Slovenia has the most beautiful lakes in the world and one of the strongest architectural designs in Europe. Therefore, it is not surprising that people want to experience these qualities. If you have decided to visit or reside in Slovenia, you can check the article below if you need a visa beforehand.
Do I Need a Visa to Go to Slovenia?
No, you do not need a visa for Slovenia if:
- Your country is part of the EU/EEA countries or any Schengen country.
- Your country has a visa-free agreement with Schengen.
If you are from a country that does not have a visa-free agreement with Schengen, you must apply for a Slovenian visa.
Types of Slovenia Visas
Here are some of the Slovenia visa types:
- Slovenia Tourist Visa.
- Slovenia Transit Visa.
- Slovenia Work Visa.
- Slovenia Student Visa.
- Slovenia Family Visa.
Slovenia Tourist Schengen Visa
You will need a Slovenian tourist visa if you want to stay in Slovenia for less than 90 days. A tourist visa is a perfect option for you if you need to visit Slovenia for tourism or if you’re visiting a friend or family member. In addition, the Slovenia visa allows you to explore other countries in the Schengen area and other countries outside of the Schengen zone.
See where you can go with a Schengen visa.
Slovenia Transit Visa
You need to apply for a Slovenia transit visa if it is required to enter the international transit area of a Slovenian airport to continue your journey to your destination country. This is usually required if you need to pass through Slovenia while you wait for a connecting flight to your final destination.
Generally speaking, you might not need a Slovenian transit visa if you will not leave the international transit area. But, nationals of specific countries require a transit visa regardless if they will leave the transit area or not.
Slovenia Work Visa
You must apply for a Slovenia work visa to work in the Republic of Slovenia. You can apply for a work visa at a local embassy or consulate in your home country. Your employer can also submit an application for a work visa to bring you to Slovenia. This depends on your visa and your situation, so make sure you check with your employer and embassy.
Note: to qualify for a work visa in Slovenia; you need to have employment lined up for you, i.e., you need a work contract for your permit.
Slovenia Student Visa
You must apply for a Slovenia student visa and a residence permit if you want to study in Slovenia. You can study visa-free in Slovenia if your country has a visa agreement with the country and your study program doesn’t last longer than 90 days. Otherwise, you must possess a valid student visa. Please note that you must first be accepted to a university and apply for a visa.
Slovenia Family Visa
To join your family members or a spouse currently living in Slovenia, you need to apply for a Slovenia family visa. Usually, this visa is issued for the same duration as your partner’s visa, and you can work and study while in Slovenia.
Difference Between Slovenia Schengen Visa and Long-Term Visa
The differences between Slovenia Schengen Visa and a D-Type Long Term Visa are:
| Slovenia Schengen Visa | Slovenia D-Type Long Term Visa |
| This is a short-term visa usually issued for tourism. | A long stay visa is usually issued for up to six months for long-term purposes. |
| A Schengen visa C does not lead to permanent residency. | With a long-stay visa, you can obtain a permanent permit and stay long-term in Slovenia. |
| You cannot work or study with a Schengen visa. | You can work and study with a long-stay D visa. |
Slovenia Visa Application Process
To apply for a Slovenia visa, you need to:
- Locate your nearest Slovenian embassy or consulate. An appointment is required before submitting an application.
- Have your documents ready. The Slovenian embassy or consulate will give you a list of requirements for your visa application.
- Submit your visa application. You may be asked to sit in an interview.
- Retrieve your visa. The processing time for your visa application may take up to two weeks.
Document Checklist
For Slovenia visa application, you will need these documents:
- The Slovenia application form. You can find the application form at your local Slovenian consulate.
- Photos of yourself. Photos must follow the Schengen visa photo requirements.
- A valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months after your departure date from Slovenia.
- Proof of your return ticket to your home country.
- Proof of accommodation. You can submit a hotel or Airbnb reservation.
- Cover letter stating the reason behind your stay in Slovenia.
- Proof of financial stability. This step is required to prove that you can provide for yourself during your stay in Slovenia.
However, these are only the most commonly required documents, to see the complete list of Slovenia visa requirements see the areticle here.
How to Pay The Slovenia Visa Fee?
You can pay your Slovenia visa fee at your nearest Slovenian embassy or consulate via cash or bank transfer. The Slovenian visa fee varies based on your age and choice of visa. In addition, you may be charged additional service fees if you apply for your Slovenia visa through an application agency.
Slovenia Visa Processing Time
The processing time for your Slovenia visa will usually take from 14-15 days. However, the processing time for long-term visas, such as family or work permits, can take several months to finish.
What Can I Do If My Application Is Rejected?
A visa can be rejected for many reasons (i.e., missing documents, insufficient proof, etc.). If your Slovenia visa application is rejected, you must appeal the rejection notice within eight days of receiving your answer.
To start the appeal process, you need to write an appeal letter and send it to the Slovenian embassy— please make sure you check if you have a valid reason for appeal. For more information on how to appeal, you will be given instructions on your rejection letter or e-mail. Also, keep in mind that you’re required to pay a non-refundable appeal fee of €153.
Finally, if your appeal request is denied, you can re-apply for the Schengen visa.
Slovenia Visa Duration
A Schengen visa, just like for every European country, is valid for 90 days within a 180 day period. During this timeframe, you can also visit other countries in the Schengen area. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit to extend your stay. Use the Schengen calculator to count the days you are allowed to stay in Slovenia.
Staying in Slovenia Longer Than Three Months
If you want to stay in Slovenia for longer than three months for studying, working, or medical treatment, you can apply for Slovenia residence permit. The residence permit application is only required if you are a non-EU/EEA country citizen. If you are a resident of one of EU countries, you only need to register your stay in Slovenia to inform authorities that you want to extend your stay.
Also Read: Visa free countries for Slovenians
Fun Facts About Slovenia
If you still need to be convinced that you need to visit Slovenia, here are some fun facts that show the quirks and qualities that Slovenia has to offer, which will help with your decision:
- Baby Dragons. Slovenia is home to the only Baby Dragons in the whole world. You can find these dragons deep in the Slovenian caves as they enjoy darkness and quietness. Baby dragons can live for up to 100 years and stay without food from 8 to 14 weeks!
- 8,000 Caves. There are more than 8,000 caves in Slovenia available for visiting! Many tourists and travelers consider the Slovenian caves a must-see, claiming that the caves are an underground paradise. As mentioned before, the caves are also home to the only baby dragons worldwide!
- More than 500 Bears roam around Slovenia. Yes, that is not a typo; Slovenia is known for having over 500 bears. However, you should not be worried since these bears all roam around in Slovenian forests and there is no risk of them ever doing something dangerous. If anything, the bears only add an extra factor to Slovenia’s quirks.
- Slovenia has a 30,000 km-long stream of rivers. Slovenia is also known for its river coastline, from mountains to other beautiful landscapes. The stream of rivers is 30,000km long and is a huge tourist attraction.