Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in crowded areas and particularly during summer months. Foreigners are often targeted. Be vigilant in shopping centres, markets, public transportation stations, trains, hotels and major tourist attractions, including Bratislava’s Old Town area.

Pickpockets often work in teams, sometimes including children, and target people on trains and at railway stations and airports. Their methods include distracting a victim who is boarding or exiting a train or surrounding a victim in line-ups or at check-out counters.

To reduce the risk of theft of opportunity, exercise extra caution on trains, particularly when travelling overnight.

Always be suspicious if someone offers to help you with a flat tire. These individuals may have punctured the tire themselves and seize the opportunity to steal a bag or other valuable objects while you are distracted.

Car thefts and break-ins occur, particularly in major cities. Car thieves target foreign luxury vehicles more than other models. Avoid leaving luggage or valuables in the vehicle; use secure parking facilities.

Avoid public parks in city centres and railway stations after dark.

Individuals have been harassed for reasons of race or foreign-looking appearance.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of 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.

Fraud

Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers may ask to see your foreign currency and passport. If approached, decline to hand over personal belongings. Offer instead to go to the nearest police station or seek assistance from a local contact.

See our Overseas Fraud page for more information on scams abroad.

Terrorism

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

Demonstrations occur periodically and, while generally peaceful, they can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.

Road safety

Road conditions are generally good. However, some roads can be narrow and poorly lit. These can become hazardous at night and in winter or during severe weather conditions. Drivers do not always obey road rules and may use excessive speed and reckless manoeuvering. Avoid travelling after dark in remote areas.

Public transportation

Public transportation is well developed and reliable.

Officially marked taxis are generally reliable, safe and economical, but it is advisable to pre-negotiate the fare. Beware of taxi drivers who try to overcharge by not switching on the meter.

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.

General safety information

Exercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence.

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 Slovak 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 Slovak Republic or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Passport

Slovakia 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.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

If you intend to stay in private accommodations for a visit lasting more than 30 days, you must register with the nearest police station within three days of arrival. Hotel guests are registered by hotel staff.

Health insurance

Customs officials may ask you to show proof of health insurance.

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.

Canadians who intend to work or plan to remain in Slovakia for more than 90 days must obtain a temporary residence permit. Failure to obtain a residence permit for stays of over 90 days could result in deportation. Deportation from Slovakia will also mean expulsion from the greater Schengen area. For details, consult the Embassy of the Slovak Republic prior to travelling.

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

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are adequate and are improving. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment. 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 & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Canada and Slovakia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Slovakia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Slovak authorities.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Slovakia. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Slovak 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 Slovak 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 are required to carry your passport at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or seized.

Illegal activities

Public intoxication and disorderly conduct is illegal. Offenders could be severely fined or detained.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences.

Avoid taking pictures of military installations and personnel, as this activity is prohibited locally.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. However, you can drive on a valid Canadian driver’s licence when travelling as a tourist.

A vignette (toll sticker) is required to travel on highways. Vignettes can be purchased at border crossings, gas stations and post offices.

The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device. The use of anti-radar devices is also prohibited.

Headlights must be on at all times. The use of seat belts is mandatory.

Vehicles must be equipped for emergency situations: a first aid kit, warning triangle, tow rope, functional spare tire and high-visibility vests for all passengers.

Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat. Car seats are mandatory for all children under 150 cm in height.

Fines for traffic violations must be paid on the spot.

There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Penalties are strict.

Winter tires are mandatory when the roads are covered in snow or ice.

Additional information on road safety and regulations can be found at the European Commission’s Mobility and Transport.

Money

The currency of Slovakia is the euro (EUR).

Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, shops and gas stations. Automated banking machines are available in major cities.

When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), 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, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU country sites, visit the European Commission’s cash controls webpage.

Natural disasters & climate

Heavy rains are frequent in the spring and sometime result in flooding.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Bratislava and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.