Located in the center of Europe, Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countries in the Balkans. From mountains and rivers to lakes, it provides everything for tourists to explore and is, therefore, one of the most popular destinations to visit. But, if you want to visit Slovenia, you might need to apply for a Schengen visa beforehand.
Do I Need a Tourist Visa to Visit Slovenia?
You need a visa to visit Slovenia if you’re from a country that does not have a visa facilitation agreement with Slovenia or the Schengen area. After you get a short-stay Schengen visa for Slovenia, you can visit other countries in the Schengen area as long as your visa is valid.
Please note that you don’t need a visa for Slovenia if you’re a citizen of countries with a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen area.
See: who needs a visa to enter Schengen.
Is Slovenia Part of the Schengen Visa?
Yes, Slovenia is part of the Schengen countries. The Schengen countries are several European states that practice a border-free zone for their citizens and issue a uniform visa for foreigners— otherwise known as a Schengen visa.
How to Apply for a Slovenia Schengen Visa?
You need to follow the steps below to apply for a Slovenia visa:
- Find the nearest Slovenian embassy or consulate. You need to locate the nearest embassy or visa office in your country, a representative of the Slovenian government. Then, you must make an appointment to submit your application and attend a visa interview. You can find a list of foreign representatives here.
- Collect all required documents. You must prepare several documents for your visa application, including your passport, visa application, birth certificates, etc. The embassy or consulate can provide you with a detailed list of documents.
- Submit your visa application. On the day of your appointment, you must bring your application and submit the documents you prepared. You may also be asked to sit down for a brief interview about why you want to visit Slovenia, how long you plan on staying, and similar questions.
- Wait for a decision. Then, you must wait for several weeks while your application is processed, and you’ll be notified of the final decision regarding your visa.
Document Checklist for Slovenia Schengen Visa
Before submitting your application, make sure you collect all required documents for your Slovenia visa:
- Slovenia visa application form. You can find the application form online; you need to print it out and fill it with your information. You may also pick up a copy at the embassy or consulate.
- Two recent photos of yourself. The photos must follow the Schengen visa photo specifications.
- A valid passport (both the original and a copy). Before applying, make sure that the passport is valid for at least three months after you leave the country.
- Proof of your return ticket. You must provide a detailed itinerary of your visit, travel times, and flight tickets.
- Proof of accommodation. You can provide either proof of hotel reservation, Airbnb, or proof that you will stay with a friend or family member.
- Cover letter. The cover letter should state the reason behind your stay in Slovenia.
- Proof of financial stability. This is a necessary step to prove that you can provide for yourself during your stay. You can do that by showing proof of your bank statement.
- Invitation letter. If someone close to you is inviting you to visit them, you must provide a copy of their invitation letter addressed to you.
Slovenia Schengen Visa Processing Time
The Slovenia Schengen visa processing takes 14 to 15 days. You will get an answer from the Slovenian consulate or embassy you applied to. Sometimes, the processing time for a Slovenia visa can take up to several months.
Slovenia Schengen Visa Fee
The Slovenia visa fee costs are:
| Visa Type | Price |
| Standard Schengen Visa fee | €80 |
| Long – stay Visa fee | €77 |
| Children under the age of six | Free |
| Scientific researchers | Free |
| Students on a school trip | Free |
| A family member of a Slovenian citizen | Free |
| Diplomatic passport holders who travel for official purposes | Free |
The Slovenian embassy or consulate will give you a document that serves as proof for the visa payment. You must submit this proof with the other required documents for your Slovenia visa application.
How Long Can I Stay in Slovenia With a Schengen Tourist Visa?
You can stay in Slovenia with a Schengen tourist visa for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. You can also use the Schengen visa to travel to other Schengen countries during the given visa validity period. If you would like to stay in Slovenia for longer than 90 days, you can apply for a Slovenia type D national visa, which is a long-stay visa.
Can I Extend a Slovenia Schengen Visa?
You can extend your Schengen visa only in unusual circumstances such as force maejure, humanitarian reasons, or very strong personal circumstances. Please keep in mind that when you ask for an extension, you must provide evidence that you truly need a visa extension.
Can I Study in Slovenia With a Schengen Visa?
You cannot study in Slovenia with a Schengen visa. If you are from a non-EU/EEA country and would like to study in Slovenia, you must apply for a student visa and a residence permit to stay in Slovenia for your full study period.
Can I Work in Slovenia With a Schengen Visa?
No, a Schengen visa does not allow you to work in Slovenia; you need to apply for a proper work visa and receive a residence permit to work. Keep in mind that EU/EEA citizens are exempt from this requirement.
Places to Visit in Slovenia
Here are some of the most famous tourist attractions in Slovenia for you to visit:
- Ljubljana. The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, offers modern and urban architecture. The city is filled with cafes and museums. It is a charming small town with cheap prices that tourists love to visit. It offers beautiful green scenery for those who enjoy a quiet and peaceful environment.
- Lake Bled. Surrounded by the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is one of Europe’s most beautiful places and a must-see. A small island in the middle of the lake is home to a few people and a beautiful church, giving the landscape an even more surreal painting feeling.
- Piran. Piran is a small Slovenia city known for having Venetian architecture. If you think Italy is out of your budget, then Piran will satisfy your needs. It is known for having the same architecture as well-known places in Italy while offering more affordable pricing.
- Slovenia’s famous caves. Slovenia is home to over 8,500 caves. The caves are one of the most popular tourist attractions. Perfect for adventurers, the spectacular caves are a sight to behold. The caves in Slovenia are also the only place in the world with baby dragons. Some of the most famous caves in Slovenia are Postojna Cave, the Caves of Škocjan, Snow Cave, and plenty more.
- Julian Alps. Many travelers claim that the Julian Alps are the prettiest mountain range they have ever seen. The Alps are the main tourist attraction in Slovenia, and they are perfect for skiing and snowboarding lovers. The mountain range is home to plenty of plant and animal diversity, making it even more attractive to foreigners.