Slovenia

Slovenia

Use Normal Level of Caution
Use High Level of Caution when visiting the following Regions: Dobrova-Polhov Gradec and Dol pri Ljubljani

Slovenia is located in southeastern Europe bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia and 46 kilometres along the Adriatic Sea. This small country has a population of about 2 million people. The government is a parliamentary republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.

The area of Slovenia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the end of World War I. In 1918, the Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs formed a new country, which, in 1929, was named Yugoslavia. Over the year, the Slovenes were not content with resource allocation to other parts of Yugoslavia and power of the Serbs who were the majority. In 1990, the Slovenes overwhelmingly supported a referendum for independence. In 1991, Slovenia declared independence. The country has become a full member of the European Union and a member of NATO.

Slovenia has much to offer travellers. Ljubljana, the capital city, boasts interesting architecture. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and exploring the Triglav National Park, the Škocjan Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Julian Alps and the Kamnik Alps, Adriatic coast, as well as medieval towns and castles.

Currency EUR: Euro
Language Slovene
Capital Ljubljana
Recent Alerts 2
Latest Alert July 12, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Slovenia (21 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Slovenia. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Slovenia through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Slovenia.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Slovenia. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a possible risk of tick-borne encephalitis throughout the country. The transmission season varies, however, and ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn (March to November). Vaccination may be considered for travellers whose planned outdoor activities put them at risk.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Slovenia.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Travellers are at risk via exposure to ticks during outdoor activities in areas of vegetation (gardens, parks, forest fringes, meadows, and marshes). Campers, hikers, bikers, and adventure travellers should consider obtaining a vaccination against this disease. This vaccine is only available in Europe.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Slovenia.

None required.

Safety and Security in Slovenia

Emergency Numbers

112
113 For reporting crimes to local police

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, breaking into vehicles, or other theft does occur. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers, and never leave your drinks out of your sight.

Exercise caution at nightclubs. There have been reports that at some “gentlemen’s clubs”, foreign customers have received huge bar bills and were threatened if they refused to pay.

Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you at all times for identification. Foreigners are required to register with the police within 3 days of arriving or risk being fined. Usually, your hotel or other accommodation will handle this for you as part of checking in. If you are not staying in a registered accommodation, you will need to visit a police station to register as a visitor in Slovenia.

Penalties for use, possession or sale of illegal drugs are severe and can bring heavy fines and prison sentences.

Use only a designated crosswalk to cross a road. There are heavy fines for jaywalking, and you can be fined on the spot.

Inspectors can legally ask for purchase receipts when you leave a store or business. Be sure to get a receipt for any purchase.

There are no laws against same-sex relationships. Anti-discrimination laws protect those who are part of the LGBTI community.

If renting a car, you will need to purchase a “Vignette,” which is required for all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes in weight. These Vignettes can be purchased for weekly, monthly or yearly motorway travel and are available at gas/service stations, the DARS (the Slovenian Motorway Company), and outlets in neighbouring countries near the Slovene border. Failure to have or display a Vignette can carry a fine of up to 800 Euros.

When driving, headlights must be on at all times. Also when driving, you are required to have a reflective jacket, a warning triangle and a first aid kit in the vehicle. Winter equipment is a requirement from November 15 until March 15 and whenever there are winter weather conditions. The vehicle must have winter tires or, if tires are not winter tires, you must have chains in the trunk of the vehicle.

Police can impose on-the-spot fines for any driving offences and for not having required equipment in the vehicle.

Political Unrest

There are occasional strikes, protests, and rallies in Slovenia. Protests in Ljubljana are usually held around Kongresni Trg (Congress Square). To minimize safety risk, avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations. Even peaceful situations can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.

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