Navigating the Slovakia Visa Maze: Your 2023 Handbook

Welcome to the Slovakia Visa Guide, your one-stop source for all the information you need to apply for a visa to visit Slovakia. Slovakia is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you are planning to visit for tourism, business, or other purposes, we are here to guide you through the visa application process. Our website provides comprehensive information on the various types of visas available, the requirements for each visa category, and the application process. We aim to make the visa application process as simple and stress-free as possible, ensuring that you have a smooth and enjoyable journey to Slovakia.

Who must need a Slovakia visa?

Citizens of the following countries are eligible to stay in Slovakia for up to 180 days, without a visa;

• Andorra
• United Arab Emirates
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Albania
• Argentina
• Australia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Barbados
• Brunei
• Brazil
• Bahamas
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• Micronesia
• United Kingdom
• Grenada
• Georgia
• Guatemala
• Hong Kong
• Honduras
• Israel
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• South Korea
• Saint Lucia
• Monaco
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Marshall Islands
• North Macedonia
• Macau
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Malaysia
• Nicaragua
• New Zealand
• Panama
• Peru
• Palau
• Paraguay
• Serbia
• Solomon Islands
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• San Marino
• El Salvador
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tuvalu
• Taiwan
• Ukraine
• United States
• Uruguay
• Vatican City
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Venezuela
• Vanuatu
• Samoa

Citizens of the following countries must have a visa to stay in Slovakia;

• Western Sahara
• Algeria
• Angola
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Belize
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Myanmar
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cabo Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Comoros
• Republic of the Congo
• Ivory Coast
• Cuba
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Djibouti
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Vanuatu
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Guyana
• Haiti
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Mongolia
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Niger
• Nigeria
• North Korea
• Northern Mariana
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Qatar
• Russia
• Rwanda
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Timor-Leste
• Togo
• Tonga
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Uganda
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam
• Yemen
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Slovakia Visa Types

There are several types of Slovakia visas available for foreign nationals, depending on the purpose and duration of their visit. The most common types of Slovakia visas are:

• Short-stay visa (Type C visa): This visa is suitable for tourists, business visitors, and those visiting family or friends in Slovakia.
• Long-stay visa (Type D visa): This visa is suitable for those who wish to work, study or reside in Slovakia for an extended period.
• Transit visa: This visa is for those who are transiting through Slovakia to another destination and require a visa to enter Slovakia.
• Airport transit visa: This visa is for those who are transiting through a Slovakian airport and will not leave the airport’s international transit area.
• Visa for medical treatment: This visa is for those who need to travel to Slovakia to receive medical treatment.
• Visa for family reunification: This visa is for family members of Slovakian citizens or residents who wish to join them in Slovakia.

It is important to note that the visa application process, required documents, and fees vary depending on the type of visa being applied for.

Also, check: Serbia Visa Guide 2023 

Slovakia Visa Requirements

The requirements for a Slovakia visa vary depending on the type of visa being applied for, but the following are some of the most common requirements:

For Short-Stay Visa (Type C Visa)

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay)
• Completed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photos
• Proof of travel arrangements (flight itinerary, hotel reservations, etc.)
• Travel medical insurance covering the entire period of the stay
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay in Slovakia
• Invitation letter from a Slovakian host, if applicable
• Proof of employment or student status, if applicable
• Visa application fee

For Long-Stay Visa (Type D Visa)

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay)
• Completed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photos
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence
• Health certificate issued by a competent authority, if applicable
• Proof of accommodation in Slovakia (rental agreement, hotel reservation, etc.)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay in Slovakia
• An employment contract or acceptance letter from a Slovakian employer or educational institution, if applicable
• Visa application fee

Application Process

The application process for a Slovakia visa usually involves the following steps:

• Determine the type of visa you need: The first step is to determine the type of visa you need based on the purpose and duration of your visit to Slovakia.
• Gather the required documents: Once you have determined the type of visa you need, you should gather all the required documents, as outlined by the Slovakian embassy or consulate.
• Complete the visa application form: You should complete the visa application form accurately and honestly, providing all the necessary information.
• Schedule an appointment: Next, you should schedule an appointment with the Slovakian embassy or consulate in your country of residence to submit your visa application and supporting documents.
• Attend the visa interview: Depending on the embassy or consulate’s policies, you may be required to attend a visa interview, where you will be asked questions about your travel plans and the purpose of your visit.
• Pay the visa application fee: You will be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa being applied for.
• Wait for visa processing: After submitting your visa application and supporting documents, you will need to wait for the visa to be processed, which can take several weeks.
• For further details, you can visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Government of Slovakia.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Slovakia visa can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of visa being applied for, the volume of applications being processed, and the time of year. Generally, the processing time for a Slovakia visa ranges from 10 to 15 working days, but it may take longer in some cases.

