Slovakia Visa - all the details!
25 Jan 2024

Tourism in Slovakia is considered one of the unique tourist destinations in Europe, as it combines enchanting natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Exploring this country located in the heart of the Old Continent is a unique experience for every traveler. In order to discover its picturesque places and enjoy the experience of traveling there, you need to consider the requirements for obtaining a Slovak visa.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for obtaining a Slovak visa and the steps that must be followed to ensure a successful application.
What to visit in Slovakia? The most beautiful tourist places in Slovakia
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Are you thinking of exploring the beauty of Slovakia? Here is a list showing the visa situation for different nationalities:
1. European citizens and those belonging to Schengen Area countries can enjoy freedom of entry to Slovakia without restrictions on visiting, working, studying or staying.
2. For non-European citizens, including US, British, Canadian, Australian, Japanese and other citizens, they can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 90 days. However, a visa must be obtained for stays exceeding this period.
If you belong to one of these nationalities, you can prepare for an exciting trip to this enchanting destination without having to think about a visa.
Types of Slovakia visas
1. Slovakia Tourist Visa (Schengen):
Enjoy the freedom to explore Slovakia and the Schengen Area for 90 days within a 180-day period using a tourist visa. The visa can be for a single, double or multiple entry.
2. Slovakia Airport Transit Visa:
If you are traveling through a Slovak airport, a transit visa enables you to access the international transit areas inside the airport, without exiting it.
3. Slovakia work visa:
Fulfill your dream of working in Slovakia with a work visa, as non-European citizens must obtain a work permit and visa before starting work.
4. Slovakia Student Visa:
Obtain a student visa if you are a non-European student who wants to study in Slovakia for more than three months and have been accepted at a Slovak university.
5. Slovakia Family Visa:
Slovak or non-EU citizens who live in Slovakia and wish to host their family members can apply for a Slovak family visa. This visa is also granted to a family member of an asylum seeker or to a foreign national with subsidiary protection.
Choose the visa that best suits your plans:
1. Schengen visa:
- Duration: up to 90 days.
-Purpose: Suitable for tourism, business, family visit.
- Advantage: A residence permit is not required.
2. Long-term visa:
- Duration: for a period exceeding 90 days.
-Purpose: Suitable for work, study, family reunion.
- Advantage: Requires residence and work permit.
When planning your trip to Slovakia, you can make the appropriate decision between short-term and long-term depending on the main purpose of your visit. Whether you seek to enjoy tourism or plan to study and work, choosing the appropriate visa contributes to achieving a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
List of necessary documents for Slovakia visa:
1. Visa application form:
Fill out the application form available online or at the embassy/consulate/visa centre.
2. Passport:
Make sure that the passport is valid and is at least six months old, with two blank pages.
3. Recent photos:
Submit recent passport size photographs in accordance with Schengen photo guidelines.
4. Travel schedule:
Provide a travel schedule detailing your planned trip.
5. Proof of residence:
This could be through hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a family member or friend.
6. Bank statement:
Provide an account statement proving your financial ability to continue your stay and travel in Slovakia, including a payslip for the past three months.
7. Cover letter:
Prepare a cover letter clearly explaining the purpose of your visit to Slovakia.
8. Visa fee payment receipt:
Confirm payment of the visa fee by submitting the payment receipt.
Make sure you have all these documents ready to ensure a successful and smooth visa application.
Follow these steps to facilitate the Slovakia visa application process:
1. Choose the type of visa:
Choose the appropriate visa for the purpose of your travel, whether for tourism, work, family visit, or study.
2. Make an appointment:
Give priority to your application by making an appointment with the Slovak embassy or consulate in your country. Please note that some diplomatic missions may require prior appointment.
3. Fill out the application form:
Fill out the application form carefully, making sure to provide all the required details. Don't forget to sign the form at the end to complete the process.
4. Collect documents:
Gather all necessary documents, such as passport, photos, and bank statements, and make sure they are arranged in the correct sequence.
5. Submitting a visa application:
Submit your visa application in person at the diplomatic mission or designated visa center, which facilitates the application process.
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth and successful Slovakia visa application process and make the most of your trip.
What is the expected processing time for a Slovakia visa application?
1. Standard treatment:
It may take 10 to 15 days to process your Slovakia visa application, which is an average time.
2. Recommended timing:
It is preferable to submit your visa application at least 15 days before your travel date to ensure a timely decision.
3. Commitment to the time frame:
It is recommended that you adhere to the time frame of six months before your departure date, which will help avoid any unexpected issues.
4. Early preparation:
To achieve a smooth journey, it is best to start preparing your visa application early, keeping in mind the required documents.
5. Future planning:
Plan ahead for your application to allow enough time for any modifications or additions that may be required.
These guidelines help clarify how long it can take to obtain a Slovakia visa and improve the chances of your application being successful.
What to visit in Slovakia? The most beautiful tourist places in Slovakia