{"slug":"slovenia","title":"Slovenia travel advice","updated_at":"2026-08-11T10:22:42+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-08-11T09:22:42Z","change_description":"Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/slovenia","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Slovenia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.gov.si/en/representations/embassy-london/\">Slovenian Embassy in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Slovenia follows <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm\">Schengen area rules</a>. Your passport must: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>\n    <p>have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area</p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)</p>\n  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.  </p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area\">travel without a visa to the Schengen area</a>, which includes Slovenia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>as a tourist</li>\n  <li>to visit family or friends</li>\n  <li>to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events</li>\n  <li>for short-term studies or training</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-slovenia-for-work\">requirements for working in Slovenia</a> are different.  </p>\n\n<p>If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may have to pay an on-the-spot fine. If you cannot pay the fine, the border police can confiscate your documents or assets until you pay. You may also be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.</p>\n\n<p>At Slovenian border control, you may need to:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>show a return or onward ticket</li>\n  <li>prove that you have enough money for your stay</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"staying-longer-than-90-days-in-a-180-day-period\">Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period</h3>\n\n<p>To stay longer, you must meet the Slovenian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.gov.si/en/representations/embassy-london/visa-information-of-the-embassy-london/\">Slovenian Embassy in the UK</a>. </p>\n\n<p>If you’re in Slovenia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit. </p>\n\n<p>Read about <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-slovenia#passports-and-travel\">entry processes if you live in Slovenia</a>. </p>\n\n<div class=\"call-to-action\">\n  <h2 id=\"new-schengen-entry-requirements\">New Schengen entry requirements</h2>\n\n  <p>The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.  </p>\n\n  <p>This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.  </p>\n\n  <p>On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.  </p>\n\n  <p>You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.  </p>\n\n  <p>EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit. </p>\n\n  <p>If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.  </p>\n\n  <p>Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years. </p>\n\n  <p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system\">information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area</a>. </p>\n\n  <p>If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply\">the EU’s official Travel Europe website.</a> </p>\n\n  <p>If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"checks-at-land-borders\">Checks at land borders</h2>\n\n<p>There are checks at Slovenia’s land borders with:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>Italy</li>\n  <li>Austria</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>If you are travelling from Croatia or Hungary, only enter Slovenia at <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.gov.si/en/registries/projects/zacasni-nadzor-na-notranji-meji/\">border crossings open to all passengers</a>. Allow extra time for crossing Slovenia’s land borders and be ready to show your passport or residency card. Checks may also involve vehicle inspections.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"registering-with-the-police\">Registering with the police</h2>\n\n<p>You must register with the police within 3 days of your arrival, but any registered hotel or guest house will do this for you. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation, or with friends or family, check registration arrangements with your booking agent or your host. If you do not register your presence in Slovenia, you could get a fine.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/198/slovenia#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Slovenia guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.fu.gov.si/en/customs/areas_of_work/import_of_goods/\">goods you can take into or out of Slovenia</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-food-into-slovenia\">Taking food into Slovenia</h3>\n\n<p>You cannot take <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/animalproducts/personal_imports_en\">meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries</a>. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-money-into-slovenia\">Taking money into Slovenia</h3>\n\n<p>Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-slovenia\">Terrorism in Slovenia</h3>\n\n<p>Terrorist attacks in Slovenia cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"personal-id\">Personal ID</h3>\n\n<p>Always carry a copy of your passport as a form of ID. You can get a 50 to 200 euro fine if the police ask you for ID and you cannot show it.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs\">Illegal drugs</h3>\n\n<p>Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.</p>\n\n<p>Airports in Slovenia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-crossing-fines\">Road crossing fines</h3>\n\n<p>There are heavy fines for not using designated road crossing points (‘jaywalking’). If you cannot pay an on-the-spot fine, the police or authorities can confiscate your documents or assets until you pay.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"tour-guides\">Tour guides</h3>\n\n<p>Tour guides must display a tour guide card to show they are registered with the Slovenian authorities.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"emergency-siren-tests\">Emergency siren tests</h3>\n\n<p>The Slovenian authorities test a nationwide emergency siren on the first Saturday of every month at 12pm. If you hear the siren at another time, follow instructions from the authorities.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"skiing-and-mountaineering\">Skiing and mountaineering</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning a skiing or mountaineering holiday, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.policija.si/eng/prevention/safety-on-holidays/safe-mountaineering/helpful-advice-to-all-hikers-trekkers-and-mountaineers\">Policija - Helpful Advice to all Hikers, Trekkers and Mountaineers</a> and <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://meteo.arso.gov.si/met/en/\">National Meteorological Service of Slovenia</a>  before you travel. Off-piste skiing is highly dangerous as there is a risk of avalanches in some areas. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/winter-sports-stay-safe-on-the-slopes\">Preparing for winter sports abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hiking\">Hiking</h3>\n\n<p>If you plan to hike in Slovenia:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>take particular care if you’re in an area where bears have been sighted. Visitors in mountain areas occasionally encounter bears and wolves</li>\n  <li>consider the level of difficulty and distance</li>\n  <li>plan for the weakest member of your group</li>\n  <li>use a printed or digital map with marked paths and their descriptions</li>\n  <li>tell family or friends of your plans</li>\n  <li>check whether mountain cabins are open</li>\n  <li>do not use hiking trails that have been closed or take shortcuts</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Bears are present in wooded areas throughout Slovenia, including near cities. In 2025 a bear attacked a person walking their dog in Skofljica, 6 miles southeast of Ljubljana.</p>\n\n<p>Some demanding mountain trails can include sections of via ferrata (steel wires and metal rungs), which need a climbing harness and helmet.</p>\n\n<p>For mountain rescue, call 112. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"wild-camping\">Wild camping</h3>\n\n<p>Wild camping is illegal in Slovenia. Only camp in registered campsites, or if you are travelling with a camper van or motorhome in a designated camper stop (“Parking za avtodome”, also known as “PZA”). Fines for illegal camping depend upon the local municipality or authority and can range from 40 to 500 euros. Enforcement is especially strict in national parks, including Triglav National Park.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Slovenia, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a> and check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/slovenia/\">rules of the road in the RAC’s Slovenia guide</a>. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of, such as:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>always driving with headlights on</li>\n  <li>carrying a warning triangle, reflective jacket and first aid kit</li>\n  <li>on-the-spot fines for offences including speeding, drink-driving and using a mobile phone without a wireless headset</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You can drive in Slovenia on your UK driving licence.</p>\n\n<p>Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a higher minimum age. </p>\n\n<p>If you live in Slovenia, check the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-slovenia#driving-in-slovenia\">driving requirements for residents</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Check if you need a <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/flags-identifiers-and-stickers\">UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Drink-driving is a serious offence in Slovenia. The blood alcohol limit for experienced drivers is 0.05% (in England it is 0.08%). If you are under 21 or have had your licence less than 2 years, it is illegal to have any alcohol in your system. You could get a fine and possible imprisonment if you’re caught over the limit.</p>\n\n<p>See <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.promet.si/en\">Slovenia traffic and border crossing reports</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-safety\">Road safety</h3>\n\n<p>If your vehicle breaks down on a motorway or expressway:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>call 1970 (or +386 1 518 8 518) for assistance</li>\n  <li>turn on your hazard lights</li>\n  <li>ensure all passengers wear reflective jackets</li>\n  <li>leave the vehicle safely and place a warning triangle behind it</li>\n  <li>wait behind the safety barrier where possible</li>\n  <li>in tunnels, leave in the direction of the entrance</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Vehicles stopped in a traffic lane, slip road, or tunnel emergency bay may be removed by a motorway operator-contracted towing service. If your vehicle is on the hard shoulder, an emergency bay or a rest area, you can arrange your own recovery, but it must normally be moved within 2 hours.</p>\n\n<p>Be aware that unauthorised recovery operators may offer assistance and charge high fees. UUse only authorised recovery providers and, if in doubt, call 1970 for advice. Authorised providers display a DARS logo on their vehicle.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"motorway-tolls\">Motorway tolls</h3>\n\n<p>If you drive on Slovenian motorways, you must buy an ‘e-vignette’ for electronic tolls. You can buy weekly, monthly or yearly e-vignettes at:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>petrol stations</li>\n  <li>post offices</li>\n  <li>DARS (the Slovenian Motorway Company) offices in Slovenia and in neighbouring countries near the border</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You can also <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.dars.si/\">buy e-vignettes from DARS online</a> before or during your stay in Slovenia. Only use the official DARS website to buy these online.</p>\n\n<p>If your vehicle weighs more than 3.5 tonnes, you must register it under the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.darsgo.si/portal/en/home\">DarsGo system</a> to use Slovenia’s motorways and expressways. Collect a DarsGo unit from a DarsGo service point when you enter Slovenia for the first time.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"driving-in-winter\">Driving in winter</h3>\n\n<p>You must use winter equipment from 15 November until 15 March and whenever there are winter weather conditions (for example, snowfall, blizzards or black ice).</p>\n\n<p>Private cars and vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must have winter tyres on all 4 wheels, or summer tyres on all 4 wheels and snow chains in the car boot. The minimum tyre tread depth is 3mm.</p>\n\n<p>Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must have winter tyres on the driving wheels or summer tyres on all 4 wheels and snow chains in the boot.</p>\n\n<p>You can get a fine of 125 euros for not having this equipment, or 417 euros if you also cause road delays.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters</h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>. </p>\n\n<p>See <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.meteoalarm.org/en/live/?s=slovenia\">weather forecasts and warnings in English</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"seasonal-storms\">Seasonal storms</h3>\n\n<p>All parts of Slovenia can experience sudden, extreme storms. There can be strong winds and rain, snowfall, lightning and powerful hailstorms. Storms can cause landslides and road closures. Check weather and traffic reports before you travel. If you’re caught in a storm, find shelter until the storm passes and follow local advice.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"flooding\">Flooding</h3>\n\n<p>Flash floods can be dangerous, happen with little warning and disrupt transport and other networks. Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"wildfires\">Wildfires</h3>\n\n<p>During especially hot and dry periods there is a risk of wildfires. It’s illegal to do anything that starts a fire that poses a danger to human life or could cause significant damage. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"earthquakes\">Earthquakes</h3>\n\n<p>Western Slovenia is on an earthquake fault line and is subject to occasional tremors. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes\">what to do before, during and after an earthquake</a>.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You may also be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.","You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more.","Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.","The blood alcohol limit for experienced drivers is 0.05% (in England it is 0.08%).","If you are under 21 or have had your licence less than 2 years, it is illegal to have any alcohol in your system."]}
