Last updated: 22 Oct 2025
Slovenia
About
| Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. The changing landscape is constantly surprising, time and again. You can have one eye on the sea, then look in the other direction and be surrounded by high mountains. Heading up into the forests, you can see the green plains below you. From upland meadows your view stretches into river gorges. This proximity of opposites and contrasts is a hallmark of the country. | |
| Capital: | Ljubljana (LJU) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Language: | Slovene. English, Italian, Hungarian or German may be spoken as a second language. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 386 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday March to last Sunday October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Public Holidays: |
Jan 1-2; Feb 8; Apr 17-18, 27; May 1-2; Jun 5, 25; Aug 15; Oct 31; Nov 1; Dec 25-26 |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best Time to Go: | May to September |
| Best for: | Health Resorts, Castles, UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies |
| Local Offences / Law: | Smoking is prohibited in public areas. Visitors should carry their passports at all times. |
| Duty Free: | Slovenia is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. If you are travelling from within the EU, there is no limit on the amount or value of goods you may import, providing your goods are for personal consumption. Goods imported for commercial purposes are subject to duty and the following guideline amounts are in place to determine whether this is the case: • 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 10L of spirits over 22% volume, 20L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume, 90L of wine (no more than 60L of sparkling wine) and 110L of beer. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Slovenia by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Meat and dairy products from outside the EEA, endangered species (unless you have a permit), narcotics, unlicensed weapons and ammunition, explosives, medicines (unless for personal use), and some plants. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Endangered species (unless you have a permit), narcotics, unlicensed weapons and ammunition, and fresh or processed mushrooms. |
Issuing Authorities
Consultate General of Slovenia
1 Dundas Street, De Zalze Estate, R44, Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 976 6249
E-mail: info@slovenianconsulate.co.za
Web: www.slovenianconsulate.co.za
Hours: Mon - Fri 09:00 – 16:00
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1-2; Feb 8; Apr 20-21, 27; May 1-2; Jun 8, 25; Aug 15; Oct 31; Nov 1; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1-2; Feb 8; Apr 5-6, 27; May 1-2, 24; Jun 25; Aug 15; Oct 31; Nov 1; Dec 25-26
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders do require a visa for entry into Slovenia.
The German embassy handles visas for Slovenia - please apply in the same way. Refer to Germany Visa guide
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Vienna, Austria
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Rabies, Tick-Borne Encephalitis (not available in SA), Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
