Call 0330 880 3600 Calls may be monitored or recorded. Opening Times.

Blog Header

Need help?

UK Customer Services0330 880 3600*

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4pm and closed Sundays.

*Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes.

Go back to:
All Country Guides


Slovakia


Please note that if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have advised against all (or all but essential travel) to your destination, we cannot provide cover.
Click here to visit the FCDO's Foreign Travel Advice webpage.


  1. Intro
  2. Geography
  3. Travel
  4. Embassies & Visas
  5. Currency
  6. Health

Quick Facts

Official name: Slovak Republic
Capital city: Bratislava
Languages spoken: Slovak, Hungarian, Romani
Population: Around 5.4 million
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time zone: GMT+1 (GMT+2 in summer)
Driving side: Right
Climate: Continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters

Slovakia, in the heart of Central Europe, is a country of castles, mountains, and folk traditions. Known for the High Tatras’ hiking and skiing, medieval towns like Banská Štiavnica, and vibrant Bratislava on the Danube, it offers a blend of outdoor adventure and cultural charm.

Politically, Slovakia is a parliamentary republic and part of the European Union. Laws are generally aligned with EU standards. Homosexuality is legal, though public attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ communities may be conservative outside larger cities. Visitors should also respect Catholic traditions, particularly in rural areas, where modest dress is expected in churches.

Slovakia is landlocked, bordered by Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, and Hungary. The Carpathian Mountains dominate the north, while lowlands stretch across the south. The Danube River runs along part of the southern border.

Bratislava Airport (BTS) and nearby Vienna Airport (VIE) are common gateways. Train and bus connections link Slovakia with neighbouring countries. Attractions include Spiš Castle (a UNESCO site), Slovak Paradise National Park, and traditional wooden churches in the Carpathians. Winter sports are popular in resorts such as Jasná and Tatranská Lomnica.

As a Schengen Area country, Slovakia allows UK nationals visa-free entry for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay. The British Embassy in Bratislava provides consular support.

The official currency is the euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available, and credit and debit cards are commonly accepted. Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants.

Healthcare is good in urban areas, though limited in rural regions. EU and UK travellers can access state healthcare with appropriate documentation, but comprehensive insurance is recommended for wider cover. Tap water is safe to drink.