Slovakia Schengen Visa Application Process and Complete Requirements

How to Apply for a Slovakia Schengen Visa!

Officially known as the Slovak Republic, Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It emerged from the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, in January 1993. It has an area of 49,035 km2 and a population of 5,462,210 as per 2021.

Slovakia has a high-income advanced economy and a very high standard of living. It is a member of the European Union, the Eurozone, the Schengen Area, NATO, the United Nations and many other European and world organizations.

Travelers can apply for a Slovakian Schengen Visa since 2007 when Slovakia as an EU Member State also joined the Schengen Area.

Because of the common travel area of the Schengen Zone, the member states of which have abolished borders for their citizens, if you are an EU national, you only need an identification document to enter Slovakia.

Whereas, if you are a non-EU traveler wishing to visit Slovakia you will need to carry the following documents, and present them when you show up at the Slovak port of entry:

• A passport or travel document. Valid for at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave Slovakia and the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years.
• A visa – if you are a citizen of a country falling under the Slovak visa regime.

When you hand these documents to the Slovak border officer, he or she may ask you a few questions about your trip to Slovakia, as i.e.:

• What is your purpose of visiting Slovakia?
• How long do you intend to stay in Slovakia?
• Where are you going to stay in Slovakia? Etc.

Remember that the border police is the one who gives the final decision whether you shall be allowed to enter Slovakia or not. If the Slovak border officer concludes that you are no risk for Slovakia, upon checking your documents, you will be permitted to enter Slovakia, and thus the Schengen territory.

Note that the Slovak border officer stamps your passport when you enter Slovakia. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained from Slovakia.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Slovakia?

Before you travel to Slovakia, you need to check whether you shall possess a visa to enter the country or not. You will need a short-stay visa to Slovakia and any other member country of the Schengen zone, if:

• You are a citizen of a developing nation with which the Schengen member states have not yet concluded a visa liberalization agreement.
• You are the national of a third-world country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but you were previously rejected from entering Slovakia or any other Schengen country.

In order to prove to the Slovak embassy/consulate that you meet the criteria set for entry to Slovakia, you will need to submit some required documents for a short-stay visa to Slovakia.

The statutory Slovakia visa requirements are as follows:

• Slovak visa application form. Complete the form by answering all of the questions, print it and then sign it at the end.
• Two passport photos. The photos should be identical and comply with the photograph requirements for Slovak Schengen visa application.
• Your valid passport. Before applying for a short-stay visa to Slovakia, make sure your passport complies with the passport criteria as set by the Schengen states. Your passport should have at least two blank pages, three more months of validity beyond your planned stay in the Schengen, and must be issued within the last 10 years.
• Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
• Slovakia Travel Health Insurance. A confirmation that you hold travel health insurance valid, for the territory of the Slovakia and the whole Schengen Zone. Your insurance must cover medical emergencies in this area with a minimum coverage of 30,000€.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. Containing the dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Slovakia.
• Proof of accommodation. You will need to show evidence to the embassy/consulate where you will stay during your whole time in Slovakia. I.e. Hotel reservation.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Slovakia. The Slovak embassy/consulate in your country of residence wants you to prove that you own at least €56 per each day you plan to spend in Slovakia.
• A cover letter. A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to visit Slovakia, how long you plan to stay, when will you leave and other details.
• Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

Additional Slovak Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status

The additional Slovakia visa requirements depending on your occupational status are as follows:

If employed:

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Leave permission from the employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR) form

If self-employed:

• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

If a student:

• Proof of enrollment
• No-objection certificate from school or university
• Advertisements

If retired:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If applicable:

• Proof of regular income generated by property, for the last 6 months

Additional Slovak Visa Requirements for Minors

All underage children applying to get a short-stay visa to Slovakia, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Slovak Visa Requirements for minors:

• Birth certificate of the minor traveling to Slovakia.
• Slovakia application form signed by both parents.
• Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody over the child.
• Certified copies of ID / passport of both parents
• If the minor will be travelling alone with another person:
  • An original and copy of the accompanying person’s passport page containing the holder’s data, and expiry date, a recent photograph and valid visa copy.
  • A notarized parental authorization to travel to Slovakia, signed by both parents / guardians

*Note: When applying at the Slovak embassy/consulate in home country, the guardian or parent should accompany their under-age children.

Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Slovakia

Depending on why you are traveling to Slovakia, you will need to submit some other documents to prove the reason behind your trip. Following find the additional Slovakia visa requirements based on your purpose of traveling to Slovakia.

