Slovenia travel guide

Travel Advice

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Slovenia on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Slovenia.

Returning to the UK

When you return, you must follow the rules for entering the UK.

You are responsible for organising your own COVID-19 test, in line with UK government testing requirements. You should check that the test result can be provided in the correct format and language.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Moving around in Slovenia

Movement between all statistical regions is permitted.

Public spaces and further measures

Protective masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces, on public transport, in open places and outside where a distance of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained and in private vehicles when travelling with members of other households for work purposes.

Masks are not compulsory for children under the age of six, primary school pupils up to 5th grade when in classrooms, and people practicing non-contact sports, if a distance of 3 metres can be maintained.

Many of the rules apply across all of Slovenia, but some rules are specific to regions depending on their Covid-rating. You can find the status of a specific statistical region on the Slovenian Government website.

Unless stated elsewhere, the rules below apply to all of Slovenia. Further details can be found on the Slovene government COVID-19 website.

• All businesses, establishments and services (including shops, restaurants, bars and public transport) are required to ensure their staff and customers (including children aged 15 years and above ) meet one of the following criteria: are fully vaccinated, have a negative COVID-19 test, or have evidence of recovery from COVID-19 in the last 180 days. You should expect to be asked to show evidence that you meet one of these requirements before accessing a service, including when seated outdoors. The only exceptions to this requirement are: emergency departments in hospitals; vaccine and testing centres ; grocery stores and pharmacies that are not located inside shopping malls; and charities providing urgent support.
• Public gatherings are permitted. For outdoor gatherings of 50 people or more, proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test is required, for people who are 15 years old and above. If it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1.5 meters outside, face masks are also required. For indoor gatherings, face masks are required in addition to proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test for those aged 15 years or above - regardless of the number of people at the indoor public gathering. See the Slovene government website for more details (in Slovene)
• Businesses are required to ensure 10sq m per customer, social distancing of 1.5m and face masks indoors.
• Hotels are allowed to open with up to a maximum of 50% capacity. Campsites are allowed to open, with up to a maximum of 70% capacity. Hotel guests aged 15 years and older are required to provide evidence of one of a negative test,proof of COVID-19 recovery in the last 180 days, or vaccination.
• Restaurants and bars are operating under normal opening hours and are serving customers indoors. Customers over 15 years old may be asked to provide evidence of one of a negative test, proof of COVID-19 recovery in the last 180 days, or vaccination.
• Takeaway services are open and permitted.
• Indoor sports facilities are open, and group exercise of up to 10 people is allowed for non-contact sports, where a minimum distance of 2 metres can be maintained.
• Visits to care homes and hospitals are by appointment only. You should contact the care home or hospital you wish to visit for full details of visiting options, noting that these options are subject to short notice change.
• You should not attend hospitals or dental clinics for non-essential reasons, unless you have an appointment.
• All education establishments are now delivering classes in person.
• All libraries, museums, galleries and outdoor cultural heritage sites are open. Indoor culture facilities are allowed to operate at up to 50% capacity, with indoor customers requiring to show evidence of a negative PCR test, recovery, or vaccination.
• All services within Slovene public administration are by appointment only.
• Religious gatherings are now allowed, limited to up to 50% capacity or 50 people outdoors provided they follow guidelines as set out by the National Institute of Public Health

The Slovene government provides English-language coronavirus guidance and updates.

Healthcare in Slovenia

If you are visiting Slovenia and think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should remain at home and contact the COVID Hotline on +386 (0)80 1404. You should not leave your home until you have spoken to the authorities and received further instructions. For contact details for English speaking doctors, visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.

View Health for further details on healthcare in Slovenia.

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Slovenia

Wherever possible British nationals should aim to be vaccinated in the country where they live. We will update this page when the Government of Slovenia announces new information on the national vaccination programme. You can sign up to get email notifications when this page is updated.

The Slovenian national vaccination programme started in December 2020 and is using the AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) and Moderna vaccines. The Government of Slovenia has stated that British nationals resident in Slovenia are eligible for vaccination. You should register your interest online via the zVEM service, and also notify your doctor in Slovenia. You will need your EMŠO (Identity card) number and your Slovene health insurance card. The vaccine registration facility is only available in Slovene, so you might need some assistance if you don’t speak Slovene.

Alternatively, you can go to one of the pop-up vaccination centres across the country (no appointment necessary) or view the current schedule (in Slovene).

Find out more, including about vaccines that are authorised in the UK or approved by the World Health Organisation, on the COVID-19 vaccines if you live abroad.

If you’re a British national living in Slovenia, you should seek medical advice from your local healthcare provider. Information about COVID-19 vaccines used in the national programme where you live, including regulatory status, should be available from local authorities.

If you receive your COVID-19 vaccination in Slovenia, you can get an EU Digital COVID Certificate from the national authorities. The Certificate proves that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19. It will help facilitate your travel within the EU and, in some countries, you can use it to demonstrate your COVID-19 status to businesses and other organisations. For further information visit the European Commission’s EU Digital COVID Certificate page.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

Further advice and information is available from the Slovene government in English and Slovenian).

