Slovakia - Facts for the traveller, when to go, events

Facts for the traveller for Slovakia

Visas: Nationals of all Western European countries can visit Slovakia without a visa. US, Australian and New Zealand passport holders can stay for 90 days without a visa. South African Passport holders require a visa. If you require a visa to Slovakia, it is strongly advised that you obtain one before commencing your journey or at a foreign consulate. It may be difficult to obtain one at a border crossing.
Health risks: Lyme Disease
Time: GMT/UTC +1
Dialling Code: 421
Electricity: 220V ,50Hz

When to Go to Slovakia

May, June and September are the prime visiting months, with April and October as chillier and sometimes cheaper alternatives. Most Slovaks take their holidays in July and August when hotels and tourist sights are more than usually crowded, and hostels are chock-a-block with students, expecially in the Tatras mountain resort areas. Luckily, the supply of bottom end accommodation increases in large towns during this time, as student hostels are thrown open to visitors. Centres like Bratislava and the mountain resorts cater to visitors all year round. Elsewhere, from October or November until March or April, most castles, museums and other tourist attractions, and some associated accommodation and transport, close down.

Slovakia Events

Practically every day is a saint's day in the Slovak Republic, and 'special days', festivals and public holidays are widely acknowledged. Public holidays include New Year's Day (1 January), Three Kings Day (6 January), Labour Day (1 May), Cyril and Methodius Day (5 July) and Christmas (24-26 December). The Bratislava Lyre in May or June features rock concerts. During June or July folk dancers from all over Slovakia meet at the Vychondná Folklore Festival, 32km (20mi) west of Poprad. The Bratislava Jazz Days are held in September.