Threat level: Low-Medium
COVID-19 Situation in Slovenia
Due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases in Slovenia, the country has declared an epidemic of the novel coronavirus on the 19th of October, allowing the government to impose further restrictions during a period of 30 days. New restrictions include a night-time curfew between 21:00 and 06:00, restrictions on movements between municipalities, the closure of non-essential shops, hotels, restaurants and bars, and a ban on public gatherings of more than 6 people.
The country has introduced a color system (Red, Amber, Green) to determine the requirements that travellers must comply with when they arrive into Slovenia.
Social distancing of at least 1.5 meter must be maintained and the use of face masks is mandatory in indoor public places, on public transport and crowded places such as high streets, and you must sanitise your hands when using public transport.
The current travel advice in Slovenia is to remain cautious of petty crime as this is the most common issue. Violent crime is a rare occurrence in Slovenia, and your visit should be hassle-free.
Slovenia is often used only as a drive through to more popular European destinations such as Italy and Hungary, however it is a beautiful country in itself, known as being one of the greenest countries in the world – around half the country is covered in forest.
Recent Security Risk Events
Slovenia has recently been used as a transit route for migrants seeking refuge in Western Europe. In 2016, the Prime Minister of the country placed restrictions on entry to the country via the Balkans route as part of a wider initiative to reduce the number of migrants making their way to Europe.
Security Risks
Slovenia is one of the safest countries in the world for visitors, and prides itself in its extremely low crime rates. You should still take sensible precautions throughout your stay: remain wary of car break-ins, especially in places such as gas stations. The risk of this can be reduced by ensuring that no valuables are left on display in the car.
Occasionally there are strikes, protests and other public demonstrations around government buildings. Whilst for the most part these are peaceful, they can sometimes lead to violent clashes and be confrontational. The best travel advice in Slovenia is to be advised to stay clear of such areas when demonstrations are underway.
Slovenia declared its independence in 1991 and is involved in five major peacekeeping bodies including the UN and NATO. Slovenia has relations with 29 countries in a bilateral military exchange, with its strongest relation being with the United States. It was involved in the first UN peacekeeping operation whereby they provided 27 troops for the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
Slovenia has generally strong and supportive bilateral relations with its neighbours. There are minor tensions with Croatia, mostly related to the succession of former Yugoslavia such as the demarcation of the two country’s common border. Slovenia supported Croatia’s entry into the EU in 2013.
The Hungarian minority in Slovenia are treated well and have been granted a policy of positive discrimination. As such, relations between Slovenia and Hungary are excellent. Slovenia has good relations with many other countries including Italy, United States and the United Kingdom.
The road network in Slovenia is considered to be well-developed, maintained with road signs and regulations being consistent with most of Europe. There is a vignette system for motorway travel in Slovenia and all vehicles must have one to travel. You can be charged up to €800 if you attempt to travel without one. Being pulled over for driving without a vignette is one of the most common problems faced by tourists to Slovenia.
If you are visiting the country in the winter months (between 15th November and 15th March) you must ensure that your vehicle has winter tyres on if there are winter conditions such as snowfall or black ice. This will reduce the chances of a road accident, and is a simple yet necessary precaution to take. You can be fined if you do not comply with this. It is also law that your headlights remain on when operating your vehicles at all times.
On the spot fines can be issued for speeding, driving whilst under the influence and using a mobile device. Fines can also be issued to pedestrians for acts such as jaywalking. Travelling in Slovenia should pose no issues providing the right precautions are taken.
European citizens are able to use their own driving licences in Slovenia. Other countries including the United States will need a valid driving licence plus an international driving permit to drive legally.
When travelling by car in an EU country, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.
Public transport is very good but tourists should remain aware of taxi drivers overcharging their customers during their journey. You should remain wary of taxi drivers switching off their meters when you get in the vehicle.
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides companies and organisations with Commercial Travel Risk Services designed to mitigate risks of staff when they travel for business. If you are interested in these services, please see: Commercial Travel Risk Services.
Police emergency: 113
Fire emergency: 112
Medical emergency 112
Notes:
112 can be used to reach medical and fire emergency services as well as rescue teams. 113 will connect you to the Slovene police.
Capital: Ljubljana
Official languages: Slovene
Religion: Christianity and Islam
Currency: Euro (EUR)
U.S. Embassy Ljubljana
Prešernova 31,
1000 Ljubljana,
Slovenia
Telephone: +386 1200 5595
Telephone: +386 1200 5556 (Out of hours)
Email: ACSLjubljana@state.gov
British Embassy Ljubljana
Trg republike 3
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Telephone: +386 1200 3910
Email: info@british-embassy.si
Citizens from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America can enter Slovenia without a visa providing their stay is less than 90 days. The same applies to European visitors as with many other nationalities. You should check with your local embassy if you are unsure this applies to you. It is recommended that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond the length of your proposed 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 than 90 days in Slovenia 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.
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 Slovenia. 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 Slovenia are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get Tetanus vaccinations. You may also want to consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, 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.
Slovenia has an adequate health care system, however immediate cash payment is usually required before treatment. You should purchase travel insurance that will cover you for all medical expenses including evacuation in case of a serious accident or illness. An EHIC card will cover all European citizens for health care through the public system in Slovenia.
88 Kingsway, London
WC2B 6AA
United Kingdom
© Black Water Security. All Rights Reserved. 2024
Designed by HTML Codex