Slovak Republic Travel Guide:

          Travel Information

Special Notes    Road Safety and Conditions   Medical Care

Slovakia: Limited travel attraction for tourists (one of four globes)

The Slovak Republic (also called Slovakia) is a rapidly developing European nation. Tourist facilities are not as developed as those found in Western Europe, particularly outside the major cities, and some goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available.

1. Slovakia is a country of great scenic beauty, interesting history, and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. It lacks world class attractions and its tourist infrastructure is not well developed.



2. Independent travel is difficult in Slovakia. If you are interested in visiting the Slovak Republic, we recommend that you do so as part of a tour, organized by a reputable company.  (Read our article on How to evaluate tour operators.)   



3. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations in the Slovak Republic can be found at Slovakia: Best Places To Visit.



4. Tourist information about the Slovak Republic can be found at www.slovakiatourism.sk



5. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Slovakia is can be a difficult environment for tourists.

• If you are interested in touring Slovakia, we suggest that you do so as a member of tour group arranged through a reputable travel service.



•  Individual travel, and car based touring should be undertaken only by the experienced traveler who has a strong capability with the Slovak language.

1. The countries of the former Soviet Union do not provide health care and prevention systems that meet western standards.  Read our article on Health issues in Russia and Eastern European Countries for information on health risks and strategies for prevention.  Traveling in Russia or Eastern Europe without practicing the preventions described in this article is not recommended.  Check with the CDC for updates before you travel.



2. No official  travel advisories or specific terrorism warnings for The Slovak Republic have been posted by the U.S. Government at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State  and CDC to insure that these conditions have not changed.  In addition, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.



3. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .



4. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.



5. The following emergency numbers are valid throughout the Slovak Republic:
   
   General: 112 (English and German speaking operators)
   Police: 158
   Ambulance: 155
   Fire: 150



6. The U.S. Embassy is located at Hviezdoslavovo nam. 4, Bratislava, telephone (421)(2) 5443 0861, (421)(2) 5443 3338, fax (421)(2) 5441 8861, e-mail: cons@usembassy.sk , web site: http://www.usembassy.sk. See our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad.



7. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

When traveling internationally, try to blend in.  Americans often can be identified, anywhere in the world, by the "national uniform" consisting of a baseball cap, shorts  and white sneakers.  Our advice for smooth traveling is to take your cues from the crowd on the streets, dress to fit in, and quietly go about your business.

A passport is required for travel in Slovakia.  A visa is not required for stays for tourism or business up to 90 days (that period begins when entering any of the following countries which are parties to the Schengen agreement: Austria, Belgium,  the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,  Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia Spain, and Sweden).

If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents, including visas are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

Travelers to the Slovak Republic can obtain entry information from the Embassy of the Slovak Republic at 3523 International Court N.W., Suite 250, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 237-1054, fax: (202) 237-6438, email: iinfo@slovakembassy-us.org , Internet http://www.slovakembassy-us.org .

All foreigners seeking entry into the Slovak Republic must carry proof of a medical insurance policy contracted for payment of all costs for hospitalization and medical treatment in the Slovak Republic. Border police have the right to request evidence of finances sufficient to pay for the proposed stay in the Slovak Republic (based on the amount of $50 per person per day).

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure

DUAL NATIONALITY:  In addition to being subject to all Slovak Republic   laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Slovakian   citizens

In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at  http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues. U.S. citizens who are also citizens of any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers. 

Police forces in the Slovak Republic suffer from a lack of manpower, resources, and equipment. Local police are not likely to speak English.   Be alert and avoid the situations described below.

Western visitors, especially short-term visitors such as tourists and students, are the primary foreign targets of street crime. The majority of street crime is non-violent and ranges from pick-pocketing (particularly in the summer) and purse and cellular telephone snatchings.  Muggings, armed robbery, shooting, drugging and robbing of unsuspecting victims at nightspots and bars are less common but have been reported.

Most reported thefts occur at crowded tourist sites (such as old town areas) or on public buses or trains. Thieves in the Slovak Republic often work in groups or pairs. In most cases, one thief distracts the victim while an accomplice performs the robbery. Groups of street children are known to divert tourists' attention so that a member of their group can pickpocket the tourists while they are distracted.

Do not leave personal items in unattended vehicles, even if locked.

Reports of racially motivated incidents against foreigners and persons of color, perpetrated by groups with a history of targeting persons of Roma, African or Asian descent, have occurred in the Slovak Republic. In addition to incidents of assault, persons of Roma, African or Asian heritage may be subject to various types of harassment, such as verbal abuse.

