Slovakia Travel Safety

Precautions

Always be suspicious if someone offers to help you with a flat tire. These individuals may have punctured the tire themselves and seize the opportunity to steal a bag or other valuable objects while you are distracted. Car thefts and break-ins occur, particularly in major cities. Car thieves target foreign luxury vehicles more than other models. Avoid leaving luggage or valuables in the vehicle. Use secure parking facilities. Avoid public parks in city centres and railway stations after dark. Individuals have been harassed for reasons of race or foreign-looking appearance. Be vigilant in shopping centres, markets, public transportation stations, trains, hotels and major tourist attractions, including Bratislava's Old Town area. Pickpockets often work in teams, sometimes including children, and target people on trains and at railway stations and airports. Their methods include distracting a victim who is boarding or exiting a train or surrounding a victim in line-ups or at check-out counters. To reduce the risk of theft of opportunity, exercise extra caution on trains, particularly when travelling overnight.

Road safety

Drivers do not always obey road rules and may use excessive speed and reckless manoeuvering. Avoid travelling after dark in remote areas. Road conditions are generally good. However, some roads can be narrow and poorly lit. These can become hazardous at night and in winter or during severe weather conditions.

Identification

You are required to carry your passport at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or seized.

Taxis

Officially marked taxis are generally reliable, safe and economical, but it is advisable to pre-negotiate the fare. Beware of taxi drivers who try to overcharge by not switching on the meter.

Public transportation

Public transportation is well developed and reliable.

Women's safety

Slovakia has low crime rate, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise increased caution throughout your travel.

Scams

Individuals posing as plain clothes police officers may ask to see your foreign currency and passport. If approached, decline to hand over personal belongings. Offer instead to go to the nearest police station or seek assistance from a local contact.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in crowded areas and particularly during summer months. Foreigners are often targeted.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

LGBT

Laws of Slovakia do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Same-sex relationships are legal in Slovakia, but same-sex marriages and civil partnerships aren't recognised in Slovakian law. Public displays of affection may be frowned upon or attract unwanted attention.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences. Public intoxication and disorderly conduct is illegal. Offenders could be severely fined or detained. Avoid taking pictures of military installations and personnel, as this activity is prohibited locally. Unruly or rowdy behaviour between 22:00 and 06:00 is illegal and could attract the attention of the police.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. However, you can drive on a valid driver's licence when travelling as a tourist. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device. The use of anti-radar devices is also prohibited. Headlights must be on at all times. The use of seat belts is mandatory. A vignette (toll sticker) is required to travel on highways. Vignettes can be purchased at border crossings, gas stations and post offices. Vehicles must be equipped for emergency situations: a first aid kit, warning triangle, tow rope, functional spare tire and high-visibility vests for all passengers. Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat. Car seats are mandatory for all children under 150 cm in height. Fines for traffic violations must be paid on the spot. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Penalties are strict. Winter tires are mandatory when the roads are covered in snow or ice.