,
Malta,
The Netherlands,
Norway,
Poland,
Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia,
Spain and
Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel
freely within the borders of all.
Americans: US nationals require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
UK nationals: British citizens do not require a visa and must hold a passport valid for the period of stay. British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizens or British Subjects with right of abode in the
UK, with a passport valid for the period of stay, do not need a visa for up to 90 days in any six-month period. Other passport holders require a visa and a passport valid for at least three months after expiry date of visa.
Canadians: Canadians require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Australians: Australians require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
South Africans: South Africans require a visa for entry to Slovakia and passports must be valid for at least three months past the expiry date of visa.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Health
There are no vaccinations required for travel to Slovakia. No special precautions are necessary, except for visitors intending to spend time in the forests, in which case a vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis is recommended. Bird flu was first detected in February 2006, and although there is little risk to travelers, close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry products well cooked as a precaution. No human deaths or infections have been reported. Slovakia has a reciprocal health agreement with most
EU countries providing emergency health care on the same terms as Slovak nationals. EU travelers should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them. It is still recommended that visitors take out comprehensive medical insurance, including mountain evacuation. Hospitals are available in all major towns, and pharmacies and clinics exist in the tourist areas and smaller towns, but little English is spoken.
Safety
Slovakia is generally a safe country to visit and most visitors will experience a trouble-free holiday. In the cities though, it is wise to be careful of personal possessions, particularly in popular tourist areas and on public transport, due to increasing incidents of pick-pocketing and bag snatching.
