Slovakia is a country in Central Europe rich in culture, architecture, and unique traditions. It is an attractive and popular destination for millions of people from around the world every year. But going to Slovakia might not be that simple for everyone. Most foreign nationals need to apply for a Slovakia visa. A visa is sometimes needed even for simply a tourist visit.
Do I Need a Visa to Go to Slovakia?
This is the list of nationalities who do not need a visa to enter Slovakia:
- EU nationals or citizens of another Schengen country. EU/EEA/Schengen citizens can visit, work, study or live in Slovakia without restrictions.
- Non-EU nationals who are exempt from obtaining a short-term visa. Citizens from the USA, Britain, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc., can stay in Slovakia for up to 90 days. For stays longer than 90 days, all non-EU nationals need a visa.
Before you plan your trip, you should check to see if you need a visa to visit Slovakia.
Types of Slovakia Visas
Based on the purpose of your travel, there are different types of Slovakian visas:
- Slovakia Tourist (Schengen) Visa. If you are planning on visiting Slovakia as a tourist, you should apply for a Slovakian tourist (Schengen) visa. A Schengen visa allows its holder to enter Slovakia and the Schengen Area for 90 days within a 180 days period. This type of visa can be issued for one, two, or more entries.
- Slovakia Transit Visa. A transit visa is required if you use a Slovakian airport to change flights while you are on your way to a third destination. An airport transit visa allows you to enter the international transit areas in an airport but does not allow you to leave the airport, even if you have to wait overnight.
- Slovakia Work Visa. Non-EU citizens who want to work in Slovakia must apply for a Slovakian work visa and permit beforehand. To apply for a work visa, you must have an offer of employment. You and your employer must work together to submit a completed visa application (along with all the required documents).
- Slovakia Student Visa. Non-EU citizens who want to study in Slovakia for longer than three months (90 days) and have been admitted to a Slovak university must apply for a Slovakia student visa and a permit. This type of visa will allow you to continue your educational program until you are done with your studies.
- Slovakia Family Visa. If you are a Slovak citizen or a non-EU citizen living in Slovakia and want to bring your (non-EU) family members with you, they must apply for a Slovakia family visa. This type of visa is also granted to a family member of an asylum seeker or of a foreign national with subsidiary protection for the necessary period.
Difference Between Slovakia Schengen Visa and Long-Term Visa
Choosing the type of visa you want can be confusing sometimes. Depending on how long you plan to stay or the purpose of your visit, you can choose between a Schengen (Tourist) visa or a long-term visa.
Check the table below to decide which type of visa you need.
| Schengen Visa | Long-Term Visa |
|---|---|
| Allows its holder to enter Slovakia or another Schengen country for a short-term stay up to 90 days | Allows its holder to enter Slovakia and another Schengen country for a long-term stay for longer than 90 days |
| It’s usually issued for tourism, business, or family visits. | It’s issued for work, study, or family reunification. |
| Residence permit is not required. | Requires residence and work permit. |
Document Checklist for Slovakian Visa
The main documents that are required when applying for a Slovak visa are as follows:
- Visa application form. You have to attach a completed visa application form to the rest of your required documents. Depending on where you are applying, you can find the form online here, on the website of the embassy/consulate, or pick it up in person (at the embassy/consulate or a visa application center.
- Valid passport. You must have a passport not older than ten years with at least six months of validity and two blank pages.
- Passport-sized photos. Recently taken photos not older than six months. Include a biometric photo with dimensions (3 X 3.5 cm) or (4 x 6 cm) as stated on the Schengen photo guidelines.
- Itinerary of travel. A letter mentioning the details of your flight (time, dates, etc.).
- Proof of accommodation. Include documents that confirm you have a place to stay or can afford one. The accommodation place can be at a hotel reservation or letter of invitation from a family member or friend.
- Travel health insurance. Proof you have a travel insurance policy, which covers at least €30,000 of medical emergencies in Slovakia and the Schengen Area. If you are applying for a long-term visa after arriving in Slovakia, you should also apply for long term health insurance.
- Bank Statement. A statement of your bank account is needed to prove that you have sufficient income to stay and travel to Slovakia. You should also provide a statement of your salary for the last three months.
- Cover letter. Write a letter stating the purpose of your visit to Slovakia and attach it to the rest of your documents.
- Visa fee receipt. You must attach the paid fee receipt to the rest of your documents.
Slovakia Visa Application Process
To apply for a Slovakia visa, you should:
- Choose the visa type. Determine what type of visa you are applying for based on the purpose of your travel (tourism, work, business, family visit, study, etc.).
- Schedule an appointment. Diplomatic missions may require an appointment before submitting the visa application. Book an appointment at the Slovak Republic representation (embassy/consulate) in your country.