Slovakia Airport Transit Visa Requirements

If you need to land on one of the Slovak airports, in order to take another flight to reach your non- Schengen destination country, you may have to apply for a Slovakia Airport Transit Visa.

Please note that the list of countries that need an airport transit visa to pass through the Slovak airports is narrower than the list of those who need other Schengen visa types. Check the list of the nationals that need a Slovakia Airport Transit Visa, to find out if you need to apply for one.

Required Documents for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa to Slovakia

When applying to obtain a Slovakia Airport Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A valid visa (if needed) for the final country one is travelling to.
• The flight ticket for the final country you are travelling to.

Slovakia Tourist Visa Requirements

If you are planning to travel to Slovakia purely for tourist purposes, as visiting for leisure, vacations, recreation or sightseeing, then you will need to apply for a Slovakia Tourist Visa.

Required Documents for a Tourist Schengen Visa to Slovakia

When applying to obtain a Slovak Tourist visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.
• Travel Itinerary. A description of your trip day-to-day, including where you will be staying, places you will be visiting as well as dates of entry and exit.
• Proof how you will be financing your trip to Slovakia.

Slovakia Visitor Visa Requirements

When traveling to Slovakia upon the invitation of a friend or a family member residing there, you will need to hold a Slovak Visitor visa, in order to be permitted to enter and remain in Slovakia for up to 90 days within a 6-month period.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visitor Visa to Slovakia

When applying to obtain a visa to visit your friends or relatives in Slovakia, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Proof of financial means. Evidence that shows you have enough money to support yourself throughout your stay in Slovakia. This could be a:
  • Bank certification, bank books, Personal bank statements, credit card statements or balance covering the last six months.
  • Sponsorship Letter. When another person will be financially sponsoring your trip to Slovakia. It is also often called as an Affidavit of Support.
• Travel Itinerary. Detailed day-to-day plan of your trip in Slovakia.
• Letter of Invitation. By the relative/friend residing in Slovakia, inviting you to visit.

Slovakia Business Visa Requirements

If you plan to travel to Slovakia under the purpose of engaging in business-related activities, then you will need to obtain a Slovak Business Visa.

Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Slovakia

When applying to obtain a Slovak Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Invitation letter from the Slovak company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit.
• A letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be traveling to Slovakia.
• Proof of trip financing. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in Slovakia, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.

Slovakia Study Visa Requirements

All those planning to attend study courses, trainings or internship in Slovakia, that last no longer than 90 days, should apply for a Slovak Study Visa.

Required Documents for a Student Schengen Visa to Slovakia

When applying to get a Slovak Student visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled (if applicable).
• Internship agreement. Signed between the company in Slovakia, the establishment of origin and the trainee.

Slovakia Medical Visa Requirements

If you are applying for a short-stay visa to Slovakia to receive medical treatment, as medical therapies, or undergo a surgery, you shall apply for a Slovak Medical visa. If you are a companion of a person traveling to Slovakia to receive medical care, then you will have to apply for a Slovakia Medical Visa as well.

Required Documents for a Medical Schengen Visa to Slovakia

When applying to get a visa to receive medical care in Slovakia, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A local medical report. Issued from a doctor / clinic / hospital in your home country, confirming that you need medical treatment in Slovakia.
• A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Slovakia, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation. It should also confirm that the hospital can perform the specific medical treatment and that you will be accepted accordingly.
• Proof of financial arrangement made.
• Official confirmation of the treatment/appointment by the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic) in

Slovakia Visa for Cultural/Sports/Film Crew/Religious Purposes Requirements

If you wish to visit Slovakia to participate at a religious, cultural or sport event or as the member of a film crew, then you will need to apply for a Slovak Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa to Slovakia for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes

When applying to get a Slovak visa under the purpose of attending a Cultural / Sports / Religious Event in Slovakia you must provide the following additional documents:

• Event Information. As:
  • Invitation letter from the relevant body in Slovakia with details upon the nature of events or activities that are to be held in Slovakia.
  • Entry tickets to the event.
  • Enrollment conditions.
  • Detailed program of the event in Slovakia.
  • Other documents that present Names of the applicants (crew members) and other relevant information about the event.
• Proof of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners certificates, proof of world/international ranking (sports).

Slovakia Visa for the Spouse of a Slovak National Requirements

If you are the spouse (husband/wife) of a Slovak national wishing to travel to Slovakia for a short-term visit, then you will have to apply for a Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a Slovak Citizen/National.

Required Documents for a Slovak Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a Slovak Citizen

When applying to get a Slovak visa as the spouse of a Slovak national/citizen, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Proof of Slovak citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Slovak nationality or naturalization order).
• Slovak marriage certificate.
• Slovak family record book.

