ETIAS Visa Waiver for Slovenia
EU Travel Authorization for Slovenia
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Citizens from outside the EU will soon need an ETIAS travel Authorisation to visit Slovenia without a visa. ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System which will be operational from 2026 .
SLOVENIA: BASIC INFORMATION
Slovenia is one of the most water-rich countries in Europe, with many rivers and underground water, although most of its territory is covered by dense forests.
Due to its geographical location, the climate of Slovenia is continental, with the exception of the Slovene Littoral which enjoys sub-Mediterranean climate, and the Julian Alps, with an Alpine climate.
The coast of Slovenia borders the Adriatic Sea to the southwest and shares borders with the following countries:
- Austria
- Hungary
- Croatia
- Italy
Slovenia is currently a parliamentary republic. It is one of the successors of the former Yugoslavia and a member of the European Union, United Nations, and NATO.
The capital city of Slovenia is Ljubljana, with a population of 284,355 citizens. Other important cities in Slovenia include Maribor, Celje, Kranj, and Koper.
As part of the European Union since May 1st 2004, Slovenia is a Central European country bordered by various other nations as well as the Adriatic Sea. Previously belonging to now-defunct Yugoslavia, the country’s recent history has been one of on-going political change.
Slovenia also became part of NATO in the same year and in 2007, became one of the first former-Communist countries to be part of the Eurozone. In 2010 Slovenia joined the OECD, an international financial association which saw an increased involvement in the economic activities for Slovenia within Europe.
Slovenia
Capital city: Ljubljana
Official languages: Slovene, Italian, Hungarian
Currency: Euro
Population: 2,065,895
EU member since: May 1st 2004
SLOVENIA’S PATH TO EUROPE
The current region known as Slovenia has passed through many empires and through the hands of different states including the Roman and Byzantine empires, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Republic of Venice, Napoleonic and Austro-Hungarian rule.
By the end of the World War I, the Slovenes declared their right to self-government which resulted in the joint establishment of the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs, later merging with the Kingdom of Serbia to create the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which would be renamed a decade later the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
Despite the turmoil in the region throughout World War II, Yugoslavia reemerged post-war as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Slovenia was established as an independent nation in 1991. Since then, Slovenia has developed in many ways and as a current member of the EU, will continue to grow and adapt to new policies and programmes that are implemented in Europe. This includes the European visa waiver for Slovenia for all ETIAS-eligible nationalities who wish to visit the country from 2026 .
TRAVELLING TO SLOVENIA
This Adriatic gem is full of natural beauty that attracts tourists from all over. Mainly visited by fellow Europeans at the moment, as news spreads of Slovenia’s luscious landscapes and unspoilt splendour, it will come as no surprise that people from all over will be applying for a Slovenia ETIAS in the near future.
A leader in sustainable tourism, Slovenia has been proclaimed the first ‘green country’ in the world by the Dutch organization Green Destinations.
The country offers medieval cities, caves and fortresses, captivating castles, pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains and emerald gorges among other incredible places to visit.
In addition to the amazing sights to see, Slovenia also offers a plethora of astonishing architecture, outdoor activities, traditional culture and a gastronomic adventure like no other. Additionally, wine-lovers won’t be disappointed by what Slovenia has to offer to accompany their typical cuisine.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SLOVENIA
International travellers intending to visit Slovenia often wonder whether it is mandatory to apply for health coverage for their stay.
Whether health insurance for Slovenia is obligatory depends on the traveller’s nationality —and, therefore, the type of travel authorization they need to visit the country— as well as the length of their stay and the purpose of their trip.
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ETIAS SLOVENIA
Foreign nationals from ETIAS eligible countries are not required to obtain travel insurance with health coverage before visiting Slovenia. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to have health insurance when travelling in case the need for medical assistance arises.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA SLOVENIA
Non-EU travellers from visa-required countries must obtain a Schengen visa prior to their visit to Slovenia. One of the requirements for a Schengen visa is health insurance. The policy must cover the traveller in the European Union for a minimum of 30.000 euros.
