Slovakia is a popular destination among tourists from all around the world. The country offers many natural landscapes, mountains, caves, castles, and folk architecture.
Citizens from countries with a visa requirement need to apply for a Slovakia tourist visa to visit the country as tourists. Obtaining a tourist visa allows you to stay in Slovakia for 90 days. A Slovakia tourist visa may be issued for one, two, or more entries.
Tourists from visa-free countries do not need a visa and can enter the country with just their passports.
Do I Need a Tourist Visa to Visit Slovakia?
The list of people who do not need a tourist visa to visit Slovakia includes:
- Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries that have a visa-free agreement with Schengen.
- Holders of diplomatic, official, service, or special passports.
- Third-country nationals holding a residence permit issued by a Schengen Member State.
- Holders of diplomatic passports who are under the Visa Facilitation Agreements or specific visa waiver agreements with certain third countries.
Tourists of countries with a visa requirement who are granted a tourist visa are obliged to leave the country before their visa expires.
Is Slovakia a Part of Schengen Visa?
Yes, Slovakia has been a member state of the Schengen area since 2003 and shares the same visa policy as all other Schengen countries. Your Schengen visa will allow you free movement in other countries within the Schengen Area and is valid for 90 days within a 180 day period.
How to Apply for a Slovakia Schengen Visa?
To apply for a Schengen Slovakia visa, you need to follow the steps below:
- Book an appointment. Contact the nearest Slovak Diplomatic mission to book an appointment for your visa application.
- Fill in the application form. Fill out all the questions of the application form with sincere answers and avoid leaving blank gaps.
- Submit documents. Compile all the listed documents on the checklist, and submit them with the application form.
- Pay the fee. Pay the visa fee and print out the receipt of payment.
- Submit the application in person. You need to submit your application in person at your nearest Slovakia office or embassy in your country.
- Attend the visa interview. After your application goes through the review process, you will be notified of the date and time of your interview.
Document Checklist for Slovakia Schengen Visa
The documents required for a Slovakia Schengen visa are listed below:
- Slovakia visa application form. Completely fill in the application form with the required information and sign it at the end.
- Passport. Your passport must not be older than ten years and must have a of validity three or six months.
- Two passport-sized photos. Recently taken photos of yourself, not older than six months, following the Schengen photo guidelines.
- Cover letter. Explain why you want to visit Slovakia and why the embassy should approve your application.
- Flight ticket information. Proof that you have booked or paid for your flight ticket.
- Schengen Travel insurance. Schengen travel insurance is mandatory to help you with your medical expenses or cases of emergencies.
- Proof of accommodation in Slovakia. Documents that serve as proof that you have a place to stay during your visit to Slovakia (hotel, rental agreement, etc.).
- Proof of financial means. Documents proving that you have sufficient incomes to cover the cost of your trip to Slovakia and your daily expenses, such as a bank statement or sponsorship support.
- Payment of Slovakia visa fee. Provide the printed receipt of payment for the visa fee.
You might be required to submit additional requirements if the embassy or consulate requests you to do so.
Slovakia Schengen Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Slovakia visa may take up to 15 days. Due to the COVID-19 situation, and in case of a large number of visa applications, the application processing time can be extended to 45 days or more.
Slovakia Schengen Visa Fee
The fees for a Slovakia Schengen visa are as follows:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tourist Schengen Visa | €60 |
| Children between the age of 6 – 12 years | €40 |
| National of a third country covered by the visa facilitation agreement with the European Union | €35 |
Slovakia Visa Fee Exemptions
Some people may be exempted from paying the Schengen visa fee for Slovakia completely:
- Children younger than six years old.
- The spouse of a Slovak citizen.
- EU citizen’s spouse.
- Students, pupils, postgraduate students, and accompanying teachers who travel for training or study.
- Researchers.
How Long Can I Stay in Slovakia With a Schengen Tourist Visa?
Holders of a Schengen tourist visa are allowed to enter Slovakia and reside for a maximum of 90 days within six months (180 days), with the primary purpose of visiting the country for tourism and pleasure. A Schengen visa permits you to visit any of the Schengen states besides Slovakia for the period of the visa validity and duration of stay. To avoid overstaying, you should count the number of days in the Schengen area by using the Schengen calculator.
Can I Extend a Slovakia Schengen Visa?
According to the rules of the Slovak Republic, an extension of a Slovakia Schengen visa is not possible unless exceptional cases apply such as:
- Natural disasters
- Humanitarian grounds
- Serious personal reasons
The application for the visa extension must be submitted to the competent Foreign Police Department, and before the expiration date of your visa-free stay. You will be charged a €30 fee for such an extension. Any application submitted later than the required date will be refused.
Can I Study in Slovakia With a Schengen Visa?
You can’t study in Slovakia with a Schengen visa issued for tourist purposes. If you’re from a visa-exempt country then you can study visa-free for 90 days. But, if your study program lasts more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a student visa and a residence permit. If the Slovak Republic issues the student visa, you will be allowed to stay until your study program ends.
Can I Work in Slovakia With a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa can not be used for employment or any other profit-focused activities. Foreign nationals who want to work in Slovakia must apply for a residence and work permit. The responsible authority for issuing residence permits to foreign nationals who wish to live and work in Slovakia is the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Places to Visit in Slovakia
A picturesque country offering many beautiful natural landscapes and stunning architecture, Slovakia is becoming more popular day by day. It is the perfect destination for nature and food lovers, and here you can find a list of ten must-see places in Slovakia:
- Bratislava. Bratislava, the capital and largest city, is the political, cultural, and economic center of Slovakia. History, architecture, tradition, culture, art, drinks, food, and nightlife are some of the reasons why you should visit Bratislava
- Pieštány. If you want to feel relaxed and enjoy a great day at the spa, Piestany is the right place for you. Piestany is famous for its spa, medicinal geothermal water, and sulfuric mud. The beautiful town offers rich cultural life and many opportunities for sports.
- Košice. Another attractive city to add to your travel list is Kosice. You can do a lot of daily activities and enjoy the food in the luxurious restaurant, and learn more about the history of the city.
- Banská Štiavnica. One of the most beautiful towns in Europe where medieval history meets natural beauty. Filled with green hills and the pastel-colored building, it is also one of the most beautiful cities in Slovakia. The city is full of beautiful gems and gorgeous scenery. It is perfect to learn more about Slovak culture and architecture.
- Bardejov. Known mainly for its authentic old town square, Bardejov exhibits numerous cultural monuments. You can visit many cultural buildings, museums, and castles during your trip to Bardejov.
- Slovak Paradise National Park. Slovakia has nine national parks, and Slovak Paradise is one of them. The Slovak Paradise National Park is a must for people who enjoy adventures in nature. Characterized by caves, waterfalls, gorges, and beautiful views, Slovak Paradise will be an unforgettable experience.
- Levoca. Levoca is a beautiful city in Slovakia with many beautiful and unique buildings. Levoca has the highest wooden altar in the world, and the city center of Levoca is one of the best in Slovakia.
- High Tatras. The High Tatras mountains are a natural attraction on their own. The first thing you should see when visiting the High Tatras is the glacier Štrbské Pleso. Adventurous hikers and climbers will have the best time in the mountains.
- Komárno. Komarno is another gem of Slovakia. The majority of the historical and cultural sites were well preserved and remain to this day. You can enjoy the festivals and water sports. Tourists are mostly attracted by the thermal swimming pool.
- Banská Bystrica. A moderately large city in central Slovakia, Banska Bystrica is a tourist attraction for people around the world. A visit to the old square will leave you amazed by all the beauty and culture you witness.