Slovakia Official Visit Visa Requirements

If you are set to travel to Slovakia as a member of an official delegation representing the government of your country, an organization or institution, then you ought to lodge an application for a Slovak Visa for Official Visits.

Slovak Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations

When applying to get a Slovak visa as a member of an official delegation, you must provide the following additional documents:

• The official invitation copy.
• Evidence about the purpose of journey (negotiations, meetings, event by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).

In order to complete the application process to obtain a short-stay visa to Slovakia, you must follow these steps:

1. Select the right visa type you need to enter Slovakia.
2. Find out where you need submit your visa application.
3. Collect the required documents.
4. Schedule a visa appointment.
5. Attend the interview at the appropriate Slovak Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
6. Wait for the processing of your visa application.

Where to Apply for a Slovak Short-Stay Visa?

The Slovak authorities in each world country have regulated visa admission differently. Therefore, you may have to apply at one of the following Slovakia diplomatic bodies in your country of residence:

• The Slovak Embassy
• A Slovak consulate
• A Visa Application Center to which Slovakia has outsourced visa submission
• The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Slovakia has outsourced visa submission

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Slovak Embassy / Consulate / VAC?

In order for the Slovak Embassy / Consulate to process your visa application, one of the following statements must correspond to your situation:

• Aside of Slovakia, you will not visit any other Schengen country.
• You will visit more Schengen states, but Slovakia is your main destination, which means:
  • You will be spending more days in Slovakia, than in the other countries.
  • You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Slovakia.

In addition, you will be allowed to file a Slovakia short-stay visa application at a Slovak Embassy / Consulate / VAC only if you are a:

• A citizen of the country from where you are applying.
• A foreign citizen on a permanent / temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying.

You cannot apply for a short-stay Slovak visa from a country in which you are currently on a visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Slovak Visa?

The processing time for a Slovakia short-stay visa may take up to 15 days. Still, according to your specific situation this period may be extended up to 30 days. Exceptional cases may take up to 60 days, since the Slovak embassies may have to consult with other Schengen consulates.

To avoid any delay in the issuance of your Slovak short-stay visa, you should submit your application as soon as possible, though not earlier than three months before you travel to Slovakia.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Slovak Visa?

The Slovak Schengen Visa fees are as follows:

• Slovak visas for adult travelers – €80
• Slovak visas for children (6 – 12 years) – €40
• Slovak visas for children (under 6 years) – FREE

In addition, there are some categories of applicants exempt from paying the fee, and others that need to pay a lower amount as well.

Check the list of the Slovak Schengen Visa fees, to see if you belong to any of these categories!

How Long Can We Stay in Slovakia Without a Visa?

Your nationality is decisive on how long you can stay in Slovakia without a visa, or if you can enter at all, as follows:

• Nationals of EU / EEA member countries can stay in the Slovakia up to 90 days, within a 180-day period. If they wish to stay longer, they have to register at the relevant Slovak authorities.
• Passport holders of Slovakia visa-exempt countries are allowed to remain in Slovakia and the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days, within a six-month period.
  • Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of South Korea, the United States of America that wish to stay longer in Slovakia need to obtain a residence permit at the relevant Slovak authorities, within three months of arrival in Slovakia.
  • Nationals of the rest of the Slovakia visa-exempt countries that wish to stay longer in Slovakia, will have to apply for a Slovakia National visa for long-stays from their country of residence.
• Nationals of countries that still have not signed a visa-free agreement with Slovakia and the other Schengen members, must obtain a visa before heading to Slovakia, or any other Schengen member country.

IMPORTANT: You can calculate your remaining days in the Schengen area through the 90/180 rule calculator. No matter your circumstances, you are not allowed to overstay the 90-day permitted stay per 180-day rolling period or you may face consequences.

Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Slovakia?

Yes, you can extend your Slovak Schengen visa, but only in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Slovakia, as i.e. humanitarian reasons or force majeure. You can submit your application at the Bureau of Border and Aliens Police, Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Slovakia.

Please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Slovakia to understand in what circumstances and under what conditions you can extend your Slovak Schengen Visa.

Can My Slovak Schengen Visa Be Revoked?

Yes, your Slovakia visa can be revoked, in case the competent Slovak authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.

If you are in Slovakia when the decision on the revocation of your visa happens, you will be given a deadline to leave Slovakia. If you do not leave the Slovakia or the territory of Schengen within this period, you will then be considered an illegal resident in Slovakia.

Please note that failure of the visa holder to provide the border officer, with the entry requirements, may also lead to a decision to annul or revoke the visa, though not automatically.