Visiting the Slovak Republic

(Last updated: 11 Apr 2008)

Visas

If you hold an ordinary Australian passport you do not need a visa for any stay up to 90 days, whether your visit is for business or as a tourist. If you intend to stay in the Slovak Republic longer than 90 days, you will need a Long Stay Visa from the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Australia.

Climate

The coldest month is January, the warmest July and August. There can be very sudden changes of weather in the mountains.

For weather details in the Slovak Republic, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

There is an international airport with a limited capacity in Bratislava. Many foreign visitors use Vienna airport in Austria, or Prague airport in the Czech Republic.

Ground transport

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is situated almost on the state borders with Hungary and Austria. It is 65 kilometres from Vienna and 193 kilometres from Budapest. This triangle of cities on the Danube has had good transport connections for a very long time. Many foreign visitors land in Vienna and are taken by buses to Bratislava as not many airlines operate direct flights to Bratislava.

There is good and cheap public transport in all major cities. Taxis have to be usually called by phone and it is advisable to negotiate the price before you commence your journey.

The cheapest and fastest link between cities, other than car, is by train, either express or regular.

Hotels

There are hotels belonging to the major hotel chains in Bratislava. The prices of accommodation are usually lower compared to other Central European countries. Outside Bratislava you can find many small private hotels or pensions with attractive rates and a variety of standards.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to the Slovak Republic. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

There are emergency telephone numbers which can be called from anywhere in the country:

• State police – 158
• City police – 156
• Ambulance –155

Health

No immunisations or vaccinations are required for travel to the Slovak Republic. Health services are good but it is strongly recommend you have travel insurance. Carry the documentation at all times.

You can obtain common non-prescription drugs used in Australia, as well as prescription drugs.

Tap water is safe, but bottled water is recommended.

Tipping

Tipping (approximately five per cent) applies generally to services such as taxis, restaurant bills and hairdressers.

Time zones and time differences

The Slovak Republic is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Bratislava, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

The Slovak Republic's country code is 421.

For calls to the Slovak Republic from Australia dial: 0011 + 421 + area code + telephone number

For calls from the Slovak Republic to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Businesses are usually open from 9.00am–5.00pm Monday-Friday.

Banks are usually open from 9.00am–5.00pm Monday-Friday and are always closed on holidays.

Shops are open from 8.00am–6.00pm and supermarkets and chain stores to 8.00pm. Shops close at midday on Saturday, and some chain stores are open on Sunday. 

Public holidays

January 1– Founding of the Slovak Republic
January 6 – Epiphany
May 1 – Labour Day
May 8 – Victory over Fascism (1945)
July 5 – St Cyril and St Methodius Day
August 29 – Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (1944)
September 1 – Day of Enactment of the Slovak Constitution (1992)
September 15 – Blessed Virgin Mary
November 1 – All Saints’ Day

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The Slovak currency consists of the Crown (‘Koruna’), which is comprised of 100 Hellers (‘halier’).

Electricity and water

The Slovak Republic’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The round two-pronged plugs are the most common.

Dining

You can eat anywhere with no health fears and the cost is usually less than in many other European countries. Typical Slovak cuisine is similar to Hungarian food, with lots of vegetables and spices as well as pork and lamb meat.

Tourist attractions

The mountains, forests and lakes are ideal for outdoor holidaying as well as summer and winter sports.

Outdoor pursuits

Europe’s longest cycling route passes through the Slovak Republic, stretching from Passau in Germany along the Danube, through Vienna, Bratislava and on to Stúrovo. Cyclists can continue their journey by taking a ferry across the Danube into Hungary. There is a very good network of marked trails in all mountain areas, and it is possible to plan a walking tour in advance.

Golf can be played at several courses around the country, including Bernolakovo (near Bratislava – www.golf.sk), Kosice, Tale (near Brezno-Law Tatras) and Velka Lomnica (High Tatras – www.golfinter.sk). There are also numerous lakes and rivers amidst the glacial landscape, offering excellent fishing, canoeing, boating and swimming. The primary water sports areas are at Liptovská Mara, Orava, Sl’nava and Zemplínska Sírava. Rafting is particularly good on the Dunajec river in the Pieniny national park. Horse riding, hunting and dog cart races are other popular pursuits.

Winter sports

There are popular centres in 30 mountain regions, the best of which are the Tatra Mountains, where over 40 ski tows and chairlifts are located. Other popular mountain areas include the Slovensky raj range, with its deep canyons, and the Malá Fatra range with its neighbouring Vrátna dolina valley.

Spas

The country offers a great wealth of curative springs, thermal spas, climatic health resorts and natural mineral waters, renowned throughout the world. There are 23 spa towns officially recognised by the state authorities.

Bardejovské Kúpele was already established as a health resort in the 13th century.  Dudince’s spring is rated among the best in the area and the world-famous thermal health resort of Pie¡st’any specialises in rheumatic treatment.

Other spas include Sliac, Trencianské Teplice and Bojnice.