- Fill out the application form. Fill out the application form and sign it at the end.
- Gather the documents. Compile the required documents (passport, photographs, bank statement, etc.)
- Submit your visa application. You must submit the application in person at the diplomatic mission or the visa center.
A detailed guide on the Slovakian visa application process can be found here.
How Long Does it Take to Process a Slovakia Visa?
The usual processing time for a Slovakia visa application may take from 10 to 15 days. Because of the COVID-19 situation (or other unforeseen circumstances), the processing time may be delayed for up to 60 days. You must submit your application at least 15 days before your traveling date and no earlier than six months before you leave.
How to Pay The Slovakia Visa Fee?
You can pay the Slovakia visa fee in a convertible currency or in a local currency of the location where you submit your application. The Slovak diplomatic mission (embassy/consulate) will give you further information on the currency and the acceptable forms of payment.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa application | €60 |
| Children between the age of 6 – 12 years | €35 |
| National of a third country which has concluded a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union | €35 |
| Nationals of Ukraine, Russian Federation, or Belarus (if the visa is to be issued in an accelerated procedure) | €70 |
| Children younger than 6 years old | Free |
Note: If your visa gets rejected, the embassy will not refund you.
Can I Be Exempt From The Visa Fee?
Yes, in accordance with the valid legislation, there are certain categories of applicants that can be exempted from paying the Slovakia visa fee. Exemption from the visa fee payment are categorized according to the bilateral agreement, the Visa Code and to the Slovak national law.
What Can I Do if My Application Is Rejected?
If you are notified that your visa has been refused, you can appeal against the decision to refuse, annul or revoke your visa application at the diplomatic mission which has issued the decision.
You must submit the appeal in the Slovak language. If that is not possible, you should attach an official translation within 15 days of receiving the decision. You will be required to pay an administrative fee of 80 EUR at the Embassy/Consulate General of the Slovak Republic.
Your letter of appeal should include:
- First and Last Name
- Passport Number
- Address
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Your Email
- Phone Number
- The date your application was rejected
- The reason why your application was rejected
- The reason you believe the rejection was a mistake
- Your signature
Entering Slovakia After Receiving a Visa
After receiving a visa, you are allowed to enter and stay in Slovakia for the duration of your visa— you need to keep in mind the following things before entering Slovakia:
- Foreign nationals must inform a competent Foreign Police Department about their place and the estimated length of their stay within three days of entering the territory of the Slovak Republic.
- Nationals of EU/EEA or Swiss Confederation and their family members or foreign nationals with preferential status are required to report within ten working days of their arrival.
Note: If foreign nationals accommodate in a hotel or other accommodation facilities, the provider of accommodation should perform this obligation.
How Long Can I Stay in Slovakia With a Valid Visa?
Based on the 90/180 rule, a Slovakia Schengen visa allows you to stay a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period in all Schengen countries. The visa sticker on your passport shows the period of validity, which includes the day you enter and the day you leave Slovakia (and the Schengen Area). Slovakian visas are issued for the following entries:
- Single-entry. You can enter Slovakia and visit other Schengen countries only once. As soon as you leave the Schengen Area, you cannot re-enter.
- Multiple-entries. You can enter Slovakia and the other countries in the Schengen Area as many times as you want. Even if you leave the Schengen Area, you can re-enter as long as the visa is still valid.
A Slovakia national (D) visa is issued for up to one year. Along with a D visa, you are also granted a Slovak residence permit with the same validity as your visa. The long-stay visa and residence permit can be extended if you still meet the original requirements off issue. You can get a residence permit in Slovakia for work, study, or family reunion.
Can I Extend a Slovakian Visa?
Unfortunately, you cannot extend a short-term Slovakian visa. There are exceptional cases where you can extend your visa validity by a maximum of three months within one half-year. You can submit the extension application at the competent Foreign Police Department for such cases. You can extend the period of your visa validity if you provide proof of:
- Force majeure or humanitarian reasons preventing you from leaving the territory of the Slovak Republic before your validity expires.
- Serious personal reasons justifying the extension of the period of validity.
Otherwise, if you plan to stay in Slovakia for longer than three months, you can apply for a national (D) visa.
Fun Facts About Slovakia
Here are some fun facts about Slovakia that you might not have known.
- Bratislava is the only capital in the world that borders two countries.
- Slovakia has the highest wooden altar in the world and the tallest cave column in the world.
- It is the world’s eighth newest country.
- It has one of the lowest birth rates.
- There are more than 1600 mineral springs.
- It has the first folk architecture reservation in the world.
- Slovakia boasts the highest number of castles and chateaux per capita in the world.
- The official language is Slovak, a member of the Slavic language family.
- You can travel for free if you’re under 26.
- After Austria, Slovakia has the largest natural freshwater supplies.