You should follow the advice of the Slovene authorities. For emergency consular support, call the British Embassy on +386 1 200 3910.

Protests

There have been large gatherings of people and demonstrations in Ljubljana, starting near the Parliament building at Trg Republike, but spreading to other areas. Some demonstrations have become violent. Further gatherings and demonstrations may take place. Demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate and become violent. If you are in an area where demonstrations are taking place, you should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and move away quickly to a safe place if there are signs of disorder.

Crime

There is a low rate of crime, but petty crime does occur and you should take the usual precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Don’t leave valuables unattended. Be vigilant in busy tourist areas and safeguard your valuables against pickpockets.

Road travel

For the latest traffic conditions, check the PIC Traffic Information Centre website. Travel updates and information on border crossings and international rail journeys can be found at the Slovenian Traffic Information Centre and Slovenian Automobile Association.

In 2019 there were 102 road deaths in Slovenia (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 4.9 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2019.

If you are planning to drive in Slovenia, see information on Driving Abroad.

Licences and documents

You can drive in Slovenia on your UK driving licence.

If you’re living in Slovenia, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.

Driving a British car abroad

You may need a GB sticker or a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. From 28 September UK stickers will replace GB stickers. Check the GOV.UK Displaying number plates website for more information on what to do if you are driving outside the UK before, on or after 28 September 2021.

Tolls

If you drive on Slovenian motorways, you must buy and display a “vignette” by sticking it to the windscreen to indicate that road tolls have been paid. Vignettes are available for weekly, monthly or yearly periods, and can be purchased at petrol stations and DARS (the Slovenian Motorway Company) offices in Slovenia as well as outlets in neighbouring countries near the Slovene border. The vignette is compulsory for all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes in weight. Police monitor the motorways, and stop motorists who don’t have a vignette. Failure to have or display a vignette in the correct way will lead to an on-the-spot fine of up to €800. The vignette is valid only when correctly applied to the vehicle before using the motorway. More information on buying and correctly displaying vignettes is available at the DARS website.

Slovenia has a free-flow electronic tolling system on motorways and expressways for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, meaning drivers of such vehicles no longer have to stop at toll stations. You’ll need to register your vehicle under the DarsGo system and acquire the DarsGo unit at a DarsGo service point upon entering Slovenia for the first time. You can find more information and registration details on the DarsGo website.

Driving in winter

Winter equipment is mandatory from 15 November until 15 March and whenever there are winter weather conditions (for example, at times of snowfall, blizzards or black ice).

Private cars and vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with winter tyres on all 4 wheels, or summer tyres on all 4 wheels plus snow chains in the car boot. The minimum tyre tread depth must be 3mm. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must have winter tyres on the driving wheels or summer tyres on all 4 wheels plus snow chains in the car boot.

You can be fined 125 Euros for not having this equipment, or 417 Euros if you cause a delay on the road for the same reason. The regulations apply to all vehicles. For more information, please see the website of the Automobile Association of Slovenia, under touring information, special regulations.

Driving regulations

By law, you must have your headlights on at all times, while driving in Slovenia. You are also required to carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle and a first aid kit in the vehicle. If you intend to hire a car and drive it into Slovenia you must declare this to the car hire company first, as you must have adequate car insurance cover.

The police are empowered to impose on-the-spot fines for offences including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and for using mobile phones without properly installed wireless headsets (Bluetooth).

See the European Commission,AA and RAC guides on driving in Slovenia.

Road safety

Skiing/mountaineering

From 12 April 2021 ski resorts are open under the same conditions as outlined above for moving between statistical regions.

If you are planning a skiing or mountaineering holiday, contact the Slovenian Tourist Board in the UK (telephone: (+44) (0)207 227 9713) for advice on weather and safety conditions before travelling. Off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. Follow all safety instructions meticulously. There is a danger of avalanches in some areas.

Accommodation

Ljubljana is a small capital city and an increasingly popular destination. You should arrange accommodation before travelling.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Slovenia, attacks can’t be ruled out.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those visited by foreigners.

There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

Find out more about the global threat from terrorism, how to minimise your risk and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.

Carry a copy of your passport at all times as a form of identification.

All foreign nationals visiting Slovenia must register with the Police within 3 days of arrival or risk paying a fine. If you are staying at a registered hotel or guest house, they will register you when processing your arrival. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation, check registration arrangements with your booking agent. If you are staying with friends or family, you or your host will need to visit the nearest police station to register your presence in Slovenia.

There are heavy on-the-spot fines for jaywalking. You should only cross the road at designated crossing points.

The deadline for all ongoing court procedures has been suspended between 20 December 2020 and 20 January 2021.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Slovenia set and enforce entry rules. For further information contact their embassy, high commission or consulate. You may also check with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and travel documents meet their requirements.

If you are travelling to Slovenia for work, read the guidance on visas and permits as the rules have changed since 1 January 2021.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Entry to Slovenia

Airports in Slovenia remain open for passenger flights. You should consult airlines for details of flight options, to and from Slovenia.

International passenger train connections are open. You should visit the Deutsche Bahn website for the latest schedule.

If you are travelling to Slovenia indirectly, please refer to the Travel Advice for the countries which you will be transiting through.

Quarantine requirements

From 16 August 2021, anyone entering Slovenia via an airport or a ferry terminal will be required to complete a Digital Passenger Locator Form 24 hours before arrival to Slovenia. On completion of the form, passengers will receive a QR code which must be shown to the Border Police on entry to Slovenia. The Digital Passenger Locator Form can be found here.

In addition to the Digital Passenger Locator Form, entry to Slovenia will only be allowed if one of the following is provided on arrival:

• A PCR test not older than 72 hours.

• A Rapid Antigen Test not older than 48 hours.

• A positive PCR test that is older than 10 days but not older than 6 months, confirming the traveller has had COVID-19 and not more than 6 months have passed since the first symptoms.

• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as follows:

-A 2nd dose of Pfizer/BioNtech plus at least 7 days

-A 2nd dose of Moderna plus at least 14 days

-A first dose of AstraZeneca plus at least 21 days

-A dose of Janssen by Johnson & Johnson / Jansse-Cilag plus at least 14 days

-A 1st dose of Covishield by the Serum Institute of India / AstraZeneca plus at least 21 days

-A 2nd dose of Sputnik V plus at least 14 days

-A 2nd dose of Coronavac from Sinovac Biotech plus at least 14 days

• A certificate of illness and proof that within a maximum period of 8 months from the positive result of a PCR test or onset of symptoms the traveller has been vaccinated with at least one dose of the vaccines outlined above.

• A European digital certificate in digital or paper form, accompanied by a QR code, containing details of a negative PCR, Rapid Antigen Test or vaccination certificate, certificate of morbidity or recovery.

• A digital certificate of a third country in digital or paper form, including a QR code and bearing the same information as the EU digital certificate outlined above and issued in English.

Anyone seeking to enter Slovenia who fails to submit one of the documents outlined above will be sent to quarantine at home for ten days. If the traveller does not have permanent or temporary residency in Slovenia, they will only be permitted to enter Slovenia and submit to 10 days of quarantine if they can prove they have somewhere to undertake that quarantine.

The Slovenian authorities will not permit entry from people who do not have permanent or temporary residency in Slovenia if they will be unable to leave Slovenia due to the measures in place in neighbouring countries.

Quarantine can be ended with a negative PCR test on Day 5.

People without permanent or temporary residency in Slovenia will be denied entry if they declare they are positive for COVID-19 or show obvious signs of infection of Covid-19. They will be permitted to transit through Slovenia, if upon entering they can unequivocally prove that their reason for entering is to transit Slovenia.

PCR tests, and Rapid Antigen Tests, vaccination certificates and certificates of illness conducted in the UK are accepted by the Slovenian authorities.

There are some exemptions whereby people will not be required to quarantine on entry if they cannot show one of the documents outlined above. Full details can be found at GOV.SI website.

Anyone required to enter into quarantine will need to provide an address (where they will be staying) to the Border authorities. Failure to do so may result in the Border authorities denying you entry into Slovenia. During self-isolation, you are required to stay in your accommodation and not socialise outside of your household. You can take short walks for exercise, but should maintain social distancing and not engage with people from outside your household. The local municipality can make arrangements for the delivery of essential supplies if friends or family cannot support you.

All arriving travellers will be given advice at the border regarding the steps they may need to take.

Internal checkpoints on the Schengen borders with Italy, Austria and Hungary have been removed.

If you are travelling to neighbouring countries you should check the travel advice for the latest information on entering those countries. See travel advice for Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Italy. If you remain in Slovenia, you should be aware that for stays longer than 90 days, you will be required to register as a Temporary Resident. Contact the Uprava Enota (the department that handles these applications) at +386 1 306 3034 or ue.ljubljana@gov.si. The department is open from Monday to Thursday from 8am-6pm and on Friday from 8am-2pm.

If you are travelling to neighbouring countries you should check the travel advice for the latest information on entering those countries. See travel advice for Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Italy.

Demonstrating your COVID-19 status

Slovenia will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

Regular entry requirements

Visas  

The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:

• you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
• if you are travelling to Slovenia and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
• to stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Slovenian government’s entry requirements. Check with the Slovene Embassy what type of visa and/or work permit, you may need
• if you stay in Slovenia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit

Any time you spent in Slovenia or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

At Slovenian border control, you may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. You may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

There are separate requirements for those who are resident in Slovenia. If you are resident in Slovenia, you should carry proof of residence as well as your valid passport when you travel. For further information on these requirements, see our Living in Slovenia guide.

Passport validity

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.

You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Slovenia.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Healthcare

You should get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC it will still be valid as long as it remains in date.

The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Slovenian nationals. If you don’t have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, you can call the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 191 218 1999 to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate.

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.

If you’re living in Slovenia, you can also find more information on healthcare for residents in our Living In Slovenia guide.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

Western Slovenia is on an earthquake fault line and is subject to occasional tremors. You can find information about preparedness on the website of Slovenia’s Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief.

The currency of Slovenia is the Euro.

ATMs are easily accessible and major credit cards/travellers’ cheques are widely accepted. Banks and bureaux de change will change travellers’ cheques, sterling and other main currencies.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.