ETIAS for Slovakia
Travel to Slovakia from the U.S. with ETIAS
U.S. nationals need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for Slovakia from 2026.
American visitors can continue to experience Slovakia visa-free by registering online with ETIAS. On this page, you can learn more about the ETIAS application guidelines for U.S. citizens.
ETIAS for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Slovakia
ETIAS is the new European travel authorization for visa-exempt citizens. U.S. citizens traveling to Slovakia need an ETIAS travel authorization because:
- Slovakia is in the Schengen Area
- U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short trips to Europe
The new travel authorization will become a mandatory entry requirement for Americans traveling to Slovakia. ETIAS is valid for 3 years (less if your passport expires sooner) and multiple trips to Europe.
What U.S. citizens need to know about the Slovakia visa waiver
U.S. citizens can visit Slovakia without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You’ll need ETIAS to enjoy visa-free entry once the system goes live.
ETIAS covers the following types of stay in Slovakia:
- Tourism—vacations and visiting family or friends
- Business—conferences, meetings, and other events
- Study—short courses and training
ETIAS does not cover:
- Work—you need a visa to work in Slovakia
- Long-term study—a student visa is required to study for more than 90 days
How to get ETIAS for Slovakia from the U.S.
The ETIAS for Slovakia application is online. Americans need to fill out the electronic form and pay the ETIAS fees.
You’ll need your U.S. passport to hand, valid for at least 3 months after you’ll leave the Schengen Area. An email address and debit or credit card are also required.
To be granted ETIAS for Slovakia, you must meet all the requirements:
- Your stay must meet the visa-free criteria
- You must pass the safety and security checks
ETIAS for Slovakia Verification and Approval Process
These are the stages your ETIAS application will go through. You’ll be informed by email at each stage.
1. Automatic cross-checking of information
When a U.S. citizen submits their ETIAS application for Slovakia, it is first automatically checked against international security databases. These include:
- Schengen Information System (SIS)
- Visa Information System (VIS)
- Europol and Interpol data
- ETIAS Watchlist
2. Manual processing in some cases
Most applications are approved straight after automatic processing. If there is an alert in any of the security systems, the application is manually reviewed by the Slovakian ETIAS National Unit.
Additional documentation or an interview may be requested.
3. ETIAS for Slovakia approved or denied
Most ETIAS applications will be approved, either following automatic processing or after the manual review.
The approved ETIAS is linked to the U.S. passport used to apply, ready to travel to Slovakia.
In the unlikely event that your ETIAS is denied, you’ll be provided with instructions on how to appeal the decision.
Entering Slovakia with ETIAS
When you travel to Slovakia from the United States, you must carry the U.S. passport you used to apply for ETIAS. If you’ve renewed your passport since applying, you’ll need to reapply for ETIAS.
On arrival at the Slovakian border, officials scan the passport and verify the visa waiver. ETIAS does not guarantee entry, Slovakian authorities will make the final decision on whether to grant access.
About Slovakia
Capital: Bratislava
Language: Slovak
Area: 49.035 km²
Population: Over 5 million
Timezone: UTC/GTM 1
Currency: euro (€)
Code: +421
U.S. Embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia
Address: P.O. Box 309 814 99 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Phone: (+421) 2 5443 3338
Health Information for Americans Visiting Slovakia
Americans should be up to date with routine vaccinations before traveling to Slovakia. This includes against diseases such as chickenpox and flu.
A COVID-19 vaccination is not required but is recommended.
You should speak to a medical professional in the weeks leading up to your trip for any additional advice based on the activities you’ll take part in during your stay.
FAQs about Slovakian Entry Requirements for Americans
What do U.S. citizens need to stay in Slovakia long term? Toggle faqs
You cannot stay in Slovakia long-term with ETIAS. ETIAS is for short, visa-free stays only.
To stay in Slovakia for more than 90 days in a 180-day period, you need to apply for a national visa through the Slovakian embassy.
What do American students need to attend university in Slovakia? Toggle faqs
To attend university in Slovakia, American students need a student visa. Applicants need several documents to apply, including an application form and acceptance letter.
You should contact the Slovakian representation in the United States for further information.
Do I need travel insurance to go from the U.S. to Slovakia? Toggle faqs
Travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens visiting Slovakia with ETIAS. However, it is recommended to take out comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.
Travel insurance can provide coverage for unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or other unexpected events.
Visitors who need a visa for Slovakia must have proof of travel insurance.
In case of an emergency, what assistance is available for U.S. citizens in Slovakia? Toggle faqs
In case of an emergency, U.S. citizens in Slovakia can seek assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava.
The embassy provides support in various emergency situations, such as lost or stolen passports, medical emergencies, legal issues, or situations involving crime or safety concerns.
I’m visiting other European countries on the same trip, do I need another ETIAS? Toggle faqs
ETIAS is valid to visit any of the countries in the Schengen Area plus Cyprus.
You do not need to apply for different ETIAS for the different European countries you’ll visit, provided they are ETIAS countries.
Your total stay in the Schengen Area must not exceed the 90-day per 180-day limit.