Applicants requesting a Schengen visa that do not comply with all the necessary requirements might have their visa rejected.
SLOVENIA BORDER CONTROLS
Slovenia has land, air, and maritime border crossing points. Slovenia’s border crossing points allow free movement as per the European Union agreements. These borders can be crossed by foreign nationals with a passport or identification card.
Travellers from visa-exempt countries entering Slovenia from 2026 will be able to apply for the ETIAS Slovenia visa waiver.
Nationals from visa-required countries will need to have a valid Schengen visa to enter Slovenia.
It is advisable to carry identification documents while travelling through Europe, since these may be checked at certain border crossings.
ARRIVING IN SLOVENIA BY PLANE, ROAD, FERRY, OR TRAIN
Slovenia is just a few hours away from Venice or Vienna by car. Due to its central location in Europe, it is easily accessible by road and rail connections and enjoys daily flights from other European countries.
Several airline providers fly from London, Brussels and other nearby European cities into Slovenian International Airport Jože Pučnik Ljubljana.
It is also possible to enter Slovenia by ferry from Italy, the ferry trip runs once a week and has a duration of roughly 2 and a half hours.
Trains are another way to get to Slovenia from neighbouring countries. Some frequently used train routes are:
- Villach, Austria to Ljubljana: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Zagreb, Croatia to Ljubljana: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Munich, Germany to Ljubljana: 6 hours and 15 minutes
- Budapest, Hungary to Ljubljana: 8 hours and 10 minutes
- Zurich, Switzerland to Ljubljana: 11 hours and 30 minutes
Night trains with sleeping accommodations are available for certain routes such as those from Austria, Croatia, Germany, and Switzerland.
VISITING SLOVENIA
Slovenia is a country rich with history, culture and beautiful nature. Its fairy tale architecture includes:
- Predjama Castle —a renaissance castle built inside a cave complete with a secret tunnel
- Lake Bled’s Island Church —located on a tiny island that can be reached by taking a pletna, a traditional local gondola
- Ljubljana Castle —accessible by foot or tram, a place that offers the most beautiful views of the city
- Solkan Bridge —the world’s longest train bridge built entirely out of stone that goes over the beautiful turquoise waters of Soča River
Slovenia is also known for its underground that houses thousands of caves. A few are open to the public, with the most visited one being Postojna Cave. Guided tours are available to discover karst formations, some of which date back a million years. Concerts are held in the cave several times a year, including Christmas time.
The tallest mountain in Slovenia can be found in the country’s Triglav National Park. Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful views complete with hills, lakes rivers and green pastures. More adventurous travellers often take part in activities such as kayaking, rafting, skydiving and parasailing in Slovenia’s only national park.
Slovenia’s Mercury Mine in Idrija was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and turned into a museum. Built in the sixteenth century, it is one of the oldest mine shaft entrances in Europe. While it operated, it was the second-largest mercury mine in the world.
Wine lovers often flock to see the oldest vine in the world that still produces grapes to this date. Planted on the façade of an old house back in the seventeenth century in the Lent area of Maribor, it is the centre of the Old Vine Festival, held every year in September.
Slovenia is also home to the biggest ski jumping hill in the world. Planica Nordic Center was built in 2015 and features the world’s steepest descent, as well as an athletics stadium, zipline, wind tunnel, cycling and walking paths.
EUROPE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM FOR SLOVENIA
Citizens from over 50 countries outside the EU who wish to visit Slovenia from 2026 can get an ETIAS travel authorisation for Slovenia.
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System and has been under development since 2016. It will become an entry requirement for the Schengen Area.
ETIAS is being implemented to improve security and safety for travellers and citizens of the EU. ETIAS and its associated systems allow EU border authorities to prevent individuals who pose a threat on the Schengen Area from legally entering.