Both indigenous and foreign organized crime groups are well-established in the Slovak Republic. They do not target U.S. or other foreign individuals and tend to co-exist peacefully in the tourist district so as not to scare away tourist dollars. Though not common, violent incidents sometimes do occur outside of the Old Town in the greater Bratislava area.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of any crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

2.  Slovak customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from the Slovak Republic of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, etc. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Washington, D.C., or one of the Slovak consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

3.  Taxi companies provide generally reliable, safe, and economical services.

• Avoid independent cabs that do not prominently display a company name.
• Visitors should be alert to the potential for substantial overcharging by taxis, particularly in areas frequented by tourists.
• Radio-dispatched taxis are often much more reliable.
•  Buses, trolleys, and trams are mechanically safe, but there have been reports of thefts on city transportation and of harassment by the transport police.
• On public transportation, it is obligatory to have a time-ticket validated after entering the vehicle (valid for 10, 30, 60 minutes), or a prepaid zone ticket (24-, 48-, 72-, 168-hour, 1-, 3-month and 1-year). Children from 6 to 15 years of age pay reduced fares.
  • Passengers who are traveling without a valid ticket will be fined by the ticket inspector.
  • The ticket inspector has to have an identification card and must provide a ticket for the fine.
  • More information is provided in English on http://www.imhd.sk. (Click the British flag for the English language version of the site).
• Inter-city travel is widely available by bus, train, or taxi and is generally safe (inquire about taxi fares in advance). There are regular international trains and buses, which are mechanically safe. However, there is a danger of theft, even from locked compartments, on international night trains serving Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest.
• Taxi drivers with special permits may provide international taxi service.

3. ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. This information was updated on May 11, 2006. Before you depart, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular county.

While driving in Slovakia, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning the Slovak Republic is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Tourists coming to the Slovak Republic are required to have an International Drivers' Permit. A U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in Slovakia. The U.S. driver's license must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (obtainable in the U.S. from American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance).

Roads in the Slovak Republic typically are safe and well maintained.

• A highway user decal must be purchased for travel on most major roads outside of Bratislava. The decal is valid for the calendar year in which it is purchased, and is available at gas stations, post offices and some newspaper kiosks. The cost is 1100 Sk (Slovak crowns) for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons. A short-term decal valid for 30 days may be purchased for 300Sk and a 15 day permit may be purchased for 150 Sk.



• Four-lane highways exist in and around Bratislava.
• Most roads outside of built-up areas are two lanes only, and aggressive drivers attempting to pass at unsafe speeds pose a serious hazard.
•  Due to poor lighting and narrow, winding roads, nighttime driving outside of built-up areas is not recommended.
• From November through March, there is often heavy snowfall, which is not adequately cleared from many rural roads.
•  Roads in the mountainous northern part of the country are particularly prone to hazardous conditions during winter months.
• Winter tires and chains are recommended for travel to mountain and ski resorts.
•  In the Slovak Republic, vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
• Drivers must yield the right of way to all vehicles with flashing blue lights (police, ambulances, fire trucks, motorcades).
• Vehicles with yellow or orange lights usually mean that traffic must slow down.
• Drivers must always be cautious, however, as many slowly moving vehicles, such as agricultural vehicles, are not well marked.

Speed Limits in Slovakia:

1. Built-up areas - 50 or 60 km/h as posted
2. Outside Built up areas (including  dual carriageways) - 90 km/h
3. Motorways - 130 km/h

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs). Many contracts prohibit drivers from taking rented vehicles into eastern European countries. Drivers attempting to enter countries listed as “prohibited” on the car rental contract may be arrested, fined, and/or charged with attempted auto theft.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. The blood alcohol tolerance level is zero percent.  ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.  In most foreign countries, the maximum permitted blood alcohol levels are lower than those enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries  for more information.

Penalties for drivers involved in car accidents involving injury or death are decided by a court of law. Penalties for minor offenses are not generally large, but foreigners are sometimes targeted for additional sums. Anyone suspecting this has occurred should ask for a written receipt and note the name and number of the traffic officer imposing the fine.

Use of mobile telephones while driving is against the law in the Slovak Republic.  The fine for violating laws against the use of mobile phone while driving is significant.  If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and place your call.

Gasoline is readily available, although many gas stations are closed on Sunday, especially in rural areas. Gas stations typically do not offer repair service; private mechanics must be found. Most gas stations accept credit cards, but mechanics less frequently accept them, so travelers should expect to pay for these services in cash.

Motorcycles: A motorcycle driver's license and helmet are required. Small motorcycles are not allowed on highways. All traffic regulations apply.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html .

For specific information concerning Slovak driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Slovak Embassy in  Washington, D.C. http://www.slovakembassy-us.org/

Medical facilities are available in the Slovak Republic.

• Only a limited number of doctors speak English.
• Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment for health services unless the patient can present an insurance number from the Slovak National Insurance Company.
• Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more.
• Medical prescriptions issued in the U.S. are not valid in the Slovak Republic. If needed, a local doctor must issue a prescription. Medicines are generally available locally, if not under the American name the doctor can be consulted for a substitute.
  • The Ministry of Health of Slovak Republic administers the use of medicines and medicine brought to the Slovak Republic for personal use may become subject to comparison against the list of those authorized for use in the Slovak Republic.

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure                         “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.  ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.