Citizens
of the European Union (EU) may enter Slovakia with a valid
passport and stay for a period of 90 days without a visa.
Citizens of the United Kingdom and Ireland may enter the
country with a valid passport and stay for a period of 180
days without a visa. Other nationals should contact the
Slovakian embassy or consulate in their country before
departure for any visa requirements.
- Before you leave
Most prescription drugs and minor medications can be
obtained
at a pharmacy
(lekáreň),
usually open from 08.00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday. Some pharmacies in the larger towns and cities are open 24 hours - the address of the 24-hour pharmacy is posted on the doors of all pharmacies. Although the mains water is safe to drink, you may prefer to drink bottled water which is widely available. If exposed to strong sunlight, always use a suitable sunblock and wear sunglasses, especially when driving.
On arrival
Travellers are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Make
sure it covers all the countries you will be visiting and any sports in which you intend
to participate. All foreign nationals can obtain free emergency medical care on production
of a passport. A small charge is made for medications. If you are planning to camp or hike in the more remote areas, you might want to consider being vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis.
Time zones
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus one hour; GMT plus two hours from the last Sunday in March to the the last Sunday in October.
Border crossings
Slovakia can be reached by road from Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine, and Poland. A boat service runs between Vienna and Bratislava and, more irregularly, between Budapest and Bratislava.
Vehicle documents
Check with your motor vehicle insurance company regarding any insurance documents you will need and whether additional motor insurance is required. Foreign nationals may drive in Slovakia with their own driving licences. A Green Card is not compulsory if you already have third-party insurance, but is highly recommended. A red warning triangle, spare light bulbs, and a first-aid kit must be carried by law.
Road regulations
Always carry your full valid driving licence, vehicle registration documents and insurance documents with you at all times. Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts where fitted. Children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in the front seat. Traffic drives on the right, and priority is generally given to the driver coming from the right at all junctions. Note that it is illegal to drive if you have consumed alcohol beforehand.
Road classification, tolls, and
speed limits
There are several motorways in Slovakia, one of the most important being the motorway connecting Bratislava and Praha in the Czech Republic; no tolls are charged. Speed limits are 130 kilometers (81 miles) per hour on motorways; 100 kilometers (61,5 miles) per hour on other roads, unless otherwise marked; and 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour in built-up areas.
Driving tips
Special care should be taken in cities with a tram service. Trams may not be overtaken when they are stationary, and cars must stop to let passengers cross the road at tram stops where there is no central reservation. Note that many mountain roads have steep gradients and hairpin bends. Chains may be required if you plan to head into the mountains in winter.
Assistance
In the event of a breakdown, contact emergency services by dialing 154. Check whether your own motoring organisation has a reciprocal agreement with a motoring organisation in Slovakia - this can reduce costs substantially in the event of a breakdown. For more information about breakdown and repair services, contact Bratislava Information Service.
Fuel
Types of fuel sold in Slovakia include Super (96 octane), Special (91 octane), Natural (lead-free, 95 octane), and Nafta (diesel). Petrol stations are numerous in the larger towns and cities, but this is less often the case in more rural areas. Credit cards are not accepted at all Slovakian petrol stations.
Parking
Parking can be difficult in the centre of Bratislava, where there are many one-way streets and pedestrian areas. Before leaving your car, check that the parking space is not reserved - illegally parked cars may be towed away. For safety you are advised to use guarded car parks; contact the Bratislava Information Service for further details.
Climate
Slovakia has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The south of the country around the Danube Valley is warmer than the mountainous interior, where snow is heavy in winter.
Useful items
Most consumer items are readily available in the large towns and cities, but you are advised to bring essential items with you if you plan to travel in more remote areas. Comfortable shoes are recommended for sightseeing, as cobblestone streets are common and access to such attractions as castles often entails a long, steep climb.
How to pay
Travellers cheques are the safest way to carry cash and you should buy these in your country of residence before departure. Travellers cheques are accepted in bureaux de change and some tourist shops, hotels, and restaurants. Credit cards are accepted in major tourist areas, but they are not accepted in all shops, restaurants, and hotels, and you are advised to check in advance.
