Travel Consideration: Slovakia

The Slovak Republic is a moderately developed European nation undergoing profound economic and political changes. Tourist facilities are not as developed as those found in Western Europe and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available.


A passport is required. A visa is not required for stays up to thirty days. For stays longer than thirty days a visa must be obtained prior to entry at Slovak embassies or consulates abroad. Visas cannot be obtained at border points upon arrival. Travelers to the Slovak Republic can obtain entry information at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue N.W., Suite 250, Washington, DC 20007, telephone (202)965-5160/1, Internet: http://www.slovakemb.com.


Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities.


Organized crime factions in Slovakia appear to be engaging in a power struggle at this time. While not directed against Americans or other foreign visitors, A number of gangland-style slayings have occurred over the past years, including fatal shootings at or near major hotels. Visitors are encouraged to obtain the latest information at the Consular Section of the Embassy.

In addition, and particularly in the summer, pickpocketing is common in shopping centers, in the vicinity of major hotels where foreigners stay, near major tourist sites, and on night trains, especially Prague-Bratislava-Budapest or Budapest-Warsaw.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov


Medical facilities are available. However, only a limited number of doctors are English speakers. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment for health services unless the patient can present an insurance number from the Slovak National Insurance Company. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more.


Medical facilities are available. However, only a limited number of doctors are English speakers. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment for health services unless the patient can present an insurance number from the Slovak National Insurance Company. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more.


While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Slovak laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Slovakia are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.


Slovak customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Slovakia of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, etc. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Washington or one of the Slovak consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Slovak customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Air Transport Association) carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U,S, Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.



Americans living in or visiting Slovakia are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia and obtain updated information on travel and security within Slovakia. The U.S. Embassy is located at Hviezdoslavovo nam. 4, telephone (421)(7)5443 0861, (421)(7)5443 3338, fax (421)(7)5441 8861, web site: http://www.usis.sk.


The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Slovak Republic Civil Aviation Authority as Category One in compliance with the international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Slovak air operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at 618-229-4801.