Group trips to Slovakia

Find out the entry requirements for Slovakia, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Slovakia – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Slovakia is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1. During daylight saving time, it switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.

If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 1pm in Slovakia. When it's 12pm on the East Coast of the USA, it will be 6pm in Slovakia.

Remember that daylight saving time in Slovakia typically starts on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.

Slovakia uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. If you're coming from the UK, you can exchange GBP to EUR at approximately 1 GBP to 1.15 EUR. From the USA, it's about 1 USD to 0.95 EUR, and from other European countries using the Euro, no exchange is needed. You can exchange currency at:

• Banks
• Exchange offices
• Some hotels

In Slovakia, you can pay using cash, credit cards, or debit cards. Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most places, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller businesses or more remote areas where card payments might not be possible. ATMs are readily available if you need to withdraw cash. Mobile payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay are also becoming increasingly popular in urban areas.

Tipping in Slovakia is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, it is common to leave around 10 percent of the bill for good service. In cafes or bars, rounding up the bill or leaving some small change is a nice gesture. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is appreciated. Remember, tipping is always at your discretion and based on the quality of service you receive.

In Slovakia, if you're coming from Europe or the Schengen area, you can use your phone's roaming plan without any extra charges, which is super convenient. If you’re from outside these areas, consider buying a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan for more affordable rates. Providers like Orange, Telekom, and O2 offer good options. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and public places, so staying connected shouldn't be a problem.

In Slovakia, the official language is Slovak. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or want to use:

• Hello, Ahoj
• Thank you, Ďakujem
• Please, Prosím
• Yes, Áno
• No, Nie

Most people in Slovakia, especially in tourist areas, also speak some English. However, knowing a few Slovak phrases can really enrich your travel experience.

In Slovakia, the plugs are Type E, which have two round prongs and a hole for the socket's male grounding pin. The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. If you’re coming from the UK, USA, or other countries with different plug types, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to charge your devices.

The main religion in Slovakia is Christianity, with a significant majority of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. Important religious holidays include Christmas and Easter, which are widely celebrated across the country. If you plan to visit during these times, you might experience local traditions and festivities. Keep in mind that many shops and businesses may close on these holidays, so plan accordingly.

Packing for a trip to Slovakia? Here's a handy guide to get your backpack ready:

Clothing:

• Lightweight layers for varying temperatures
• Warm jacket for cooler evenings
• Waterproof jacket or poncho
• Comfortable outfits for exploring cities

Shoes:

• Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers
• Sandals for warmer days
• Hiking boots if you plan to explore the mountains

Accessories and Technology:

• Universal adapter for plugs
• Power bank for your devices
• Camera to capture the stunning landscapes
• Travel guidebook or app

Toiletries and Medication:

• Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Basic first-aid kit
• Common travel medications like pain relievers and motion sickness tablets

Slovakia's weather varies by region and season, so here's a quick breakdown:

• Bratislava and the Western Region: Expect hot summers around 25-30°C (77-86°F) and cold winters with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F). Spring and fall are mild, making these great times to visit.
• Central Mountains: Summers are cooler, usually 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winters are cold and snowy, perfect for skiing.
• Eastern Slovakia: Similar to the west, but can be slightly warmer in the summer and colder in the winter.

The best time to visit is late spring (May-June) or early fall (September), when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.