ETIAS Slovakia permit for U.S. citizens
Citizens of the United States will be required to present an ETIAS visa when travelling to Slovakia. ETIAS permit can be obtained online, by filling out the ETIAS application form online and receiving your permit via e-mail once the application is approved. This ETIAS visa will allow U.S. citizens to enter Slovakia for tourism, work, transit, or for medical reasons, provided that the duration of the trip is no more than 90 days, and it will be valid for multiple entries made via air, sea, or land. Furthermore, minors and people over 70 years of age will be able to apply for ETIAS free of charge.
What is ETIAS Slovakia visa for U.S. citizens
ETIAS will come into force in 2023, as part of a European Commission program aimed at strengthening European borders and keeping a digital track on all people entering Schengen Area. Following some terrorist attacks that affected some European countries, this program was already approved in 2016. During the last years, data sharing between countries in the European Union was expanded and implemented, allowing for the creation of the ETIAS visa system, that connects the applications for this visa with already existing databases.
How does ETIAS Slovakia visa work for U.S. citizens
From November 2023 U.S. citizens must present an ETIAS visa before embarking on a trip to Slovakia. But if the trip has other purposes than those provided for ETIAS permit, or it will be longer than 90 days, they will have to obtain a Schengen visa, at the embassy or consulate of Slovakia, respecting timing and requirements for the visa they are applying for. Once issued, the ETIAS visa has a duration of 3 years, and will allow to travel multiple times in Slovakia and other Schengen Area countries, as long as each trip has a duration of less than 90 days. In order to get your approved ETIAS permit in time for your trip, it is recommended to apply for the visa at least 4 days before the departure. If ETIAS is denied, you can still apply for a full visitor Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of Slovakia or present an appeal to the country that denied the visa.
ETIAS Slovakiadestinations for Americans
From 2023 ETIAS visa will come into force for Americans to travel to the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
At the moment, Americans will not have to obtain an ETIAS visa to travel to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, since these are not Schengen countries yet. However, this may change in the future, so please keep updated with the requirements.
ETIAS Slovakia requirements for U.S. citizens and how to apply
In order to apply for the ETIAS permit, you have to be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid electronic passport issued by the United States of America. If you are not entitled to an U.S. passport, you will require a full visitor Schengen permit.
ETIAS visa application can be completed online, entering all required information by following the required steps, and making sure all the data is entered correctly. Once the application form is completed, all citizens between 18 and 70 years old will also be required to pay a fee of 7 euros, using a credit or debit card. Generally, most ETIAS visas are issued within few minutes, or at most in a few hours, and the approved visa will be sent via e-mail as a PDF file. Moreover, you will not need to print the visa, because your data will already be in the possession of the European Schengen authorities, and it will be linked to the passport data provided during the application. However, to avoid delays, it is recommended to apply for ETIAS visa at least 4 days in advance, to make sure that the visa is approved and to have the time to provide any additional documents should they be required. In the case where an ETIAS visa is denied, you can apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of Slovakia. In order to avoid mistakes that could result in delays in the visa approval, it is highly recommended to read and check carefully all the requirements for the ETIAS visa.
About Slovakia
Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked country in central Europe. It is bordered by Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine.
Slovakia covers an area of just over 49,000 sq. km and has a population of 5.4 million people. Slovakia’s capital and largest city is Bratislava.
The official language is Slovak, Hungarian is also spoken. The major religion is Christianity, and the official currency is the euro.
Bratislava is home to Bratislava Castle which holds a dominant position in the capital, dominating the skyline.
Most SNP in the capital is an iconic bridge, famed for the design feature that resembles a giant U.F.O.
Also in the capital are the jagged ruins of Devin Castle, an ancient fortress dating back to Great Moravian times. It was destroyed in 1809 by Napoleon’s troops.
Another historical site is St. Martin’s Cathedral. Bratislava, thanks to its pulsing nightlife and affordable prices, has recently become a popular destination for British and German tourists, especially those on their stag nights.
