Slovakia Visa Guide: Eligibility, Documents & Process for Indians

Slovakia Visa

Overview:

Slovakia — A landlocked country in central Europe. It is bordered by Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic. In Jan 1, 1993, Czechoslovakia split into Czech Republic and Slovakia. Slovakia covers around 19,000 sq mi with mountains mostly with a population of 5.4 mil approx. Its capital is Bratislava.

Bratislava Castle houses a branch of the Slovak National Museum, with displays ranging from antique Roman artifacts to 20th-century arts and crafts. Slovakia is a democratic country having a high income advanced economy with a very high standard of living with a good insight in civil liberties, freedom of press and internet. It provides universal health care, free education and a long parental leave. Slovakia is also the world’s largest per capita car producer and ranking as the 7th largest car producer in EU.

In 2018, Slovak citizens had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 179 countries and territories, ranking the Slovak passport 10th in the world. Slovakia contains many castles, most of them are in ruins now. The best known castles include Bojnice Castle, Bratislava Castle and the ruins of Devin Castle. Čachtice Castle has a horrific history. It was once the home of a prolific female serial killer the world has ever known, Elizabeth Bathory.

Its currency is Euro (€). Christians make the large population of the country and the rest are Jews followed by Muslims. Official language is Slovak; Hungarian is also widely spoken with Rusyn spoken in some parts. Another horrific history of Slovakia is that there were many Jews in the country but during World War II, the country witnessed most of the Jews murdered in the Holocaust. The Slovakians are fond of different forms of culture and art with amazing cuisines and wines (red, white and rose).

How to Travel to Slovakia?

Slovakia is listed as a member state of the Schengen Agreement and the European Union. The country permits the U.S. citizens to enter the country for 90 days, be it a tourist or business purpose without a visa. But the passport should be valid three months beyond the period of stay. You also need 10,000 € or equivalent with you and a return air ticket.

The Schengen area consist of 26 European countries. They does not have any border controls between them. The countries are: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Norway, Malta, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Hungary, Iceland, Estonia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Sweden, Slovenia, Portugal and Latvia. They have a common short stay visa policy.

Why is a Slovakia Visa Needed?

You will require a visa to visit the nation of Slovakia just like visiting maximum of other nations. Now, your reason for visiting Slovakia could be any and it is that reason which will decide the type of visa you should apply for. There are two types of Slovakia visas:

a. Schengen Visa:

This type of visa allows you a stay of 90 days. Granting you a freedom of tourism, business journey, family and study visit or any which does not require work or residence permit. A Schengen visa may be valid for one or multiple entries.

b. National Visa:

This type of visa is for one who exceeds 90 days stay. Be it for temporary or permanent residence.

Kinds of visa to enter Slovakia

Aforementioned, your visit to Slovakia can be for any reason and the reason will decide the kind of visa you are given. The types of visa for each visit are:

Tourist Visa:

• A letter of invitation with the address and phone number of the friends or family
• Bank statement of last 6 months
• Passport copies

Business purpose:

• An invitation from a Slovakian company with their address and dates of your visit.
• A certificate stating the business travel from the employer
• Proof of earlier trades between the two companies
• Last 6 months’ business bank statement
• Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy, Trade License (oldest and latest), Partnership documents
• The total expenses of your stay must be stated on the invitation

For Medical:

• A medical report stating the situation of the applicant
• An attested medical report from the doctor in Slovakia confirming the date and medical situation
• Receipt of medical fees paid

For culture, sports, film crews or religious purposes:

• An invitation stating the purpose of the visit and expense covered
• Name of the crew members
• Duration of stay
• Travel itinerary

For members of official delegations:

• The official invitation
• Identity of the member
• Purpose of visit
• Duration of stay
• Accommodation

For study-related purposes:

• An enrollment certificate
• Certificate of completion or courses attended
• Financial sustainability

For wife/husband of a Slovakian citizen:

• Proof of Slovakian citizenship
• Slovakian marriage certificate
• Slovakian family record book

For a transit visa:

• This visa or an alternate entry permit licensing you to enter the country before you change flights to reach your final stop
• Copy of valid visa to your final stop

For underage children:

• Proof of parent’s regular income
• Travel permission from consent parent

For National visa:

If you plan to stay for more than 3 months; you have to apply for a national visa to stay further. You need to apply for national D-type visa. Period of validity of D-Visa cannot be more than 1 year

How to Check the Status of Slovakia visa?

You can check the status of your Slovakia visa by going online and ‘tracking the application’

Documents required for a Slovakia Visa

• Download the application or fill it electronically and print out the hard copy
• 2 photos with a light background
• Your passport and copies of previous visas — valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date
• 2 blank pages minimum
• Copy of return ticket
• Take a travel visa insurance with a confirmation of minimum 30,000 € coverage within Slovakia and the entire Schengen area
• Cover letter stating the specific reason of visit
• Flight itinerary reservation specifying entry and exit dates along with your flight numbers
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of civil status
• Proof of financial means for the period of stay

Some additional documents required as per the following status Employed:

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
• NOC from the employer
• ncome Tax Return form

Self-employed:

• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
• NOC from the employer

Student:

• Proof of enrollment
• Approval letter from school
• Copy of the fee receipt

Retired:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months but sometimes regular income generated by property as proof of the previous 6 months is required

The documents mentioned above are mandatory, otherwise visa will not be issued and your application will be rejected.

