Slovakia

Centrally situated in Europe, Slovakia, or the Slovak Republic, is an up-and-coming tourist destination that beckons travellers from around the world to its rugged mountainous scenery, rich architectural history and competitive prices.

The centre for arts and culture is the capital city, Bratislava, which boasts many museums, art galleries, palaces and ornamental churches in and around its historic Old Town district.

The Tatra Mountains are a popular destination all year round, offering skiing in winter and hiking and climbing in summer; while throughout the country numerous mineral springs and natural spas cater for health-conscious tourists looking to relax and be pampered. Scattered among the hills and valleys of the lowlands are numerous fortified castles, relics from the Middle Ages that were built near to almost every hamlet and major road for protection from invaders. Among the country's greatest architectural treasures, however, are the ancient wooden churches in northeast Slovakia, unique in their construction without nails, and still functioning as religious buildings today.

Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993 when Czechoslovakia split into the Czech and Slovak Republics. The Czech Republic went on to revel in the glory of its capital city Prague, which has become one of the must-see cities in Europe, while Slovakia's quiet charms have remained relatively unexplored. Nowadays the beautiful scenery, ski resorts, historic towns and easy access from the rest of Europe means that more and more travellers are starting to add Slovakia to their list of top European holiday destinations.

Climate

The Slovakian climate is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with temperatures in July averaging 70°F (21°C); while the coldest month, January, averages 28°F (-2°C). Winter brings snowfall, which usually lasts from November to May in the Tatras. The mountains are colder and wetter than the lowlands in general, with most rain falling in June and July. Autumn is the driest time of year to visit, and along with the month of spring, is a good time to visit Slovakia, as the weather is mild and the crowds are thin.

Money

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. The Euro replaced the koruna (SKK) as the official currency on 1 January 2009. Travellers cheques are the safest way to carry money and are accepted at all major banks and exchange offices (dollars and pounds sterling give the best exchange rates). Shops are increasingly accepting credit cards, but it is best to check beforehand. ATMs are common.

Passport Visa

Passengers are required to hold health insurance covering the period of stay in Slovakia, as well as funds equal to at least $50 per day of stay, travellers cheques are accepted but credit cards are not. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Passengers must hold health insurance covering their period of stay and sufficient funds of at least $50 for every intended day of stay, immigration officials accept trevellers cheques as proof of funds but they do not accept credit cards.
• British citizens do not require a visa and must hold a passport valid for the period of stay. British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizens or British Subjects with right of abode in the UK, with a passport valid for the period of stay, do not need a visa for up to 90 days in any six-month period. Other passport holders require a visa and a passport valid for at least three months after expiry date of visa.
• Canadians require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Passengers must hold health insurance covering their period of stay and sufficient funds of at least $50 for every intended day of stay, immigration officials accept trevellers cheques as proof of funds but they do not accept credit cards.
• Australians require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Passengers must hold health insurance covering their period of stay and sufficient funds of at least $50 for every intended day of stay, immigration officials accept trevellers cheques as proof of funds but they do not accept credit cards.
• South Africans require a visa for entry to Slovakia and passports must be valid. Slovakia is a Schengen member state. Passengers must hold health insurance covering their period of stay and sufficient funds of at least $50 for every intended day of stay, immigration officials accept trevellers cheques as proof of funds but they do not accept credit cards.
• Irish nationals require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Passengers must hold health insurance covering their period of stay and sufficient funds of at least $50 for every intended day of stay, immigration officials accept trevellers cheques as proof of funds but they do not accept credit cards.

Health

There are no vaccinations required for travel to Slovakia. No special precautions are necessary, except for visitors intending to spend time in the forests, in which case a vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis is recommended. Bird flu was first detected in February 2006, and although there is little risk to travellers, close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry products well cooked as a precaution. No human deaths or infections have been reported. Slovakia has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries providing emergency health care on the same terms as Slovak nationals. EU travellers should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them. It is still recommended that visitors take out comprehensive medical insurance, including mountain evacuation. Hospitals are available in all major towns, and pharmacies and clinics exist in the tourist areas and smaller towns, but little English is spoken.

Embassy Consulates

• Slovak Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 237 1054.
• Slovak Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7313 6470.
• Slovak Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 749 4442.
• Slovak Embassy, ACT, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6290 1516.
• Slovak Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 2051.
• Slovak Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 0012.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Bratislava: +421 (0)2 5443 0861.
• British Embassy, Bratislava: +421 (0)2 5998 2000.
• Canadian Embassy, Prague, Czech Republic (also responsible for Slovakia): +420 27210 1800.
• Australian Embassy, Vienna, Austria (also responsible for Slovakia): +43 (0)1 506 740.
• South African Honorary Consulate, Bratislava: +421 (0)2 2077 1025.
• Irish Embassy, Bratislava: +421 (0)2 5930 9611.
• New Zealand Embassy, Berlin, Germany (also responsible for Slovakia): +49 (0)30 20621.