History lovers will be well served by Slovakia. It has the highest number of Chateaux and castles per capita in the world, from ancient ruins to the wonderfully preserved.
Slovakia at a glance
Capital: Bratislava
Timezone: UTC/GMT +1 hour
Languages: Slovak 78.6%, Hungarian 9.4%, Roma 2.3%, Ruthenian 1%, Other 8.8%
Area: 48,845 KM2
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Population: 5,455,000
Calling Code: +421
How much does ETIAS visa cost for American citizens
At the end of the application process, all Americans between 18 and 70 years of age must pay a fee of 7 euros, using a credit or debit card. American citizens under 18 and over 70 years of age are entitled to apply for ETIAS visa free of charge.
Travel in Slovakia
Slovakia is a mountainous country. Tatras National Park, the country’s oldest national park is home to the High Tatras Mountains, which cover an area of 741 sq. km.
Hikers can enjoy dense forests, fresh mountain streams, and glacial lakes. Wildlife who have their home there include marmots, bears, and chamois goats.
In the Malá Fatra mountain range resort of Vrátna, travelers can hike and bike in the summer and ski in the winter. The cable car offers stunning views.
For more skiing, the piste in Jasna offers some of the country’s best skiing. With well-maintained slopes and modern ski lifts, the Demanova Valley Resort is attracting a large clientele every year.
For the more adventurous, Slovakia’s second city Kosice offers a labyrinth of passages underneath the earth at its amazing archaeological site.
Kosice also offers a wonderful cafe culture. Known for its old town, people watching is encouraged at any of the local cafes. For interesting evenings entertainment, take in a show at the State Theatre.
The Carpathian Wine Route follows a well-trodden path through wonderful countryside, passing through ancient wine towns and the well preserved Červený Kameň Castle, The route offers various stops en route where you can sample the local wine.
The US and Slovakia
The United States and Slovakia cooperate in the law enforcement and military areas. The two countries share strong diplomatic ties and have been close NATO allies and partners.
The U.S. and Slovakia both belong to the following organizations
- The United Nations
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
- International Monetary Fund
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization
Slovakia is also an observer to the Organization of American States.
There are no direct flights to Slovakia from the U.S. There are many options for flights to and from various European cities. English and German are the business languages, any knowledge of, or attempts at Slovak, are much appreciated.
Business clothing is formal although there has been a shift to greater informality in the media industries. Slovakia has a well-educated labor force, low wages and low tax rates, making it very attractive for foreign investors.
The industrial sector plays an important part in Slovakia’s economy; the main sectors are electrical engineering and car manufacturing.
FAQ about ETIAS Slovakia visa
List of US diplomatic offices in Slovakia
The Embassy of USA in Bratislava, Slovakia
Address: P.O. Box 309 814 99 Bratislava Slovak Republic
Phone: +421-2-5443 3338
Facts: Adam Sterling – Ambassador
The Embassy of Slovakia in Washington, USA
Address: 3523 International Court NW, Washington D.C., United States of America
Phone: +1 2022371054
Email: emb.washington@mzv.sk
Facts: Ivan Korčok – Ambassador
Consulate of Slovakia in San Francisco, USA
Address: 2220 Stockbridge Aenue Woodside California 94062 USA
Phone: 01/ 650/ 996 7473
Fax: 01/ 866/ 224 1941
Email: barbara@pivnicka.com
Consulate of Slovakia in Miami, USA
Address: 13325 Arch Creek Road North Miami FL 33181 USA
Phone: +1/ 239 / 822 8409
Email: cecilka2753@gmail.com
Consulate of Slovakia in Boston, USA
Address: 3 Round Hill Road Weston Boston MA 02493 USA
Phone: +1/ 781 656-5065
Fax: +1/ 781 656-5063
Email: slovakconsulate@muzila.net