Slovenia Travel Safety

Road safety

Main roads are generally safe and in good condition. Secondary roads tend to be narrow.

Precautions

Be vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Car thefts and break-ins can occur at gas stations and service areas along the highway, as well as in parking lots. Never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, and use secure parking facilities, especially overnight. Some bars and "gentlemen's clubs" have been known to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay.

Identification

You must carry adequate identification, such as your passport, at all times. Photocopies are not accepted. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or seized.

Hiking

If you intend on hiking, backpacking or skiing:never practice these activities alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company. Buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation. Obtain detailed information on hiking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes. Ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity. Ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard. Inform a family member or friend of your itinerary. Know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal.

Taxis

Use only officially marked taxis. Ensure that the meter is on and charging the appropriate rate, which should be displayed in the taxi.

Women's safety

Slovenia 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. Criminals target tourists at nightclubs with ties to organized crime. In the past, such establishments have presented foreign customers with inflated bills and threatened those who refuse to pay.

Crime

Violent crime is rare. Petty crime, such as pick pocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in crowded areas and on trains.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid 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.

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.

LGBT

The laws of Slovenia do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is less tolerated socially. There has been reported isolated incidents of violence against LGBT people. Avoid public display of affection specially in rural areas.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. Cars, vans and motorcycles not exceeding 3,500 kg maximum laden weight require a vignette (toll sticker) to drive on all major Slovene highways and the Ljubljana bypass. Vignettes can be purchased at gas stations, post offices and newspaper stands. Penalties for traffic offences are severe. Offenders can expect heavy fines. Jaywalkers may also be fined. Police can collect on-the-spot traffic fines from non-residents and retain a traveller's identification document, such as passport, until payment is made. There is a zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device. Radar-detection systems are also prohibited. Headlights must be on at all times throughout the year. The use of seat belts is mandatory. A reflective vest and a warning triangle are mandatory in all vehicles. Snow tires or snow chains are mandatory from November 15 to March 15.