Those planning a trip to explore the streets of Bratislava, hike through the Tatras Mountains, or explore the many microbreweries of Slovakia, should be aware that, as of 2022, a travel authorisation will be required.
Slovakia, as well as all countries in the European Union, will require travellers from over 60 countries to apply for the new ETIAS visa waiver. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System) and it is launched in order to improve security within the EU region among other things.
It is worth noting that ETIAS is not a visa but a mandatory travel permit or visa waiver.
Slovakia, the EU, and the Schengen Area
Slovakia has officially been part of the European Union since May 1, 2004, and in the Schengen Zone since December 21st, 2007.
Slovakia is one of the mid-sized countries that is part of the EU, with more than 5 million citizens living within its borders.
Who needs to get an ETIAS to travel to Slovakia?
There are more than 60 countries that require a Slovak ETIAS in order to gain entry into Slovakia and other Schengen countries.
The majority are populous countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as many others around the globe.
A partial list includes Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, El Salvador, Israel, Georgia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Venezuela.
Passport and document requirements for ETIAS Slovakia
In order to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver for Slovakia, travelers must first submit an official ETIAS application through the website. However, before doing so, it is important to note the passport and document requirements to start an application.
All passports must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry into Slovakia. Nevertheless, it is recommended a longer validity date, just in case.
Likewise, in order to be able to apply for the ETIAS travel authorisation. travellers will need to have:
- a valid form of payment, such as a debit or credit card, and
- a valid email address
ETIAS is valid for a 3-year period and grants border-free access to most countries in the European Union.
How Can I Apply for Slovak ETIAS?
Applying for an ETIAS for Slovakia is simple, fast, and can be done from home. In fact, the only ETIAS requirements for Slovakia are just some personal details about eligible travellers.
Some of the questions on the online application form have to do with information such as full name, place of birth, date of birth, and gender of the applicant, passport information (issue and expiry date, passport number, etc.), their contact information (email address, phone, and home address), and travel itinerary.
The average time it takes to fill out an application is around 20 minutes.
Most applicants will see their ETIAS request granted and will be able to enjoy their visa waiver for 3 years or until the expiration of the traveller’s passport, whichever happens first.
Travel information about Slovakia
Slovakia is one of the most underrated countries in the European Union, and is usually skimmed over in favor of its neighbors Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. However, there is so much to see and do in this gem of a country.
Besides walking along the streets of Bratislava and munching on a delicious trdelnik (a local pastry), foodie visitors will enjoy a rich and varied Slovakian cuisine.
The country is also famous for its microbreweries. There are even tours that will make the day of even the most experienced beer connoisseur.
Sporty travelers can enjoy many winter wonders, especially skiing and snowboarding in the Slovakian Alps, also known as the Low Tatras.
Slovenský Raj (translated as Slovak Paradise) is another mountain range with more than 100 kilometers of picturesque hiking trails and waterfalls. In the winter, extreme travelers can explore the Dobšinská Ice Cave and all of its secrets.
For those who love history, Slovakia invites you to visit the well-preserved medieval town of Banska Stiavnica, the Romantic-era Bojnice Castle, or Košice (a city that was once a fortification for the country).