Slovakia
About
| Slovakia stretches from the mighty Tatra Mountains through lowlands, canyons, caves and meadows. There are year-round activities, from hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter, and its capital, Bratislava, is a highlight amongst the fairly small number of appealing towns and cities. Visit the famous ruined castle, Devín, 9km northwest from Bratislava, and Nitra, the country's agricultural capital. Walk up to the ruined hrad (castle). The gothic katedrála (cathedral) at the castle contains the remains of two 10th-century saints; next door is the baroque Palace of the Bishop of Nitra. Enjoy the folk festivals that liven up most towns and cities, with dancing, local costumes and food. These tend to be in the summer months leading up to the harvest festivals in September. Visitors can go fishing, canoeing, boating and swimming at the lakes and rivers, which nestle amidst the glacial landscape. The best locations are at Liptovská Mara, Orava, Sl'nava and Zemplínska Sírava. Rafting is popular on the Dunajec River in the Pieniny National Park. |
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| Capital: | Bratislava (BTS) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Language: | Slovak. Hungarian, Ruthenian, Ukrainian and German are spoken by ethnic minorities. English may be spoken in the capital. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 421 |
| 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) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. Most hire companies require a valid international driving licence. If you are stopped by police you will also need to produce your passport or ID card and your car hire documents, including proof of valid insurance. |
| Best Time to Go: | May – October. December – March for ski season. |
| Best for: | Folk Architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Plugs: | Generally 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended, including mountain evacuation. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies |
| Local Offences / Law: | Tourists should carry their passports at all times. Loud noises are not allowed between 10om and 6am. |
| Duty Free: | 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 Slovakia by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (if arriving by air). • 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco (if arriving by road or rail). • 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 travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Unlicensed firearms and ammunition, meat and dairy products from outside the EEA, and endangered species (unless you have a permit). |
| Prohibited Exports: | Endangered species without a permit. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the Slovak Republic
930 Arcadia Street, Arcadia 0083
Tel: 012 342 2051
E-mail: emb.pretoria@mzv.sk
Web: www.mzv.sk/pretoria
Visa Hours: Tue & Thur 09:30-13:00
All visa applicants to appear in person, by appointment only.
Applicants with residence in Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces may apply via Switzerland (VFS Global).
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 6; Apr 18, 21; May 1, 8; Jul 5; Aug 29; Sep 1, 15; Nov 1, 17; Dec 24-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 6; Apr 3, 6; May 1, 8; Jul 5; Aug 29; Nov 1; Dec 24-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Slovakia is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Slovakia, you must apply at the Embassy of Slovakia / Visa Application Centre.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
REQUIREMENTS:
All visa applicants to appear in person for submission of biometrics, by appointment only (via www.pretoria.sk).
Applicants with residence in Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces may apply via Switzerland (VFS Global).
See General Schengen Requirements
In addition:
- Copy of data page of passport
- Note: Photo must not be attached to the application form
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Foreigners visiting Slovakia must register with the local immigration office within 3 working days of their arrival in Slovakia. Where their accommodation is in a hotel, this obligation is assumed by the hotel’s administration
- The border police at your arrival in the Schengen area may request the presentation of sufficient funds, a letter of invitation, hotel reservation and proof of medical insurance. Failure to present said funds/documents may result in entry being refused.
Visa Processing Time
Apply at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.
Visa Validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
Payable in ZAR according to exchange rate (contact Embassy). Cash only. Visa fee is non-refundable.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Vienna, Austria
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
