Slovakia

Last updated: 12 June 2013

Current at: 18 June 2013

We encourage citizens travelling to this destination to register their contact details here.

Summary

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Slovakia. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Irish Citizens should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which is free of charge and entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.ie for further details. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.

Irish citizens must hold a valid Irish passport when entering and leaving the Slovak Republic. You should be aware that whilst you are in the Slovak Republic, you are legally obliged to carry some form of photographic identification with you at all times.

If you are a tourist or short-term visitor in the Slovak Republic, the Embassy of Ireland recommends that you make a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a safe place in case your passport is lost or stolen.

If you need to contact the emergency services in Slovakia call 112.

Safety and Security

Slovakia shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets. Most visits to Slovakia are trouble-free.

Local Laws and Customs

Once in Slovakia, travelers should carry passports at all times as means of identification. It is therefore very advisable to keep a separate photocopy of the passport and other ID, perhaps in the hotel, to assist in cases of theft in obtaining a replacement passport and cancelling credit cards.

The use and/or possession of drugs, “soft” or “hard”, is very unwise - the authorities are not tolerant of drug use and punishment can be very strict. Drinking alcohol in unapproved public places such as squares and parks is prohibited in the Old Town sector of Bratislava.

While in Slovakia, you will be subject to its laws and regulations. All those who violate Slovak laws, even unknowingly, may be arrested and fined or imprisoned. For example there is a law about adverse noise between 22:00 and 06:00. Unruly or rowdy behaviour could attract the attention of the police. Bratislava has become a popular destination for stag parties and tourists have been fined or imprisoned for causing a public nuisance.

Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as a military establishment or somehow of security interest, may result in problems with the authorities.

Do not get involved with drugs in any way. The penalties for smuggling, possession and use of drugs are severe.

It is an offence in Bratislava Old Town to drink alcohol in the street. There may be exceptions for seasonal markets (such as the Christmas Market) and outside seating areas of restaurants and bars. But consuming alcohol (for example bought in a supermarket) in other public areas could result in your being fined €33.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Climate

Slovakia is in a moderate climatic zone, with four changing seasons. The average temperature in winter is -2°C (the coldest month is January, the coldest area is the High Tatras), in summer 21°C (the warmest months are July and August; the warmest area is the Danubian Lowland). In some mountain ranges the snow remains on average 130 days per year.