For short-stay visas (Type C), the processing time can take up to 15 days, while for long-stay visas (Type D), it may take up to 30 days or more. It is recommended to apply for a Slovakia visa well in advance of the intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time and to avoid any last-minute complications.

Expedited processing may be available in some cases for an additional fee. However, it is important to note that the embassy or consulate may not guarantee expedited processing in all cases.

Also, check: Russian Visa Guide 2023

Slovakia Visa costs

The visa costs for Slovakia depend on the type of visa being applied for, the nationality of the applicant, and the processing time. Here are the approximate visa costs for some of the most common types of Slovakia visas:

Short-stay visa (Type C visa)

• Regular processing: €60
• Expedited processing: €120

Long-stay visa (Type D visa)

• Regular processing: €99
• Expedited processing: €198

Transit visa

• Regular processing: €60
• Expedited processing: €120

Airport transit visa

• Regular processing: €60
• Expedited processing: €120

Requirements for a letter of appeal if once application is rejected

If your Slovakia visa application has been rejected, you may have the option to submit a letter of appeal to the embassy or consulate. The letter of appeal should provide additional information or evidence that was not included in the initial visa application or address any concerns raised by the embassy or consulate in the rejection letter. The following are some of the requirements for a letter of appeal:

• Submit the appeal letter within the specified timeframe: The embassy or consulate will provide a timeframe within which you must submit the appeal letter. Ensure that the letter is submitted within the given timeframe.
• Clearly state the reasons for the appeal: In the letter, clearly state the reasons why you are appealing the visa decision. Provide any additional information or evidence that was not included in the initial visa application.
• Address any concerns raised by the embassy or consulate: If the embassy or consulate raised any concerns in the rejection letter, ensure that these concerns are addressed in the appeal letter.
• Be concise and to the point: The appeal letter should be concise and to the point. Avoid providing irrelevant or unnecessary information.
• Provide supporting documents: Include any supporting documents that can strengthen your appeals, such as updated financial statements, travel itineraries, or employment contracts.
• Submit the letter in the correct format: The embassy or consulate may have specific guidelines on the format of the appeal letter. Ensure that the letter is submitted in the correct format and meets all the embassy or consulate’s requirements.

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How to reach Slovakia?

There are several ways to reach Slovakia, depending on your location and travel preferences. Here are some of the most common ways to reach Slovakia:

Slovakia has several international airports, including;

• Bratislava Airport
• Kosice International Airport
• Poprad-Tatry Airport

Major airlines that fly to Slovakia include;

• Ryanair
• Wizz Air
• Lufthansa
• Czech Airlines

Validity and Extension for Slovakia Visa

The validity and extension of a Slovakia visa depend on the type of visa and the specific conditions of the visa. Here is an overview of the validity and extension options for different types of Slovakia visas:

Short-stay visa (Type C visa)

• Validity: Short-stay visas are typically valid for up to 90 days within 180 days from the date of the first entry into the Schengen area.
• Extension: Short-stay visas cannot be extended. If you need to stay in Slovakia for longer than the visa allows, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa or a residence permit.

Long-stay visa (Type D visa)

• Validity: Long-stay visas are typically valid for up to 90 days within 180 days from the date of the first entry into the Schengen area. After entering Slovakia, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days.
• Extension: Long-stay visas can be extended in certain circumstances, such as for humanitarian reasons or medical treatment. The extension request must be submitted to the Foreign Police Department in Slovakia at least 30 days before the visa expiration date.

Also, check: Norway Visa Guide 2023

Tourist points in Slovakia

Slovakia has a lot to offer for tourists, from historical castles and charming old towns to stunning natural landscapes. Here are some of the top tourist points in Slovakia:

• Bratislava: The capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava, is a must-visit destination for tourists. Highlights include Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the charming Old Town with its cobbled streets and colorful buildings.
• High Tatras: The High Tatras is a mountain range in northern Slovakia and a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers stunning natural scenery, including waterfalls, lakes, and panoramic views.
• Spiš Castle: The Spiš Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in eastern Slovakia. It is one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe and dates back to the 12th century.
• Bojnice Castle: Bojnice Castle is a fairy-tale castle located in central Slovakia. The castle features a beautiful park and a museum of Slovak folklore.
• Slovak Paradise National Park: Slovak Paradise National Park is a nature reserve located in eastern Slovakia. It is known for its dense forests, waterfalls, and canyons, and is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities.
• Orava Castle: Orava Castle is a medieval castle located in northern Slovakia. It is situated on a high rock above the Orava River and is one of the most visited castles in Slovakia.
• Bardejov: Bardejov is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in eastern Slovakia. It is a beautifully preserved medieval town with a charming town square and several historic buildings.

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