How to Apply for Slovakia Visa?

You have to go in person while applying for any Slovakia visa, as the biometric enrolment procedure is being conducted. More details of the enrolment is given below.

Step 1

Register and download the application form

Step 2

Fill the form and sign on pages 2 and 3.

Step 3

Book an appointment online and go to Slovak Republic in New Delhi in person.

Note: Application will not be accepted without an appointment

Step 4

Get the printed form and all the mandatory documents.

Step 5

Fingerprints are collected

Step 6

The application fee must be paid in Indian rupees

Step 7

Track your application via online portal.

Step 8

Collect your visa from the Embassy of Slovakia.

Biometric data required

All the applicants are required to appear in person in order to provide biometric data, which is a simple procedure. Biometric data are collected by capturing a 10 digit fingerprint scan. For frequent travelers, the fingerprints once given can be reused for the applications for next 5 years.

Exceptions from the obligation of fingerprinting are provided for:

• Children under the age of 12
• Person who hands or fingers have been amputated or handicapped
• Heads of State or government and members of a national Governments with accompanying spouses, and the members of their official delegation when they are invited by Member States’ governments or by international organizations for an official purpose

Fees Required for Slovakia Visa Application

The cost differ from visa to visa, on the type of visa you require.

Slovakia visa application centres

Earlier it was said that the citizens of India can submit their Slovakia Schengen visa application at the VFS office in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. But, now it’s been announced that from Jan 1, 2019, the Embassy of Slovak Republic will accept applications directly and for Schengen visa only on Mondays and the applications for National visa are accepted only on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.

Time taken for document processing:

• The entire process takes around 15 working days. In exceptional cases it can be prolonged up to 30 days, but when additional documents are needed, it may prolong up to 60 days.
• For national visa, it is 30 calendar days from the day the Embassy receives the application and the documents to move ahead.

What will happen to those people, who are refusing to provide fingerprints for various reasons?

They will not be issued a Schengen visa if they fail to provide biometric data. Only applicants under the said categories won’t be affected:

• children under the age of 12
• A persons whose hands have been amputated or is handicapped.
• Heads of State or government and members of a national government with accompanying spouses, and the members of their official delegation when they are invited by Member States’ governments or by international organizations for an official purpose

If I am a single parent what documents would I need?

In that case you will need an original certificate of Single Custody.

Is it true that the Embassy of the Slovak Republic will only accept the applications?

Yes, that is true. From Jan 1, 2019. All the Schengen visa (type C) will be only accepted at the Embassy of Slovak Republic and that too only on Mondays. While the National visa (type D) will only be accepted at Embassy of Slovak Republic and that too only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

My passport expires in two months. Can I apply for a visa?

No, you cannot. The requirement says that your passport can expire only after 3 months after your arrival. However, in justified cases of emergencies, they might be allowed. But you need a full proof to state the case of emergency.

I have a valid long stay visa/residence permit for a country that is part of the Schengen area. Do I need another visa to travel to other Schengen States?

No, it allows you to travel or stay in other Schengen States for the maximum duration of a “short stay” (a stay of "90 days in any 180 days period").

Can I cross the Schengen border of one country, while the visa was issued by another Schengen country?

Yes, you can generally cross over any Schengen border by a visa issued by any Schengen country.

My visa has been refused. What can I do?

The standard notification form is handed out if the visa is refused. The notification of the refusal must include the reasons of refusal. You are free to apply again for a Schengen visa. But, it will be wise of you, if you take note of the reasons for the earlier refusal before submitting a new application and make the required changes.

Is there a strict criterion for availing Travel Insurance in Slovakia?

Yes, you are required to get coverage of at least Euro 30,000. You can enrol into a smart-traveller insurance cover from ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*) to travel in any Schengen countries also availing a lot of benefits. You will not have to worry about medical emergencies. Moreover, it will also cover the expense if you have to be evacuated from the country at a short notice. Furthermore, ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*) travel insurance can be customized based on the basis of your needs and wants. The travel insurance from ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*) is valid for all the 26 Schengen countries.

Is it necessary to get travel insurance?

Taking travel insurance during a trip to abroad is always recommendable. Travel insurance allows you to enjoy your travel experience rather than stressing over things that can go wrong. Moreover, it allows you an easy way to deal with emergencies that may arise during your travel.

What are the benefits of getting travel insurance from Bharti AXA?

Buying travel insurance from ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*) is a straightforward and hassle-free process. You can get the policy online instantly without paper work involved. Furthermore, the comprehensive policy covers all major emergencies that can arise during travel. The important aspects of travel insurance policy is that it covers medical emergencies, personal accidents, loss of passport & documents, loss of checked-in luggage, flight delay etc.

Click here to get your customized quotes based on your travel plans.

Attention: Please contact the Slovakian Embassy in your country for the updates on any Slovakia Visa requirements!