Slovakia ETIAS | European Visa Waiver Program for Slovakia

Q: What documents do I need to visit Slovakia?

To visit Slovakia for tourism, business, or transit purposes, visa-exempt citizens from outside the EU will soon need to register with ETIAS. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is being introduced to make European destinations safer and will become mandatory soon after its launch in late 2023. A passport valid for the 3 months from the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area is needed for ETIAS. A credit or debit card and an email address are the only other requirements. Once approved, the ETIAS visa waiver is linked to the biometric chip in the applicant’s passport. Overseas visitors who do not qualify for ETIAS due to their nationality or reason for travel must apply for a visa for Slovakia.

Travellers from visa-exempt nations will soon need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver before visiting Slovakia.

Slovakia is one of the Schengen nations that will benefit from the added safety of ETIAS once it becomes available: the objective of the new permit is to boost cross-border security.

The ETIAS visa waiver will be quick and easy to apply for; eligible foreigners will complete the request online a few days before departure. With the approved visa waiver, non-EU nationals can explore Slovakia and any of the rest of the travel zone for up to 90 days.

SLOVAKIA BASIC INFORMATION

SLOVAKIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

The modern-day Slovak Republic has existed as an independent nation since 1993. Before this, the territory formed part of Czechoslovakia, which separated peacefully to create Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Slovakia became a member of the European Union on 1st May 2004 and joined the Eurozone in 2009, replacing the Koruna with the Euro. Slovakia is also a member of NATO and the United Nations.

Since becoming a member of the EU, Slovakia has played an important role in key decision-making processes of the union.

Within the EU, Slovakia has 13 MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) and, as such, participates in the Council of Europe, the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and other European institutions and organisations.

As a Schengen Area nation, Slovakia has been involved with the development of ETIAS. The permit will complement the existing visa liberalisation policy and become an entry requirement for non-EU travelers in Slovakia.

TRAVELLING TO SLOVAKIA

The climate of Slovakia, combined with its diverse landscapes, makes it a great year-round travel destination. The warmer summer months are ideal for city breaks, while cold winters provide top conditions for skiing and other snow sports.

Slovakia boasts a high-income economy and is known for having a high standard of living, ranking highly on the Human Development Index. Slovakia is not only a great location for travellers interested in history, but it's also an excellent example of advanced modern-day Europe.

One of the reasons why many third-country nationals choose Slovakia as a holiday destination is that they can stay in the country short term without a visa. Visa-exempt individuals will need to meet the ETIAS requirements and apply online once it becomes available.

DO I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SLOVAKIA?

Visitors from elsewhere in the EU should take their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when visiting Slovakia. Whether or not a non-European needs to take out health insurance for Slovakia depends on the type of permit for which they are applying.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ETIAS SLOVAKIA

Medical insurance is not required to obtain the ETIAS for Slovakia. Travellers are not asked to provide evidence of medical insurance when completing the online application.

Nevertheless, health coverage is recommended to cover the cost of any medical treatment required while in Slovakia and enjoy the trip with greater peace of mind.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR SLOVAKIA

Travellers from outside the EU who do not qualify for ETIAS must instead apply for a Schengen visa for Europe. One of the additional requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa is evidence of health insurance.

To be granted a visa, evidence of medical insurance valid for the entire Schengen Area, for a minimum of €30,000, must be provided.

CROSSING SLOVAKIA BORDER CHECKPOINTS

There are no border checkpoints within the Schengen travel zone. Passport holders from within the EU should simply carry their documentation with them when travelling to Slovakia from another European nation.

CITIZENS OF VISA-EXEMPT THIRD COUNTRIES

People from countries included in Europe’s visa liberalisation policy can cross an external Schengen border into Slovakia using just a passport, provided the stay does not exceed 90 days.

From 2026 such travellers will be able to get an ETIAS visa waiver to cross the border and move around the Schengen Area without a visa. ETIAS will become an entry requirement for visa-free travel to Slovakia.

