Slovakia

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Slovakia. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free of charge which entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.ie for further details. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Slovakia. 

Before travelling to Slovakia, make sure your passport is in a presentable state. The Slovak authorities do refuse entry for travellers if their passport is worn or damaged or looks as if it has been tampered with.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry your passport with you at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Slovakia shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets.

CRIME

Summer brings an upsurge of tourist activity in Slovakia, in particular in Bratislava, where the Old Town becomes thronged with tourists, many dining outside until late at night and then moving on to late opening clubs and bars.  While the mood of the Old Town is engaging and pleasant, the summer season also brings an increase in petty crime targeted at visitors, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, and, in some cases, in particular outside the Old Town in the less crowded areas, mugging.  Travellers should exercise caution and never leave valuables unattended.  Care should be taken in crowded situations, in particular if street children are present.  In nightclubs, patrons should ensure that their drinks are visible at all times i.e. prevent their being tampered with.

LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS

Once in Slovakia, travellers should carry passports at all times as means of identification.  It is therefore very advisable to keep a separate photocopy of the passport and other ID, perhaps in the hotel, to assist in cases of theft in obtaining a replacement passport and cancelling credit cards.  

The use and/or possession of drugs, “soft†or “hardâ€, is very unwise - the authorities are not tolerant of drug use and punishment can be very strict.

From 1 November 2007 drinking alcohol in unapproved public places such as squares and parks is prohibited in the Old Town sector of Bratislava. Fines of 1,000 SKK can be administered on the spot by the Old Town Police force.

ROAD SAFETY

If driving a car in Slovakia, it is important to be aware that absolutely no alcohol is permitted.  All car-related accidents will result in breath testing for those involved any trace of alcohol in the blood stream of drivers is deemed illegal.  People tend to drive quite fast so caution is always advised, in particular outside the capital where the driving style can be more assertive.  It is prudent to give oneself time to make the mental adaptation to driving on the right side of the road, including on quiet roads where there is no other traffic to orient oneself.  If driving to an airport, road signs will not always have the aeroplane symbol and in these cases the term to look for is LETISKO.

CASH & BANKING

It is also necessary to present one’s passport when purchasing Slovak Koruna at banks or approved currency exchanges.  Most ATMs have an English language function although, as in all destinations, charges will be incurred.  Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards but it is always prudent to check, particularly with debit cards which are less commonly used.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS IN SLOVAKIA

Contact details for all Irish Missions (including Honorary Consuls) in Slovakia, is available here. (Opens in new window)