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Weather & climate
Weather in Slovakia
Slovakia
20°
Slight rain showers
Mon
14°
20°
Tue
10°
14°
Wed
7°
17°
Thu
7°
18°
Fri
10°
16°
Sat
11°
20°
Sun
10°
17°
SPF level in Slovakia
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Slovakia
What British travellers need to know
You do not need a visa to travel to Slovakia for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Your passport's date of issue must be less than 10 years before your arrival date.
Your passport's expiry date must be at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
At border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket and prove you have enough money and accommodation for your stay.
When you first enter the Schengen area, you may need to register biometric details like fingerprints or a photo at a special booth, which can take extra time.
Good to know:
If you stay in private accommodation, you must notify the police by letter, email or in person within 3 working days of your arrival.
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more, or your money could be seized when you leave.
Safety in Slovakia
Tips when travelling
Slovakia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
There is a risk of petty crime, especially in Bratislava, with pickpockets operating in main tourist areas, markets, and bars.
There is a risk of drink spiking and theft in clubs around Bratislava Old Town, and people have been charged extortionate prices for drinks.
You must always carry your passport with you as ID as you can get a fine of up to 1,600 euros for not showing it if the police ask.
In Bratislava Old Town, it is illegal to drink alcohol in the street and you could get a fine of 33 euros.
Unruly or rowdy behaviour is illegal and could attract police attention, particularly between 10pm and 6am, potentially resulting in a fine or imprisonment.
Bonus tips:
Criminals sometimes target foreign-registered vehicles by pretending to help after puncturing your tyres or faking a breakdown.
If you need help from the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service you will have to meet costs of up to 1,000 euros, so ensure your insurance includes rescue costs.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Slovakia
A UK driving license is accepted in Slovakia. You must be at least 17 years old to drive, depending on vehicle type.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Slovakia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Slovakia
As a UK resident, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will be accepted in Slovakia, giving you access to state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost or, in many cases, free of charge. However, it is still recommended to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical expenses that the EHIC/GHIC might not, including repatriation.
No vaccinations required
Generally, Slovakia has good standards of healthcare. Make sure you have adequate travel and medical insurance, and that your GHIC/EHIC card is valid. Check with your doctor regarding necessary vaccinations and health precautions before you travel.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash, particularly for smaller establishments or in rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Slovakia
Tipping in Slovakia is appreciated for good service but not mandatory. A small tip shows your appreciation.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service. It's common to round up.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (e.g., €0.50-€1) is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
€1-€2 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-€2 per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price, depending on the quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU 'Roam Like At Home' regulation no longer automatically applies to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Slovakia. Some providers may still offer similar packages, but it's not guaranteed. You may also want to consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 300 CZK (~£10)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Slovakia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type E
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas, especially in cities.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Most accommodations offer free wifi, but speed and reliability can vary. Look for WiFi hotspots in cafes and public spaces. Mobile data is a good alternative.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
158
Ambulance
155
Fire
150
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Slovakia
Country code
+421
To call a Slovak number 09XX XXX XXX from the UK, you would dial 00 421 9XX XXX XXX.
To call Slovakia from the UK, you need to dial the UK exit code, then the Slovak country code, and finally the phone number.
Languages in Slovakia
UK Embassy
British Embassy Bratislava
Panska 16, 811 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
20 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The advice on when you do not need to take action before arriving has been clarified: you do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area.
- You should now allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area, in addition to when entering.
Entry requirements
24 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Long-term residents of Schengen countries are now explicitly exempt from EES registration in all Schengen countries.
- The note advising travellers to get their passport stamped 'until EES is fully rolled out' has been removed.
Airports in Slovakia
Beaches in Slovakia
Frequently asked questions
Tap water in Slovakia is generally safe to drink, especially in urban areas. However, in rural areas, it's best to check with locals or stick to bottled water to avoid any potential stomach issues.
The best time to visit Slovakia is during the shoulder seasons: April-May and September-October. The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than during the peak summer months. Winter is ideal for skiing and other winter sports in the High Tatras.
The local currency in Slovakia is the Euro (€). You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices (zmenáreň), and some hotels. ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns.
Slovaks generally appreciate politeness and respect. It's customary to greet people with a handshake and direct eye contact. When visiting someone's home, it's polite to bring a small gift, such as flowers or a bottle of wine. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Be wary of taxi drivers who inflate prices, especially near tourist attractions. Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas. Always check restaurant bills carefully for any unexpected charges.
There isn't a strict dress code in Slovakia. Casual wear is acceptable for most situations. However, when visiting churches or attending formal events, it's advisable to dress more conservatively. Pack layers, as the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains.
Public transport in Slovakia is generally efficient and affordable. Cities have good bus and tram networks. Trains connect major towns and cities, but can be slower than buses. Consider purchasing a travel pass if you plan on using public transport frequently.
British citizens do not need a visa to enter Slovakia for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.