OTHER THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONALS

Travellers who do not qualify for ETIAS need a Schengen visa in addition to a valid passport, evidence of onward travel, and sufficient funds for the entire trip to enter Slovakia from outside the EU.

ARRIVING IN SLOVAKIA BY PLANE, CAR, AND TRAIN

M. R. Štefánik Airport (IATA: BTS, ICAO: LZIB), also known as Bratislava Airport, is Slovakia’s main international airport. It is situated just under 6 miles (9km) from Bratislava city centre with good public transport connections. Bratislava airport handles just under 2.3 million passengers annually.

Flying is a popular choice for travellers arriving from outside Europe. Direct flights between the Slovakian capital and other major European cities make flying a convenient option for inter-European travel too.

INTERNATIONAL TRAIN TRAVEL TO SLOVAKIA

Visitors arriving from neighbouring ETIAS countries such as Austria, Poland, and Hungary may choose to go to Slovakia by train. Some popular international routes include:

Bratislava to Budapest (Hungary): 2 hours 40 minutes
Bratislava to Prague (Czech Republic): 4 hours
Bratislava to Vienna (Austria): 1 hour
Bratislava to Warsaw (Poland): 8 hours

DRIVING TO SLOVAKIA

Slovakia’s central location in Europe makes driving suitable for visitors arriving from surrounding Schengen Area nations.

As there are no internal checkpoints, motorists will not be stopped as they drive into Slovakia. However, foreigners should have their passport and ETIAS permit, or a valid visa, on their person.

VISITING SLOVAKIA: WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Slovakia’s landscapes are dotted with historical ruins and castles, some of which are famous for appearing in films such as Dragonheart and The Last Legion. Slovakia’s castles are some of the country’s most beautiful and popular tourist attractions.

The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, is an attractive destination that borders both Austria and Hungary via two river banks. The city is a hub for cultural, economic, and political activity for Slovakia, while the charming Old Town is well worth exploring.

Slovakia is home to some excellent ski resorts which welcome snow-sports enthusiasts each winter: Štrbské Pleso, Jasná Nízke Tatry, and Donovaly Park Snow are all good options.

Souvenirs in Slovakia are typically made from wood, ceramic, cloth, glass, and corn husks. There are many handcrafted souvenirs relating to Slovak folklore and culture, including traditional costumes.

ETIAS for Slovakia - FAQs

Which countries can I visit near Slovakia?

Slovakia’s location in central Europe makes it an ideal base from which to visit several other European nations.

Four other Schengen Area countries border Slovakia: Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria. As there are no internal Schengen borders, each of these destinations can be accessed easily from Slovakia using an ETIAS visa waiver or Schengen visa.

Direct flights from Bratislava airport provide quick access to other European destinations such as Germany and France.

Ukraine also borders Slovakia. Travellers should check the visa requirements before travel.

Which visa do I need to visit Slovakia?

Passport holders from visa-exempt nations can visit Slovakia using their passport and, from 2025, an ETIAS visa waiver.

The ETIAS application is entirely online and requires just a valid passport, credit or debit card, and email address.

Overseas visitors who are not eligible for ETIAS must instead obtain a Schengen visa for Slovakia. The visa application process is more complex and includes additional supporting documents such as proof of funds and medical insurance for the trip.

What documents do I need to visit Slovakia?

To visit Slovakia for tourism, business, or transit purposes, visa-exempt citizens from outside the EU will soon need to register with ETIAS.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is being introduced to make European destinations safer and will become mandatory soon after its launch in late 2023.

A passport valid for the 3 months from the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area is needed for ETIAS. A credit or debit card and an email address are the only other requirements.

Once approved, the ETIAS visa waiver is linked to the biometric chip in the applicant’s passport.

Overseas visitors who do not qualify for ETIAS due to their nationality or reason for travel must apply for a visa for Slovakia.

ETIAS for Slovakia

Europe travel authorisation for Slovakia