Slovenia travel guide

Travel Advice

It is very important to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information.

Around 160,000 British nationals visit Slovenia every year. Most visits are trouble free.

If you’re living in or moving to Slovenia, read the Living in Slovenia guide in addition to this travel advice.

Immigration controls may temporarily be in place at some road and rail border crossing points. You must carry your passport with you at all times. You should monitor local media and check with your transport provider, the Slovenian Automobile Association (AMZS) or Slovenian Railways websites for updates.

All foreign nationals visiting Slovenia must register with the police within 3 days of arrival or risk paying a fine. Hotels and accommodation providers will usually do this as part of the check in procedures. See Local laws and customs

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

To drive on Slovenian motorways, you must buy and display a ‘vignette’. From February 2022, Slovenia moved to an e-vignette system, replacing the previous ‘sticker’ vignette. The e-vignette is linked to the vehicle registration number plate and enforced via automatic number plate recognition cameras. Weekly, monthly and annual e-vignettes can be purchased online on the DARs website or at DARs points of sale, including petrol stations and post offices. If you are buying an e-vignette online you should only do so via the DARs website. You will be asked to provide your vehicle registration and you will be given proof of purchase which you should retain for future reference. Annual e-vignettes are valid for 365 days from the designated start date. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must register for an electronic tolling system. Vehicles must be fitted with winter equipment from 15 November to 15 March. See Road travel

Seek advice on weather and safety conditions before travelling into the mountains. Off-piste skiing is highly dangerous due to the risk of avalanches. See Skiing/mountaineering

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. 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

Masks are no longer mandatory in public settings, including on public transport.

You are required to wear a surgical or FFP2 facemask in all healthcare settings (including health care centres, pharmacies, retirement homes).

The requirement to demonstrate your COVID-19 status (known locally as ‘PCT’) to access services has been removed.

A person who has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 is no longer required to self-isolate at home. They should continue to inform all those with whom they have been in contact. It is also recommended that those in close contact with a positive case from their household self-test for 7 days.

Rapid antigen testing is no longer free in most circumstances. Eligibility for free rapid antigen testing can be found on the Slovene Government website. Self-administered rapid antigen tests are available to buy from pharmacies.

Proof of vaccination

You no longer have to show proof of vaccination to access services in Slovenia. This includes access to healthcare settings.

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 avoid contact with other people. Call your doctor or, if he or she is not available, the emergency medical services. 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.

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.

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 UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. From 28 September 2021 UK stickers have replaced GB stickers. Check the GOV.UK Displaying number plates website for more information on what to do if you are driving outside the UK.

Tolls

If you drive on Slovenian motorways, you must buy a “e-vignette”. Slovenia has an e-vignette system, which replaces the previous ‘sticker’ vignette. E-Vignettes are available for weekly, monthly or yearly periods, and can be purchased at petrol stations, post offices 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., Instead of a sticker displayed in your windscreen, vignettes are linked to the vehicle registration number plate and the toll system will be enforced through automatic number plate recognition cameras. When buying an e-vignette you will be asked for your vehicle registration number. You will be given a proof of purchase which you should retain for future reference. E-vignettes can also be purchased online at the DARs website including in advance of arrival in Slovenia (it is possible to specify a future start date for the vignette). More information on vignettes is available at the DARs website. If you are purchasing an e-vignette online you should only do so from the official 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.

Skiing/mountaineering

Ski resorts are open. 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.

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 from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Slovenia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Slovenia’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.’

All travellers

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

If you are not resident 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.

There is no longer a requirement to complete a Passenger Locator Form before entering Slovenia.

All travellers arriving in Slovenia are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

If you’re fully vaccinated

Entry requirements for Slovenia are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Proof of vaccination status

You no longer need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Slovenia.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

Entry requirements for Slovenia are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

EU guidelines continue to recommend against allowing entry to non-vaccinated travellers from third countries unless their journey is deemed essential. In line with this, entry will be denied to persons (citizens of third countries who do not hold Slovenian residence) with apparent signs of sickness, and those transiting through Slovenia who do not meet the criteria for entering their country of destination.

If you’re transiting through Slovenia

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

Transiting through Slovenia is permitted.

Restrictions due to COVID-19 no longer apply when entering Slovenia. This means that the RVT (recovered/vaccinated/tested) condition no longer has to be met at the border and travellers will no longer be ordered to quarantine at home.

This also applies to transit through Slovenia. The only restriction on transit is that travellers must have proof that they will be able to leave the territory of the Republic of Slovenia and enter a neighbouring country.

More information on transiting Slovenia can be found on the Ministry of the Interior website .

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.

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

Entry via land border crossings with Croatia

From 01 January 2023 Croatia joins the Schengen area. There will no longer be full immigration controls at the land borders with Croatia from this date. However, you must carry a valid passport or residency card with you at all times.

You can find further details on the Slovenian Police website.

Exemptions

As travellers are not required to prove their vaccination status or present a test certificate, previously allowed exemptions are no longer relevant.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Visas

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 are travelling to Slovenia for work, read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you stay in Slovenia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count to-wards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Passport stamping

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Slovenia as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

You may also need to:

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

If you are resident in Slovenia, read our Living in Slovenia guide for passport stamping information.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

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

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.’

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).

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Slovenia, including in the high Alps. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).

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.

Earthquakes

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.

Forest fires

In summer months, there is an increased risk of forest fires. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland and forest areas. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues outside of designated areas and do not leave any rubbish, particularly empty bottles behind, as these are known to start fires.

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, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.’