Slovakia Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a trip to Slovakia is an exciting adventure, whether you're visiting the capital city of Bratislava, hiking in the High Tatras, or simply traveling for business.

Before you get too far in the planning process, it’s important to understand if you need a visa to enter Slovakia.

This article will walk you through all of the Slovakia visa requirements, including whether US citizens need a visa, how to apply, and the types of visas available.

Do I need a visa to go to Slovakia?

Slovakia is a member of the Schengen zone, which means that for many travelers, a visa may not be necessary for short stays. But, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, a visa might still be required.

If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you do not need a visa for trips under 90 days in length that are for leisure or business. This includes citizens from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and others. If your trip exceeds 90 days in length or is to work or study, you’ll need to apply for a visa. Additionally, if you are a citizen or resident of a Schengen country, you do not need a visa as well.

All travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt will need a visa to travel to Slovakia. This includes citizens from China, Russia, India, and more.

Do US citizens need a visa for Slovakia?

You don’t! US citizens can enter Slovakia and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, if you’re planning to stay longer or for reasons other than tourism/visiting, you’ll need to apply for a Slovakia visa.

How do I apply for a Slovakia visa?

Applying for a Slovakian visa is relatively straightforward, but requires careful preparation. Slovakia offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. The general steps are:

• Determine which Slovakia visa you need (tourism, work, study, etc.).
• Collect all of the necessary documents.
• Book an appointment at a Slovakian consulate or visa center.
• Attend an appointment and submit your visa application and biometrics.
• Receive an answer.

Can I apply for a Slovakia visa online?

No, it’s not possible to apply for a Slovakia visa online. All applicants must apply in person in their country of residence – typically by appointment only.

With that being said, an online platform for Slovakia visa applications is in the works. The EU is launching an online system for Schengen visa applications called EU VAP. EU VAP is still being developed and is set to be fully operational by 2030.

Is a Slovakia visa difficult to get?

The process isn’t too difficult if you’re well-prepared, but you do need to follow all requirements closely. Whether or not your Slovakia visa application will be approved depends entirely on the Slovakian Embassy.

What is the rejection rate for Slovakia visas?

In 2023, 13.01% of Slovakia visa applications were denied globally. Keep in mind that rejection rates are constantly changing based on many factors, including nationality, seasonality, and more.

Common reasons for rejection are incomplete applications and failure to meet minimum requirements. However, applications can be denied for any reason.

What is the processing time for a Slovakia visa?

Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, but for short-stay (Schengen) visas, expect around 15 calendar days. In some cases, processing may take up to longer (weeks, months), so it’s best to apply well ahead of time.

Slovakia visa application requirements

To ensure a smooth visa application, it’s important to meet all Slovakia visa requirements. These can vary depending on the type of visa you need. With that being said, there are standard essential documents that will be required no matter which Slovakian visa you’re applying for.

Which documents are required when applying for a Slovakia visa?

When applying for a Slovakia visa, the standard required documents are:

• A completed visa application form
• A valid passport
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of accommodation
• Schengen travel insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Flight itinerary
  

What are the Slovakia visa requirements for specific visas?

Slovakia visitor visa requirements

For a Slovakia tourist visa, you’ll need to provide all of the standard documents listed above, as well as your biometrics (fingerprints) which will be collected at your mandatory in-person appointment. There will also be a fee.

Type D (long-stay) Slovakia visa requirements

This visa is for stays longer than 90 days, such as for work, study, or family reunification. You’ll need to provide additional documentation like a work contract or university acceptance letter in addition to the standard requirements. Your visa center or consulate will provide you with a list of the exact requirements.

Does Slovakia offer a digital nomad visa?

Currently, Slovakia doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa.

Is there an interview when applying for a visa for Slovakia?

There is an appointment required, though it isn’t necessarily a formal interview. At this appointment, an authorized attendant will help you go through your documents to make sure your application is complete. They’ll also walk you through biometric submission (collecting your fingerprints).

In addition to this, they may ask you questions directly related to your documents or travel plans, but there isn’t a set list of questions you’ll need to prepare for.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have a Slovakian visa?

No, if you hold a valid Slovakian visa, you do not need to obtain ETIAS. Citizens of Schengen area countries also do not need to obtain ETIAS before traveling to Slovakia.

Who needs ETIAS to visit Slovakia?

From 2025 on, ETIAS will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries visiting Slovakia and other Schengen zone countries for short stays. This includes US, UK, and Canadian citizens.

Is Slovakia part of the Schengen zone?

Yes, Slovakia is a member of the Schengen Zone, allowing you to travel freely within other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Does my Slovakian visa allow me to travel through the Schengen zone?

Yes! A Slovakia Schengen visa allows you to travel to any of the 29 countries in the Schengen zone without the need for additional visas.

With that being said, there can be exceptions. It’s always best to check the permissions of your specific visa before confirming all travel plans.

Can I go anywhere in Europe with a Slovakia visa?

While a Slovakia visa allows travel within the Schengen zone, it does not grant access to non-Schengen countries (such as Ireland or the UK).

Slovakia Visas: Key Takeaways

• There are different types of Slovakia visas depending on your travels.
• Each visa type has different requirements.
• Slovakia is a member of the Schengen area.
• To apply for a Slovakian visa, you must show proof of accommodation, flights, and funds to support yourself during your stay.
• To apply, you must provide proof of Schengen-compliant travel insurance at the time of your appointment.
• Processing times for Slovakia visas vary, but it’s typically around 15 business days for short-stay visas but can be much longer for long-stay ones.
• In the coming years, you’ll be able to apply for a Slovakian visa online with EU VAP.
• If you have a valid Slovakia visa, you do not need ETIAS.
• Some visas allow you to work on Slovakia soil, others do not.
• Slovakia doesn’t currently offer a digital nomad visa.
• The rejection rate for Slovakian visa applications was 13.01% in 2023, globally.