Slovakia

Recommended Vaccinations For Slovakia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a moderate risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Travellers are at risk via exposure to ticks during outdoor activities in areas of vegetation (gardens, parks, forest fringes, meadows and marshes). Campers, hikers, bikers, and adventure travellers should consider obtaining a vaccination against this disease.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) and who may have direct contact with rabid wild animals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Slovakia

There are no recommendations for Slovakia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Slovakia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a moderate risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Slovakia.

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Slovakia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a possible risk of tick-borne encephalitis throughout the country. The transmission season varies, however, and ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn (March to November). Vaccination may be considered for travellers whose planned outdoor activities put them at risk.

Rabies

Rabies has been reported only in wild animals in Slovakia. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid animals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Slovakia

Personal Safety

Slovakia is a relatively safe country for travelers. Crime rates are low compared to many other European destinations, with violent crime remaining rare. Pickpocketing and bag snatching pose the main concerns, particularly in crowded tourist areas, train stations, Christmas markets, and on public transport in Bratislava. Thieves often work in teams or use children as distractions. Some nightclubs in Bratislava, particularly around the Old Town pedestrian area, have been linked to organized crime. These venues have engaged in drink spiking, inflated billing, and coercing victims to withdraw money from ATMs after being drugged. Taxi drivers sometimes overcharge tourists by adding unauthorized surcharges or not using meters. Always insist that meters are used or agree on prices beforehand, and use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps. You must carry your physical passport at all times, as digital copies do not satisfy legal requirements. Police can fine you up to 1,600 euros for failing to produce identification. Slovakia enforces a zero percent blood alcohol limit for drivers. Any alcohol in your system can result in fines up to 1,300 euros, license confiscation, or imprisonment. Rowdy or unruly behavior between 10pm and 6am can lead to fines or arrest. In Bratislava Old Town, drinking alcohol on the street is illegal and carries a 33 euro fine. Some travelers, particularly people of color or those of Asian descent, have reported unwanted staring or occasional racial harassment, though these incidents are not the norm in major tourist areas.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime in Slovakia is rare, especially for tourists. The murder rate stands at 1.37 per 100,000 population. Gun violence is uncommon outside of occasional organized crime incidents. Around 15,000 cases of violent criminal acts affecting victim health occur annually across the country, but these predominantly involve locals rather than visitors. Muggings targeting tourists are extremely rare. An attack on an LGBTQ bar in Bratislava in October 2022 resulted in two deaths and was classified as a terrorist act. This incident marked Slovakia’s first modern terrorism case and involved a far-right extremist with an accelerationist ideology. Prior to this, Slovakia had no recent history of terrorism. The country faces the same low-level terrorism risk as most European nations. Domestic and foreign organized criminal organizations operate in Slovakia, though violent incidents remain uncommon. The Slovak mafia focuses primarily on security businesses, construction, restaurants, and nightclubs. Their activities are limited by more powerful Russian, Ukrainian, Chechen, and Balkan crime groups that control much of the heroin trade.

Political Unrest

Large-scale protests have become increasingly common in Slovakia since December 2024. Demonstrations began following Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin. Protests have occurred regularly in Bratislava and other cities, with tens of thousands participating. The January 2025 demonstrations drew over 60,000 people in Bratislava alone. Protesters oppose the government’s pro-Russian policies, including ending military aid to Ukraine, opposition to EU sanctions on Russia, and suggestions Slovakia might leave the EU and NATO. Protests have spread beyond major cities to areas that traditionally supported the ruling party. The government approved measures in June 2024 banning protests within 50 meters of government buildings and presidential residences, drawing criticism from opposition groups and Amnesty International. Demonstrations in Slovakia have remained largely peaceful, though any gathering has the potential to escalate. The political situation remains fluid, with ongoing tensions between pro-European opposition movements and the current government. Protests may start with little warning. Slovakia experienced significant political upheaval in 2018 when the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak triggered mass protests that forced the previous government to resign. An assassination attempt on Prime Minister Fico occurred in May 2024.

Areas To Avoid

Slovakia does not have consistently dangerous areas that tourists need to avoid entirely. Bratislava requires more caution than other parts of the country. Within the capital, the Petrzalka neighborhood on the right bank of the Danube has a reputation for higher crime rates. Once called the Bratislava Bronx, this large residential area was known for crime and drug trafficking, though conditions have improved. The area around Obchodna Street in Bratislava can be problematic, particularly at night on Friday and Saturday. This street near the Old Town has seen incidents involving drunk crowds, fights, and dangerous behavior. Police have increased their presence, but the area remains best avoided after dark. The Ruzinov district, particularly around bus and train stations, poses some risk. Some outer neighborhoods of Bratislava and Kosice have higher poverty rates and might feel uncomfortable, but these are generally not places tourists would visit. The Old Town, Castle Hill, and riverside areas in Bratislava are well-policed and safe, even at night. Slovakia’s regional cities like Kosice are generally safe and relaxed. The Slovak countryside and mountain regions are extraordinarily safe from a crime perspective. When hiking in the High Tatras mountains, the main concerns are weather-related rather than crime. Mountain trails above certain elevations close from November 1 to June 15 due to snow, ice, and avalanche risk. Visitors in mountain areas occasionally encounter bears and wolves, though bears rarely approach humans. If you need Slovak Mountain Rescue Service assistance, expect costs up to 1,000 euros.