Country guide
Slovakia
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
None required
Schengen area
Yes
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time zones
UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa). Daylight savings from last Sunday March to last Sunday October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 421
Best time to go
May – October. December – March for ski season.
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink.
Visa guide
Entry requirements
- Foreigners visiting Slovakia must register with the local immigration office within 3 working days of their arrival in Slovakia. Where their accommodation is in a hotel, this obligation is assumed by the hotel’s administration
- The border police at your arrival in the Schengen area may request the presentation of sufficient funds, a letter of invitation, hotel reservation and proof of medical insurance. Failure to present said funds/documents may result in entry being refused.
Visa requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Slovakia is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Slovakia, you must apply at the Embassy of Slovakia / Visa Application Centre.
-If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
-If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
All visa applicants to appear in person for submission of biometrics, by appointment only.
Applicants with residence in Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces may apply via Switzerland (VFS Global).
See General Schengen Requirements
In addition:
- Copy of data page of passport
- Note: Photo must not be attached to the application form
Visa application centre
Applicants with residence in Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces may apply via Switzerland (VFS Global).
Issuing authorities
Embassy of the Slovak Republic
930 Arcadia Street, Arcadia 0083
Tel: 012 342 2051
E-mail: emb.pretoria@mzv.sk
Web: www.mzv.sk/pretoria
Visa Hours: Tue & Thur 09:30-13:00
Visa processing time
Apply at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.
Visa validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
Payable in ZAR according to exchange rate (contact Embassy). Cash only. Visa fee is non-refundable.
SA representative
Representation accredited from Vienna, Austria
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1, 6; Apr 3, 6; May 1, 8; Jul 5; Aug 29; Nov 1; Dec 24-26