Orientation briefing in Slovakia

Slovakia traces its roots to the 9th century state of Great Moravia. The Slovaks then became part of the Hungarian Kingdom, where they remained for the next 1,000 years. After the formation of the dual Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1867, language and education policies favoring the use of Hungarian (known as "Magyarization") led to a public backlash that boosted Slovak nationalism and strengthened Slovak cultural ties with the closely related Czechs, who fell administratively under the Austrian half of the empire. When the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved at the end of World War I, the Slovaks joined the Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar period, Slovak nationalist leaders pushed for autonomy within Czechoslovakia, and in 1939, in the wake of Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland, the newly established Slovak Republic became a German client state for the remainder of World War II.

After World War II, Czechoslovakia was reconstituted and came under communist rule within Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe. In 1968, Warsaw Pact troops invaded and ended the efforts of Czechoslovakia's leaders to liberalize communist rule and create "socialism with a human face," ushering in a period of repression known as "normalization." The peaceful Velvet Revolution swept the Communist Party from power at the end of 1989 and inaugurated a return to democratic rule and a market economy. On 1 January 1993, Czechoslovakia underwent a nonviolent "velvet divorce" into its two national components, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Slovakia joined both NATO and the EU in 2004 and the euro zone in 2009.

Political demonstrations can take place in Bratislava and other cities, sometimes at short notice. Recent demonstrations have generally been peaceful, but large gatherings may disrupt transport and public areas. Stay away from demonstrations, monitor local media, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:  

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Slovakia

Terrorist attacks in Slovakia cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

An attack on a bar popular with the LGBT+ community in the capital, Bratislava, on 12 October 2022, which resulted in 2 deaths, was classified as a terrorist act. Prior to this attack, there was no recent history of terrorism in Slovakia.

Border with Ukraine

There is widespread military activity in Ukraine. Border crossings with Ukraine may be affected by security measures, temporary restrictions or delays at short notice. If travelling near the Slovakia-Ukraine border, check local information before departure, follow instructions from Slovak police and border authorities. FCDO advises against travel to Ukraine. See warnings against travel in Ukraine travel advice.

Political demonstrations

Political demonstrations can take place in Bratislava and other cities, sometimes at short notice. Recent demonstrations have generally been peaceful, but large gatherings may disrupt transport and public areas. Stay away from demonstrations, monitor local media, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

There is a risk of petty crime, especially in Bratislava. Take precautions against pickpockets and bag snatchers and do not leave your possessions unattended. Pickpockets operate around the main tourist areas, particularly the Christmas markets and in bars, and have targeted foreign nationals.

Do not leave your passport as a deposit for services such as car rental. Keep sight of your bank card when making payments. 

Drink spiking and scams

There is a risk of drink spiking and theft in clubs around the Bratislava Old Town pedestrian area. People have sometimes been charged extortionate prices for drinks, so check prices before ordering.  

Vehicle crime

Criminals sometimes target foreign-registered vehicles. They may puncture your tyres at a petrol station and then pretend to help or fake a breakdown. If you stop to help, they may rob you or steal your car.

At night, only stop your car in a well-lit public area such as a service station. Make sure you lock your car and be extremely wary of anyone offering help.

Do not leave luggage in view in your car.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must always carry your passport with you as ID. You can get a fine of up to 1,600 euros for not showing ID if the Slovak police ask for it.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Slovakia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Alcohol laws

Bratislava has become a popular destination for stag parties. Tourists have been fined or imprisoned for being a public nuisance. Unruly or rowdy behaviour is illegal could attract police attention, particularly between 10pm and 6am. In Bratislava Old Town, it is illegal to drink alcohol in the street. If you drink alcohol (for example, bought in a supermarket) in this or other public areas, you could get a fine of 33 euros.

Using cameras in secure areas

Taking photos of any location that could be seen as a military establishment or security related may result in problems with the authorities.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relationships are legal in Slovakia, but Slovak law does not recognise same-sex marriages and civil partnerships. Same-sex couples showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming and watersports

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.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. 

Skiing and hiking

If you’re planning a winter sports holiday in Slovakia, see Preparing for winter sports abroad.

If you need help from the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service (HZS), you will have to meet costs of up to 1,000 euros. Make sure your insurance includes rescue costs. Anyone ignoring or violating HZS rules or instructions will get a fine of up to 3,320 euros.

Brown bears are present in many mountain and forested areas, particularly in central and northern Slovakia, including parts of the Tatras, Low Tatras and Poľana areas. Bear sightings and occasional attacks have been reported. If hiking, stay on marked trails, avoid dense vegetation where visibility is poor, make noise in forested areas, keep dogs under close control, do not approach or feed wildlife, and check local warnings before setting out.

For advice on minimising risks, see the Slovak Wildlife Society website.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Slovakia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Slovakia guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of. 

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Slovakia for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.  

If you stay longer than 6 months, you must exchange your licence for a Slovak one.

If you are visiting Slovakia, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP . 

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Slovakia. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine of up to 1,300 euros, have your licence confiscated and face possible imprisonment.

Road conditions

Many main roads have only a single carriageway in each direction making overtaking difficult. Beware of oncoming cars overtaking on your side of the road. Road markings are difficult to see in poor weather and can be faded. In winter, you must equip your car for severe driving conditions.

Tolls

If you use Slovak motorways (‘Dialnica’), you must display a motorway vignette (sticker) on the inside of your windscreen as you enter Slovakia. If you do not, you could get a heavy fine. You can get a motorway vignette at all major border crossings into Slovakia and at larger petrol stations. More information and a road network map is available from the toll system operator.

Taxis

In Bratislava Old Town and in nightlife areas, check prices before ordering, keep your drink in sight, use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing services. If you feel threatened, leave the area and contact police. See information on local taxi use.

Extreme weather and natural disasters   

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.  

Slovakia can experience extreme weather, including heatwaves, storms, heavy rain, flash flooding, winter snow and mountain weather that changes quickly.

Check local forecasts and weather warnings in Slovakia and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 155 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Slovakia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Slovakia, including an increased risk of tick bites from April to October.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Slovakia. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Slovakia

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Slovakia where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Slovakia, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).   

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:  

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:  

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Slovakia.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.