Slovenia

Recommended Vaccinations For Slovenia

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 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

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in the provinces of Gorenjska and Koroska or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. 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 Slovenia

There are no recommendations for Slovenia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Slovenia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Slovenia through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Slovenia.

For Some Travellers

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

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 risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in all areas of this country. The main affected areas are in the provinces of Gorenjska and Koroska. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Slovenia. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Slovenia

Personal Safety

Slovenia ranks among the top 10 safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index. The crime rate is very low, with violent crime rare and petty theft being the primary concern for visitors. In 2023, Slovenian police reported only 432 crimes against tourists, with over 70% being non-violent property crimes. Pickpocketing occurs mainly in crowded tourist areas such as Ljubljana’s central market, Bled, and public transportation. Taxi drivers at airports and train stations have been known to overcharge tourists, so verify the meter is running or negotiate the price beforehand. Drink spiking can occur at nightclubs. Some neighborhoods in Ljubljana, particularly the Metelkova autonomous area, require extra caution. This area is known for alternative culture but may have squatters and drug users. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112 for ambulance and 113 for police.

Extreme Violence

Slovenia has extremely low levels of violent crime. The homicide rate is 0.5 per 100,000 people, significantly below the world average of 5.8 per 100,000. There have been no terrorist attacks in Slovenia’s recent history. The terrorism threat level is maintained at medium, the third of five levels, due to the current security situation in Europe and the Middle East. Authorities have no information indicating a specific terrorist threat to Slovenia but cannot rule out the possibility of incidents. Slovenia is primarily a transit point for organized crime due to its location on the Balkan route. Human trafficking, human smuggling, firearms trafficking, and drug trafficking pass through the country, though these activities rarely affect tourists. Mugging and kidnapping are uncommon. The presence of organized crime is among the lowest in Central and Eastern Europe.

Political Unrest

Slovenia has a history of mostly peaceful protests. Major demonstrations occurred between 2012 and 2013 against corruption in the political elite, and from 2020 to 2022 against government policies. These protests were largely peaceful, with over 100 Friday protests organized between April 2020 and April 2022. Occasional demonstrations still take place in Ljubljana and other cities, often focused on political issues, pensions, or social causes. A riot occurred in Maribor in November 2012 when protests turned violent with clashes between protesters and police, described as unprecedented since Slovenia’s independence. Most demonstrations are peaceful and orderly, though individuals or small groups may express views in unplanned ways. Protests in recent years have addressed issues ranging from government policies to international conflicts. Visitors should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and monitor local media for information on ongoing protests.

Areas To Avoid

Slovenia is generally very safe throughout the country with few areas requiring special caution. The Metelkova area in Ljubljana is an autonomous zone known for alternative culture, graffiti, and underground artists. Visitors may encounter squatters and drug users, so daytime visits are recommended and avoid photographing people without permission. Border regions with Croatia should be approached with awareness due to historical political tensions. In 2025, a bear attacked a person walking their dog in Skofljica, 6 miles southeast of Ljubljana. Bears are present in wooded areas throughout Slovenia, including near cities. Visitors in mountain areas should exercise caution where bears and wolves have been sighted. Alpine areas present risks from avalanches, especially in off-piste skiing zones. Western Slovenia sits on an earthquake fault line and experiences occasional tremors. During August 2023, severe flooding and landslides affected northern regions around Kamnik and parts of the Savinja Valley. All parts of Slovenia can experience sudden extreme storms with strong winds, rain, snowfall, lightning, and powerful hailstorms. Wildfires can occur during hot, dry periods.