Security travel advice for Slovakia

How safe is Slovakia ?

Threat level: Low-Medium
The current travel advice in Slovakia is to remain cautious, however most visits to the country should be trouble free. If you are visiting the country during the summer months, when most tourists visit the county remain cautious of pickpockets, especially in busy tourist areas such as Bratislava.

COVID-19 Situation in Slovakia

Amid the new strain of coronavirus in the UK, entry to Slovakia is restricted to UK travellers until further notice.

Due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases and to the current sanitary situation around the world, the country is in lockdown since the 31st of December 2020 and a state of emergency was declared as a result that will be in effect until at least the 19th of March 2021. A 20-hour curfew has been imposed split into two phases: between 05:00 and 20:00 people can only go out for permitted reasons and between 20:00 and 01:00, restrictions on movement are more stringent as people can only go out for essential reasons including travelling to and from work, seeking medical assistance or walking a pet.

Slovakia has implemented a series of other measures to curb the spread of the virus: the compulsory use of face masks indoors and outdoors in crowded places where social distancing can't be respected, banning visits to and mixing with other households, banning travel beyond one's district, restricting operations of public venues such as restaurants, cafes and bars to only providing takeaways and a capacity reduction in shops with temperature checks at the entrance.

When travelling to Slovakia, travellers must register their trip in advance on the Slovak's Government website and complete a Passenger Locator Form. Further to this, travellers will be subject to a free COVID-19 test arranged upon receipt of your travel registration and they must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.

To avoid contracting the disease, wear a face mask, sanitise your hands regularly, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings.

Recent Security Risk Events
There have been some recent reports to suggest that migrants on the Hungary-Slovakia border have been injured, there has been reported shooting between guards and cars trying to cross the border. Be cautious when travelling to the border area and monitor the local media when possible.

Security Risks
In a small number of cases, foreign-licensed cars have been targeted by thieves so you should ensure that it remains locked at all times and do not leave valuables on display. There is a low threat of terrorist attacks in Slovakia but tourists should be aware of the threat on a wider European scale.

You should not take photos of military or security installations such as government buildings or military bases as this is strictly prohibited in Slovakia. You could be subject to a reprimand or fine if you ignore this.

Heavy rain is a common occurrence in Slovakia which can sometimes lead to flooding. The best travel advice in Slovakia is that you keep up to date with the local news and listen to advice and instructions issued by the local authority. There was severe flooding in June 2013.

Security in Serbia

The current travel advice in Serbia is to remain cautious at all times. Visitors should be particularly careful of residual mines that have been left in Serbia after the 1999 conflict with Kosovo. This is mainly affected in mountainous regions in the north and east but can be in other areas too. Remain particularly mindful in the areas Presevo and Bujanova where you should not stray off route – mines are usually covered by deep vegetation.

Recent Security Risk Events
In 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia however the Serbian government said this declaration was not legal. Independence was recognised by many of the European and United States powers, leading to tension and fighting between the two countries. This still remains, so the best travel advice in Serbia is for travellers to be advised to stay cautious if you travel near to the border. Serbia still does not recognise Kosovo as an independent state.

Since Kosovo’s declaration, there has been a number of political demonstrations and gatherings in the capital city. These usually stay peaceful and trouble free however you are advised to avoid such areas and remain alert should demonstrations turn violent.

Security Risks
The stability of Serbia is generally very good, and with no indications of terrorist threats, your trip to Serbia should be trouble free and peaceful providing the necessary precautions are taken. There can be a danger of forest fires, especially during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. Ensure that you dispose of cigarettes correctly and carefully. Some areas of the country can be prone to flooding preceding heavy bouts of rain. If this is the case, you should listen to recommendations given by the local Serbian authority.

Slovakia's International Relations

Slovakia joined the European Union in 2004, and since then has been actively involved in USA and NATO led military actions. The country’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation offers its citizens their main guarantees of security.

Slovakia continues to pursue the maintenance of strong trans-Atlantic ties. Alongside its membership in World Trade Organisation, OECD and the UN, it also is part of the Visegrad Four in which the four member countries would discuss common causes of concern. Slovakia is well integrated into European affairs.

Slovakia’s relations with Lichtenstein were strained due to disputes over land ownership, however the two countries established diplomatic relations in December 2009. Despite sharing over 670km of common border, relations between Slovakia and Hungary have been shaky and disputes between the countries a regular occurrence.

Travelling around Slovakia

You should ensure that your vehicle is adequately ensured in the line with European regulation. UK and European visitors are able to use their driving licence for a period of up to 6 months – if your stay exceeds that you should exchange your licence for a Slovak one. Drivers outside out the EU should check driving licence requirements before operating any vehicles in Slovakia.

Many of the main roads in the country consist of only one lane in each direction so be careful when overtaking cars and remain aware of cars that may overtake you. High-ways around the country’s capital, Bratislava, have up to four lanes are in good condition. Roads are generally well-maintained however after the winter months there may be damage to the road from the weather conditions. Winter tyre must be fitted if there is snow or ice on the road. Headlights on all vehicles must be switched on all year round despite the surrounding conditions. During periods of heavy snow fall, rural roads will not be tended to quickly, and thick snow may remain on them for many days.

There is a zero tolerance policy of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You will be breathalysed if involved in any road incident regardless of who is to blame. Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road in Slovakia and each vehicle must contain safety reflection vests and a first aid kit.

Public transport is generally a good standard. Taxi companies are a reliable mode of transport but ensure that the driver is not overcharging you for your journey. Public transport can also be used without issues, however remain wary of pick pockets. You should ensure that your travel ticket is valid for the whole journey or you could be subject to a fine.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Slovakia

Police emergency: 112
Fire emergency: 112
Medical emergency 112

Slovakia Overview

Capital: Bratislava
Official languages: Slovak
Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic)
Currency: Euro

Consular information for Slovakia

U.S. Embassy Bratislava
Hviezdoslavovo námestie 4,
811 02 Bratislava
Slovakia
Telephone: +421 25443 0861
Telephone (Out of Hours): +421 90370 3666
Email: consulbratislava@state.gov

British Embassy Bratislava
Panská 16
811 01 Bratislava
Slovakia
Telephone: +421 2599 82000
Email: britishembassybratislava@fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for Slovakia

Most travellers including all Europeans, Americans and Canadians can enter Slovakia for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. Check with your local embassy if you are unsure of visa requirements for the country. Your passport should have at least 3 months of validity beyond the length of your stay.

As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer in Slovakia than 90 days whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.

Healthcare and Immunisations

If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.

If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Slovakia. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.

It is advised that visitors to Slovakia are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get Hepatitis A and Tetanus vaccinations. You may also want to consider vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Tick-borne Encephalitis as it is present throughout the country. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

The quality of health care services available vary throughout the country. Most of the time, doctors or hospitals will require cash payment before treatment can begin. This payment can begin from the use of the ambulance, which can cost around €120. Comprehensive travel insurance should cover you for all medical requirements and can save you a lot of money. If you are planning on hiking or skiing in the country you may need to take out additional insurance for these sports.