Once the European visa waiver is launched to the public, it will become a mandatory travel requirement for citizens from eligible countries who wish to visit Slovenia.
The online ETIAS application can be completed entirely online without the need to visit an embassy or consulate prior to departure. Furthermore, the form will only take approximately 10 minutes to complete with a quick turnaround and a high approval rate for most travellers.
Citizens of eligible countries will be able to complete a European Visa Waiver for Slovenia application online to register their details, answer the required questions and pay the ETIAS fee before being granted access to Slovenia and thus the rest of the Schengen zone.
Eligible travellers need to have the necessary ETIAS requirements on hand while filling out their online application. Most requests will be filled within the first 24 hours of applying, although some may take slightly longer. Therefore, travellers are advised to apply for an ETIAS at least 3 business days before the intended date of departure to Slovenia.
Once approved, the ETIAS will remain digitally linked with the passenger’s passport. ETIAS allows multiple visits not only to Slovenia but also to the other Schengen countries and Europe’s micronations. ETIAS will also be required to visit Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania which are in the process of joining the Schengen Area.
Each visit for tourism, leisure, business or transit may last up to 90 days per 180-day period.
ETIAS for Slovenia - FAQ
Countries to visit near Slovenia Toggle faqs
Many foreign visitors, especially those who cross an ocean to arrive in Europe, seek to take advantage of their stay by visiting multiple European countries in a single vacation. Exploring several destinations is made easy with the ETIAS since the visa waiver is valid across the Schengen Area and European micronations.
Slovenia is surrounded by neighbouring countries that can be easily visited for a day trip or longer. The nation shares borders with Austria, Croatia, Italy, and Hungary. These can be accessed by road, train or plane.
Austria is just under 4 hours away from Slovenia by car or a little over 6 hours by train. Austria, like Slovenia, is a great ski destination in the wintertime and offers great opportunities to explore nature with its lakes and Alpine summits.
Croatia is a usual choice from Slovenia since it has really nice beaches and islands and is conveniently accessible —just a 90-minute drive or 2-hour train ride.
Italy is also pretty close to Slovenia, with cities such as Venice —famous for its canals and cuisine— being just an hour away by car or bus.
Hungary is another great choice for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical architecture and its many relaxing thermal spas —some of which are located inside caves. Budapest is about 6 hours away from Slovenia by train.
Other visas to visit Slovenia Toggle faqs
The type of visa a traveller needs to visit Slovenia depends on the purpose of their trip, the duration of their stay, and their nationality.
While the ETIAS allows visitors to take part in business activities such as attending a conference or negotiating a contract, it does not allow holders to seek employment in Slovenia.
Foreign nationals looking for long-term employment in Slovenia will need to obtain an employment visa by visiting a Slovenian embassy or consulate.
Similarly, the ETIAS is ideal for a quick language course while vacationing in Europe but it is not suitable for formal long-term studies.
Those seeking to obtain a degree in a Slovenian university will need to apply for a student visa at an embassy or consulate.
The ETIAS grants holders multiple stays of up to 90 days per 180-day period during its 2-year validity period.
Travellers who intend to stay in Slovenia longer than the allotted time will need to obtain a consular visa.
Travellers not eligible for an ETIAS will still need to obtain a Schengen visa in order to visit Slovenia.
Visitors with a passport issued by one of the EU member countries are allowed free circulation in the Schengen Area and entry into Slovenia.
What documents do I need to visit Slovenia? Toggle faqs
Travellers from within the EU need to carry national identification documents when entering Slovenia.
Visitors from an ETIAS eligible country can still enter just with their valid passport. Once fully implemented, travellers from visa waiver countries will need an approved ETIAS as well as their valid passport to enter Slovenia.
Third-country nationals not eligible for an ETIAS will need to obtain a Schengen visa. The requirements for this visa include a medical insurance policy as well as a valid passport. The applicant will also have to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Europe as well as an onward ticket to a non-Schengen destination.