Slovakia Travel Guide
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Guide
Slovakia is a Schengen country that is being checked by its neighbors. Austria has border controls with Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia running until 15 March 2027, and Czechia has kept its own checks with Slovakia. Both use flexible checks rather than fixed booths, so Petržalka to Hainburg, or a train to Prague, can end with a police officer asking for your passport.
The external border is with Ukraine. At Uzhhorod to Vyšné Nemecké, a pedestrian crossing began operating in early January 2026 after the checkpoint's infrastructure was modernized. At Bratislava Airport, the EU Entry/Exit System began its gradual introduction on 12 October 2025, and the age for using the automated gates on arrival was lowered to 16 for eligible EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens with biometric passports.
Border crossings
- Ukraine, at Vyšné Nemecké
The crossing with Uzhhorod is the main road link, and it now includes a pedestrian crossing that started operating in January 2026. It is an external border, so expect a full check and, for non-EU travelers, EES registration.
- Austria, one of four controlled frontiers
Austria's controls with Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovenia run until 15 March 2027 and are described as border-area checks rather than a booth at each crossing.
- Czechia, checking its side too
The Czech government has kept temporary checks on the Slovak border, extended until 3 January 2027 according to reporting.
Transit routes
- Buy the e-vignette before you drive on a motorway
Slovak vignettes come with validity of 1, 10, 30, or 365 days, for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. You can buy them at eznamka.sk, through a mobile app, in vending machines at border crossings, and at petrol stations, and since the 2026 edition you can postpone the start date by up to 60 days. Your car is checked by its license plate, so nothing needs to be displayed.
- Bratislava is close to Vienna
Vienna is close by, and an EES registration in one Schengen country is normally the only one you need for the whole trip.
Entry point notes
- Standard Schengen rules
For most visa exempt visitors, 90 days in any 180 day period, with the EES doing the counting.
- Have a passport with you near Austria and Czechia
The neighbors' controls mean that ID checks can happen on the road or on trains.