Home > ETIAS for Slovakia: All the Need-to-Know Details
If you’re planning a trip to Slovakia and wondering whether or not you need ETIAS authorization, you’re not alone.
Slovakia, a landlocked country in central Europe, offers majestic mountain views, historic towns with cobblestone streets, beautiful castles, and more. It’s no wonder millions of tourists make Slovakia their destination each and every year.
Understanding which travel requirements pertain to you is essential when planning a hassle-free trip to Slovakia.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming visit to Bratislava, Košice, or wherever it is you’re off to in the stunning country of Slovakia!
Yes, from 2026 on, if you are from a visa-exempt country and do not hold a current Schengen visa, you will need ETIAS to visit Slovakia.
Citizens from the US, UK, Australia, Japan, Canada, and others will need to apply for authorization (ETIAS) before visiting any country in the Schengen area, which Slovakia is.
It is important to note: if you’re from a visa-exempt country (such as any of the countries listed above) and are planning a trip to Slovakia that exceeds 90 days, you need to apply for a Slovakian visa. ETIAS is only for short trips for leisure or business and is not a substitute for a visa. ETIAS isn’t a visa - it’s approval to enter the area.
If you are a citizen of any country in the Schengen area, you do not need ETIAS to enter Slovakia. If you’re not from a visa-exempt country (India or China for example), you do not need to apply for ETIAS to travel to Slovakia. Instead, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa.
No. If you hold a valid visa for Slovakia, you don’t need to apply for ETIAS. ETIAS is only required for travelers who do not have a visa or are not citizens of a Schengen country.
Obtaining ETIAS authorization for your trip to Slovakia is quick, easy, and entirely online. In fact, you will usually get ETIAS approval in just a few minutes.
According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS does permit you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.