Slovenia
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Latest updates: The Safety and security tab was updated – terrorism.
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Slovenia - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Slovenia. Exercise normal security precautions.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
Violent crime is rare. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in crowded areas and on trains. Be vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
Car thefts and break-ins can occur at gas stations and service areas along the highway, as well as in parking lots. Never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, and use secure parking facilities, especially overnight.
Some bars and “gentlemen’s clubs” have been known to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay.
Spiked food and drinks
Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Terrorism
On November 21, 2016, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert for Europe, alerting U.S. citizens to the “heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season” and advising them to “exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.”
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.
Demonstrations and strikes
Demonstrations may occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Labour strikes may interfere with public transport and cause lengthy delays at border crossings. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.
Road travel
Main roads are generally safe and in good condition. Secondary roads tend to be narrow.
Public transportation
Use only officially marked taxis. Ensure that the meter is on and charging the appropriate rate, which should be displayed in the taxi.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
Mountain activities
If you intend on mountaineering or skiing:
- never practice these activities alone;
- always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company;
- buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation;
- ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity;
- advise a family member or friend of your itinerary and when you expect to be back to camp;
- know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal;
- sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service; and
- obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture away from marked trails or slopes.
General safety information
Exercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.
There has been a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe. Some countries have already experienced disruptions to transportation services, including at ferry ports and railway stations, and have seen major delays at border crossings. The situation also heightens the potential for demonstrations that could turn violent without warning, particularly at railway stations and other transportation hubs. If you are travelling in the region, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities, and contact your transport carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Slovene authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.
If you intend to stay in Slovenia for longer than three days, you must register—no later than 72 hours after arriving in Slovenia—with the nearest police station. Registration will normally be arranged by your hotel. If you are not staying in a hotel, registration must be organized by your host. Failure to register can result in fines and difficulties when departing.
Passport
Slovenia is a Schengen area country. Upon arrival, Canadians are required to present a passport that must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from the Schengen area. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Visas
Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days*
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.
Schengen area
Canadians do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for longer than the 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa prior to travel. For more information, see Schengen area.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
- Measles: Global Update - July 28, 2016 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Tick-borne encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected tick. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to ticks (e.g., those participating in outdoor activities in wooded areas) while travelling in regions with risk of tick-borne encephalitis.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
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Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Southern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Southern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
Satisfactory medical care is available. Immediate payment is required. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation, in case of illness or injury.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Canada and Slovenia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Slovenia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Slovene authorities.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Slovenia. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Slovene citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Slovene passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Identification
You must carry adequate identification, such as your passport, at all times. Photocopies are not accepted. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or seized.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Road travel
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device. Radar-detection systems are also prohibited.
Headlights must be on at all times throughout the year. The use of seat belts is mandatory. A reflective vest and a warning triangle are mandatory in all vehicles. Snow tires or snow chains are mandatory from November 15 to March 15.
Cars, vans and motorcycles not exceeding 3,500 kg maximum laden weight require a vignette (toll sticker) to drive on all major Slovene highways and the Ljubljana bypass. Vignettes can be purchased at gas stations, post offices and newspaper stands.
Penalties for traffic offences are severe. Offenders can expect heavy fines. Jaywalkers may also be fined. Police can collect on-the-spot traffic fines from non-residents and retain a traveller’s identification document, such as passport, until payment is made.
There is a zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Penalties for drinking and driving are strict.
Additional information about road safety and regulations can be found on the European Commission’s Mobility and Transport.
Customs
Certain items, such as firearms, antiquities and business equipment, are subject to strict customs regulations. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Money
The currency of Slovenia is the euro.
Credit cards are widely accepted. Automated banking machines are widely available in cities and towns, but not in mountain regions or small villages. Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted.
When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union, you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheque, money order, traveller’s cheque or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on EU currency legislation and links to EU country sites, visit the European Commission’s cash controls website.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Slovenia is located in an active seismic zone.
Severe winter weather, including snow or ice storms, can affect infrastructure and access to certain regions may be blocked. Slovenia’s Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief offers information on natural disasters as well as information on emergency preparedness.
The weather in mountainous areas can be unpredictable. If you are planning on mountaineering or skiing, see Slovenia’s Official Travel Guide for information on weather and safety conditions, and follow the advice carefully.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 113
- medical assistance: 112
- firefighters: 122
Consular assistance
Ljubljana - Consulate of Canada
Budapest - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Budapest, Hungary and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.