ETIAS FOR SLOVAKIA
EUROPE TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FOR SLOVAKIA
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Visitors from visa-free countries will soon be required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver before visiting Slovakia.
Slovakia is one of the Schengen countries that will benefit from the enhanced security of ETIAS once it is available: the new permit’s goal is to increase cross-border security.
The ETIAS visa waiver application process will be quick and simple; qualified foreigners will submit their request online a few days before departure. Non-EU nationals can travel to Slovakia and the remainder of the travel zone for up to 90 days with the authorised visa waiver.
Slovakia
Capital: Bratislava
Official language: Slovak
Currency: Euro
Population: 5.5 million
EU member state since: 1st May 2004
SLOVAKIA BASIC INFORMATION
Slovakia, sometimes known as the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked nation in central Europe. Slovakia’s primarily hilly landscape covers around 49,000 km2 (19,000 square miles).
Summers in Slovakia are pleasant and bright, with chilly winters. Throughout the year, temperatures can range from -40 to 40 degrees Celsius, with climatic contrasts between the mountainous north and the flatter southern parts.
Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital and largest city, with a population of little more than 420,000 people.
Slovakia is bordered by the following ETIAS countries:
- Poland
- Hungary
- Austria
- Czech Republic
The Schengen Area’s border-free arrangement makes it simple to visit these countries from Slovakia with an ETIAS visa waiver.
Ukraine also has an eastern border with Slovakia.
SLOVAKIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Since 1993, the Slovak Republic has been an independent country. Previously, the region was a part of Czechoslovakia, which split peacefully to become Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Slovakia joined the European Union on May 1, 2004 and the Eurozone in 2009, replacing the Koruna with the Euro. Slovakia is both a NATO and United Nations member.
Slovakia has played a significant part in the union’s main decision-making processes since joining the EU.
Slovakia has 13 MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) in the EU, and as such, it is a member of the Council of Europe, the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and other European institutions and organisations.
Slovakia, as a Schengen Area member, has been engaged in the creation of ETIAS. The permit would supplement Slovakia’s existing visa liberalisation policy and will be required for non-EU visitors to enter the country.
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ETIAS SLOVAKIA
The ETIAS for Slovakia does not need medical insurance. When completing the online application, travellers are not required to present proof of medical insurance.
Nonetheless, health insurance is suggested to cover the expense of any medical care necessary while in Slovakia, allowing you to relax and enjoy the vacation more.
CROSSING SLOVAKIA BORDER CHECKPOINTS
Within the Schengen area, there are no border crossings. Passport holders from the EU should simply bring their documents with them while visiting Slovakia from another European country.
INTERNATIONAL TRAIN TRAVEL TO SLOVAKIA
Visitors arriving from neighbouring ETIAS countries such as Austria, Poland, and Hungary may choose to go to Slovakia by train. Some popular international routes include:
- Bratislava to Budapest (Hungary): 2 hours 40 minutes
- Bratislava to Prague (Czech Republic): 4 hours
- Bratislava to Vienna (Austria): 1 hour
- Bratislava to Warsaw (Poland): 8 hours
TRAVELLING TO SLOVAKIA
Slovakia’s climate, paired with its numerous landscapes, makes it an excellent year-round tourism destination. The milder summer months are perfect for city getaways, while the chilly winters are ideal for skiing and other winter activities.
Slovakia has a high-income economy and a good standard of living, and it ranks well on the Human Development Index. Slovakia is not only a fantastic destination for history buffs, but it is also an excellent illustration of advanced modern-day Europe.
One of the reasons that many third-country nationals pick Slovakia as a vacation destination is because they may remain in the country for a short period of time without requiring a visa. Individuals who do not require a visa must fulfil the ETIAS standards and apply online once it is available.
DO I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SLOVAKIA?
Visitors from other EU countries should have their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them when visiting Slovakia. The kind of permit for which a non-European is seeking determines whether or not they must have health insurance in Slovakia.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR SLOVAKIA
Travelers from outside the EU who do not qualify for ETIAS must apply for a Schengen visa for Europe instead. Evidence of health insurance is one of the supplementary requirements for acquiring a Schengen visa.
To be granted a visa, proof of medical insurance valid across the Schengen Area for a minimum of €30,000 is required.
ARRIVING IN SLOVAKIA BY PLANE, CAR, AND TRAIN
The primary international airport in Slovakia is M. R. Tefánik Airport (IATA: BTS, ICAO: LZIB), popularly known as Bratislava Airport. It is around 6 miles (9 kilometres) from Bratislava’s city centre and has decent public transportation links. Bratislava airport serves somewhat less than 2.3 million passengers per year.
Flying is a common mode of transportation for visitors from outside of Europe. Flying is also a practical choice for inter-European travel, thanks to direct flights between the Slovakian capital and other important European cities.
DRIVING TO SLOVAKIA
Because to Slovakia’s central location in Europe, travellers arriving from Schengen Area countries may drive there.
Motorists will not be checked when they enter Slovakia since there are no interior checks. Foreigners, on the other hand, must carry their passport, ETIAS permission, or a valid visa.
VISITING SLOVAKIA: WHAT TO SEE AND DO
The landscapes of Slovakia are littered with mediaeval ruins and castles, some of which have appeared in films such as Dragonheart and The Last Legion. Slovakia’s castles are among the most magnificent and popular tourist sites in the nation.
Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, is an appealing destination that shares two river banks with Austria and Hungary. The city serves as a cultural, economic, and political capital for Slovakia, and its picturesque Old Town is well worth seeing.
Slovakia has numerous outstanding ski slopes that attract snow-sports lovers each winter, including trbské Pleso, Jasná Nzke Tatry, and Donovaly Park Snow.
In Slovakia, souvenirs are generally constructed of wood, pottery, linen, glass, and corn husks. Many handcrafted gifts linked to Slovak folklore and culture are available, including traditional costumes.
EUROPE’S VISA WAIVER FOR SLOVAKIA
Slovakia’s European Travel Information and Authorization System will be live in November 2023. Shortly after its release, ETIAS will become a required entrance requirement for non-EU travellers.
Tourists can apply for a visa waiver by filling out the online ETIAS application form. In addition to passport information and certain extra safety and health information, just a few personal details are necessary.
After you submit your application, the information you give is immediately cross-checked against numerous international security databases, including an ETIAS watchlist. The bulk of applications will be accepted quickly.
The ETIAS visa waiver is connected to the applicant’s passport and is valid for three years, or until the applicant’s passport expires. The permit is valid for tourist and business in Slovakia, as well as transit through a Slovakian airport.