Getting ETIAS for Slovenia: What to Know in 2026

Slovenia continues to grow in popularity, and for good reason. This friendly country in central Europe has something for everyone, like gorgeous forests, an incomparable coastline, and iconic architectural features from several points in history. 

European travel requirements continue to evolve, which can make trip planning a little bit confusing. Which criteria apply to you? Which don’t? 

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming visit to Ljubljana, Kopera, or wherever it is you’re off to in this stunning country!

Do I need ETIAS to visit Slovenia?

Yes, from 2026 on, if you are not a citizen from the Schengen area OR do not have a valid Schengen visa, you will need ETIAS to travel to Slovenia. 

Who does this apply to? 

Citizens from the US, UK, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and others do not need a visa for short stays (under 90 days) in the Schengen area.

However, with the introduction of ETIAS, these travelers will need to apply for travel authorization before visiting any country in the Schengen area, which includes Slovenia. ETIAS is this travel authorization.

ETIAS isn’t a visa – it’s simply an authorization to enter a country in the Schengen area for short stays (under 90 days).

If you wish to stay more than 90 days in Slovenia (or anywhere in the Schengen area for that matter), you don’t need to apply for ETIAS. Instead, you need to apply for a visa. Learn more in our Slovenia visa guide.

If you’re from a country that isn’t visa-exempt, such as India, China, or Russia, you do not need to apply for ETIAS.  Additionally, if you are a citizen of a Schengen country, you also do not need to obtain ETIAS to travel to Slovenia.

Do I need ETIAS if I have a Slovenia visa?

No. If you hold a valid Slovenia visa (or Schengen visa/passport), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. ETIAS is an “either/or” situation. Travelers need to either have a valid Slovenia visa or ETIAS approval. 

How to apply

Applying for an ETIAS for your trip to Slovenia should only take 10-20 minutes and can be done entirely online. 

Just follow a few simple steps: 

• Fill out the form on ETIAS with a few details, such as your name, travel plans, and passport number. 
• Answer a few questions about your personal history. According to the official European Union website, you’ll be asked to share your parents’ first names, current occupation, and level of education. You’ll also be asked about any past criminal convictions.

• Pay a small fee: There is an application fee that can be paid using a credit or debit card (20 euros).
• Wait for approval: In most cases, ETIAS approval only takes a couple of minutes or is even immediate. However, it can take up to 30 days to get approval, so make sure you plan ahead. 
• Travel to Slovenia!: Once your ETIAS is approved, it will be automatically linked to your passport for authorities to see. This is digital. However, it never hurts to print out your approval, just in case. 

Your ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. 

ETIAS rejections

If your ETIAS is denied, you’ll receive an official email outlining the reason(s). In this email, you’ll also be given instructions on how to appeal the decision if you believe it was unfairly made. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to travel to Slovenia without ETIAS approval.

Traveling with a Slovenia ETIAS

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.

Sources

The Slovenian Ministry of the Interior: https://www.gov.si/en/news/2024-09-13-new-european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system-for-entry-into-europe/

Slovenia Ministry of the Interior: Police Platform: https://www.policija.si/eng/areas-of-work/state-border-control/etias-travel-authorisations

European Union: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias