Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Slovakia.

 

Make sure your passport is in a presentable state before you travel. The Slovak authorities can refuse entry if your passport is worn or damaged, or looks as if it has been tampered with.

 

Crime

 

There is a risk of petty crime, especially in Bratislava. Pickpockets operate around the main tourist areas, particularly the popular Christmas markets, and foreigners are easily identified and targeted. Take precautions against bag snatching and mugging. Don’t leave valuables unattended. If you put your jacket on the back of a restaurant chair, make sure your wallet is kept securely elsewhere.

 

Some visitors to Bratislava have been given ‘spiked’ drinks and woken several hours later to find all their valuables gone.  Be wary of drinks offered by strangers.

 

Be vigilant at Bratislava airport. Keep valuables and cash with you, rather than in checked baggage.

 

For more information on using public transport in Bratislava, visit the DPB website.

 

Foreign-licensed cars have been targeted by criminals. If you have a breakdown, lock the vehicle if you leave it. Remove all valuables from your car when parking.

 

Be aware of ‘road pirates’ who target foreign-registered cars. Some will stab a tyre at a petrol station, then follow their target until the car stops; they then offer assistance and rob the target. They might also simulate a breakdown and ask for help. You should not leave belongings in view in your car. If you decide to stop to check the condition of your/their vehicle, stop in a public area with lights like a service station, lock your car and be extremely wary of anyone offering help.

 

If you’re stopped by the police and asked to pay a fine for speeding or other traffic offences, you should be given a receipt for any money paid. If the officers refuse to give you a receipt, call 158 (police) to make sure you’re dealing with genuine police officers.

 

Taxi drivers sometimes attempt to overcharge tourists by adding unauthorised supplements or by not setting the meter at the start of a journey. Insist that you will pay only the fare shown on the meter.

 

When making payments don’t let your credit card out of your sight.

 

Report the loss or theft of a passport to the closest police department as soon as possible. Ask the police authorities to provide you with a statement or confirmation of the loss/theft.

 

Don’t leave your passport as a deposit, for example in hotels or with car rental companies.

 

Road travel

 

Make sure you have valid motor insurance for your car.

 

You can drive using an EU driving licence for up to 6 months. If you intend to drive in Slovakia for longer than 6 months, you should exchange your driving licence for a Slovak one before the 6-month period runs out.

 

Children under the age of 12 must not sit in the front seat of moving vehicles. Only use registered car rental companies. You can find a list of car rentals on this Slovak Business Directory website.

 

Road conditions have deteriorated in recent years. Many main roads have only a single carriageway in each direction making overtaking difficult. Road markings are difficult to see in poor weather.

 

Although in reasonably good condition, many main roads have only a single carriageway in each direction making overtaking difficult. Road markings are difficult to see in poor weather.

 

The standard of driving is not high and can be aggressive. Beware of oncoming cars overtaking on your side of the road (particularly on bends and hills).

 

In 2013 there were 223 road deaths in Slovakia (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 4.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013.

 

In winter, equip your car for severe driving conditions. Use winter tyres if there is snow or ice on the road, and if travelling outside Bratislava carry extra warm clothing, hot drinks in a flask, sacking (to help give tyres purchase in slippery conditions) and a shovel. Although winter tyres are not compulsory in Slovakia, where an accident occurs and one vehicle has normal tyres the official presumption is that the vehicle is at fault.

 

All vehicles must have headlights switched on all year round. Speed limits in towns have been reduced to 50kmh.

 

Drivers with any trace of alcohol in their body will be arrested. There is zero tolerance.  If you are involved in an accident while driving the police will give you a breath test regardless of who is to blame.

 

A new electronic toll system was introduced in Slovakia on 1 January 2010. It applies to all vehicles with a weight of over 3.5 tons. All truck drivers are strongly advised to study the new rules and pay the necessary fees. Failing to do so may result in fines from €1,655 to €2,655.

 

More information on the toll system and a road network map is available on the website of the toll system operator or from their call centre on +421 2 35 111 111, which is available 24/7 and in English.

 

See the European Commission,AA and RAC guides on driving in Slovakia.

 

Public transport

 

Foreign students may not qualify for discounted fares even with a student card. Check with your public transport provider for further information. See here for more on Bratislava and other major towns’ public transport.

 

Swimming and water sports

 

You should observe local rules and regulations on publicly accessible lakes, rivers and other water sources. Jumping into unknown waters can result in serious injury, including paralysis or death. Check with local authorities or sporting organisations for further information and advice.

 

Skiing and hiking

 

If you ski or hike in the Slovak mountains and need help from the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service (HZS), you will have to meet their full costs. These could range from €116 to €9,960 depending on the size of the operation. Anyone ignoring or violating HZS commands or laws will be liable for a fine of up to €3,320. Make sure you have sufficient insurance to cover any rescue costs. Mountain rescue services instructions in English can be found on the Mountain Rescue Service website

 

Physically handicapped travellers

 

Slovakia, in general, does not cater for those who are physically handicapped. Some effort is now being taken to make buildings more accessible, but the vast majority of buildings only have steps rather than ramps.

 

Local laws and customs

Unruly or rowdy behaviour between 22:00 and 06:00 is illegal and could attract the attention of the police. Bratislava has become a popular destination for stag parties and tourists have been fined or imprisoned for causing a public nuisance.

 

You must carry your passport with you at all times as identification. Keep it safe in a zipped up pocket or secure bag, and keep the details separately in case you lose it.

 

Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as a military establishment or somehow security related, may result in problems with the authorities.

 

Don’t get involved with drugs in any way. Penalties for smuggling, possession and use of drugs are severe.

 

It is an offence in Bratislava Old Town to drink alcohol in the street. There may be exceptions for seasonal markets (such as the Christmas Market) and outside seating areas of restaurants and bars.  But drinking alcohol (for example bought in a supermarket) in other public areas could result in a fine of €33.

 

You must carry ID at all times.

 

Money

The currency of Slovakia is the Euro.

 

Make sure you bring enough money and keep it safe. Travellers’ cheques are the safest way to carry money but make sure you buy them from an organisation with agents in Slovakia. Change cash and travellers’ cheques at proper banks or bureaux de change. Kiosks, although legal, offer poor exchange rates and there is a greater risk of theft. 

 

ATM machines accept international bank or credit cards (Cirrus, Maestro or Visa) are common. Shops - particularly in the main tourist areas - increasingly accept credit cards, but are sometimes reluctant to accept cards issued by foreign banks. Check first that the shop will accept your card and that it can be read (there are sometimes problems with “Maestro”). Check your statements carefully when you get home.

 

The standard of medical facilities in Slovakia varies. Doctors are generally very good and medical equipment is constantly being improved. However, many hospitals are under-maintained and there are few English- speaking receptionists and nurses.

 

If you’re visiting Slovakia you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your home country (EU nationals only). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Slovakian nationals.  The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

 

Passport validity  

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

The Slovak authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

UK Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Slovakia. They are also accepted for a return to Slovakia if you normally live there.

 

Visas

 

EU citizens don’t need a visa to enter Slovakia.

 

Registering with the Slovak authorities

 

If you plan to stay in Slovakia for a longer period of time, you should register with the police within 3 days of arrival. You’ll need your passport, 2 photographs and proof of accommodation. You’ll have an option to apply for a Slovak ‘green card’, which can be used as proof of your ID, while your passport is kept in a safe place. Visit the website of Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic for further information.