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. 

A fatal shooting outside a Bratislava LGBTQIA+ bar on 12 October 2022 was deemed a terrorist act. Further attacks can't be ruled out against the LGBTQIA+ community including at clubs, pride marches or other community events.

Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather. 

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 an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism
• Slovak police on Facebook

Petty crime

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 invites to restaurants and bars from people you don't know. 

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can occur at popular nightclubs, often leading to sexual assault.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks alone
• stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs

More information

• Party safely

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.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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 an area recently affected by severe weather:

• confirm your plans and activities with your tour operator or travel provider
• check the condition of roads, transport and facilities with local tour operators and hotels
• follow the advice of local authorities
• don't ski outside marked trails (off-piste). This is highly dangerous.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers (especially if you plan to do adventure sports or winter sports)
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)
• If you plan to undertake high-risk activities, such as mountaineering or skiing, make sure your travel insurance covers you in an emergency.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Slovakia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forest areas.

Ticks are common in country areas and active from spring to autumn.

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

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.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter, but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

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.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Slovakia recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• 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, meaning you can enter the country without a visa in some cases.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Slovakia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Other formalities

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:

• Visa information (Department of Foreign And European Affairs of the Slovak Republic)
• information on borders (Department of Interior of the Slovak Republic

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again 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.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Slovakia for the latest details on entry requirements before you travel.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must notify the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

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 in Slovakia 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 in Slovakia are generally safe.

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

When driving in Slovakia, 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. 

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

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help 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