Applying for Schengen Visa to Slovakia
Visiting Slovakia on a Schengen Visa
Formerly part of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia is home to the Tatra Mountains and has eight other national parks. There you can see its thick forests and rolling rivers, or alternatively, travel to the capital, Bratislava, and see its well preserved medieval architecture.
To travel to Slovakia for a short trip lasting fewer than 90 days you will need a Schengen Visa, as it is part of the Schengen Area of European countries that have abolished border controls. A visa for any of the Schengen countries is valid for a stay in all the other Schengen countries during the period for which the visa is valid. Over a period of six months, you are not permitted to spend more than a total of three months in the Schengen Area.
Who needs a Schengen Visa to enter Slovakia?
Travelers will need a Schengen Visa if you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country without a visa-free travel agreement with the area, or if you have been refused for visa-free travel. These short-stay visas can be for business or tourism purposes, family and short study visits, or for medical reasons.
Your Schengen Visa application will cost €80 for adults and €40 for minors - although this may be waived in certain special circumstances, such as cultural or charitable trips for young people.
How do I apply for a Schengen Visa to Slovakia?
The next stage of applying for your visa is to book an appointment and gather your supporting documents - two recently taken passport-style photos, your passport or other travel documents that are no older than 10 years and valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence during your stay. You need to demonstrate you have at least €56 per day of your trip.
What are the Slovakia Visa requirements for a work, business or student visa?
If applying for a work visa to Slovakia, you will need to provide the embassy/consulate with documents that prove you meet Slovakia Schengen Visa requirements based on your employment status. If employed, you need an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no objection letter from your employer giving you leave to travel, and an income tax return. If self-employed, you will need a copy of your business license, company bank statements, and income tax returns. You will also need an invitation letter regardless of whether you are applying for a work visa or for a short-stay Schengen Visa for business.
Those who want to work in Slovakia for more than 90 days for business or study need a work permit and a temporary residency permit. It can be renewed and is valid for one year. You should apply for the work permit first and then for the residency permit. Your Slovak employer should direct you to the Labour, Social Affairs and Family Office to register you for social and health insurance while you are working in the country.
Student visas
Student visas require proof of enrolment at a Slovak institution, a temporary residency permit, a no objection letter from your place of study in your homeland, and an invitation letter.
Where do I go to apply for a Slovak Schengen Visa?
You will need to apply to the Slovak embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or a visa application center acting on the nation’s behalf. In some countries - including India - the Slovak embassy has outsourced the initial processing of visas to the firm VFS Global and its application centers. You can apply there and track your application via the company’s website.
Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?
Those traveling to the Schengen Area, including Slovakia, need travel cover. AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance costs just €22 ($24) per week of your trip and will meet your visa requirements, while the AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000.
Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase the Multi Trip insurance from €328 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.
Other Schengen countries you might be interested in
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Frequently asked questions about getting a Schengen Visa
How long does it take to get a Schengen Visa?
The processing time for a Slovak Schengen visa may take up to 15 days in a normal situation but could take up to 60 days to be issued in extreme circumstances. You can apply for your visa up to six months before you travel.
Can I travel to Slovakia if I have obtained a Schengen Visa from another country - such as the Czech Republic?
Yes. Schengen Visas allow you to travel throughout the countries who are signed up to the agreement.
Will I have to turn up in person to be interviewed when obtaining my Schengen Visa?
Yes. You need to attend an interview to submit and check the supporting documents submitted alongside your Schengen Visa application and to provide biometric data - such as fingerprints.