Welcome to Slovakia

While thoroughly modern and with a thriving economy, Slovakia feels like a storybook come to life. Despite its bustling metropolises, more than 40 percent of the population still choose to live in villages with populations of 5,000 or less.

Castles and chateaux cover the hillsides, from the Carpathian and High Tatras mountains to the banks of the sinewy Danube River. Outdoor adventure is ever popular here, including skiing, walking, hiking, biking and more. Don’t miss the Tokaj wine region and the old town of capital city Bratislava.

Unique Facts

• Slovakia boasts the world’s highest number of castles and chateaux per capita. There are 180 castles and 425 chateaux and yet the population of the entire country is less than that of New York City.
• In addition to castles and chateaux, Slovakia has an astounding number of caves: more than 6,000! The most spectacular are those found in Low Tatras, Slovak Paradise and Slovak Karst.
• Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, is the only capital that borders two countries, in this case, Austria and Hungary.
• Nature reigns supreme in Slovakia: there are nine national parks, 14 protected landscape areas and the High Tatras mountains with peaks more than 8,200 feet tall. Plus, there are more than 1,300 mineral water and healing thermal springs.
• The highest wooden altar in the world is found in the medieval town of Levoča in the Church of St. James. It is 61 feet high and 19 feet wide and was made without the use of a single nail.

Language

Slovakia’s official language is Slovak.

When To Go

The best time to go to Slovakia is from May through the end of October.

Airports

M. R. Štefánik Airport
Košice International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of under 90 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for most travelers when visiting Slovakia: Hepatitis A vaccine. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and E. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

The roads are generally well maintained throughout Slovakia. Most roads around Bratislava are four-lane highways; outside of Slovakia, they are mainly two lanes. Use extreme caution when driving outside urban areas at night because the roads are narrow, winding and poorly lit. Additionally, use extreme caution when driving between November and March, as the region experiences heavy snowfall.

Public transportation options include buses, trolleybuses and trams. Use only clearly marked taxis.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Bratislava
Hviezdoslavovo námestie 4,
811 02 Bratislava
Slovakia
Telephone: +(421) (2) 5443-0861 or +(421) (2) 5443-3338
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(421) 903-703-666
Fax: +(421) (2) 5441-8861
consulbratislava@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center
Klobučnícka 2
811 01 Bratislava
Tel: +421 2 16 186, +421 2 5441 9410
touristinfo@visitbratislava.com

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Fire: 150
Ambulance: 155
Police: 158

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Slovakia. Street crimes include pickpocketing, as well as cell phone and bag theft, particularly during the summer in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation.