Slovenia

U.S. Embassy Ljubljana

Prešernova 31
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Telephone: +(386) (1) 200-5500
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(386) (1) 200-5500
Email: LjubljanaACS@state.gov

• Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 in Slovenia.
• U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Slovenia, but do not require a visa for tourist or routine business travel of less than 90 days. Note: The 90 day visa-free time-frame starts as soon as you enter the Schengen Zone – a border-less area made up of a number of European countries including Slovenia, Austria, Hungary and Italy. Travelers can stay up to a cumulative 90 days within the period of the immediately preceding 180 days. That means if a traveler stays 90 days, s/he will need to be outside of the Schengen zone for 180 days to reset the clock. Remaining in Slovenia or the Schengen Area beyond 90 days without a residency permit may incur large fines, deportation, criminal charges, and/or travel restrictions.
• If you wish to stay in Slovenia for longer than 90 days, you will require a long stay “D” visa or a residence permit.
• Applying for residency is time consuming. U.S. citizens must submit an FBI criminal records certificate less than three months old apostilled by the Department of State. Please see our website for information.
• Foreigners must carry official identification at all times (U.S. passport or a Slovenian residence card).
• You must obtain a stamp in your passport upon entering the Schengen Area and show it when departing.
• Non-EU citizens staying longer than three days must register with the police within 72 hours of arrival. Hotels and apartments or houses rented through a company will register you. In all other cases, you must register yourself at a police station. Failure to register can result in hefty fines.

Visit the Embassy of Slovenia website for current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Slovenia.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites. For general information about Italian customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page and our Italian Customs website.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Slovenia’s overall crime rate is low. Incidents of purse snatching and pickpocketing are most common in tourist areas, with robberies and acts of vandalism reported in Ljubljana primarily late at night.

• Use common sense, avoid isolated areas after dark, take security precautions, and report any incidents to the local police.
• Residential break-ins occur, particularly in Ljubljana. Residences left unattended for extended periods with poor security measures are most vulnerable.
• Vehicle break-ins and thefts also occur. Always lock your vehicles, use vehicle anti-theft devices, and park in well-lit areas or in residential or hotel garages. Bicycle theft is disproportionately high compared to similarly situated cities. Ensure your bicycles are secured before leaving them in a bicycle rack or bike park.
• Exercise caution at so-called "gentlemen's clubs." Such establishments have presented foreign customers with inflated bar bills and threatened those who refuse to pay.
• U.S. citizens have reported sexual assaults in at least one nightclub in recent years. Use caution when accepting open drinks at bars or clubs, and don’t leave your drinks unattended.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Demonstrations: There are occasional strikes, protests, and other public demonstrations in Slovenia. Protests in Ljubljana are usually held in areas around Kongresni Trg (Congress Square), opposite the Slovenian Parliament, in other locations in central Ljubljana, and sometimes near the U.S. Embassy. Some participants have occasionally expressed anti-U.S. sentiments. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 

• Be vigilant near crowded venues.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• For additional information, check the Embassy’s website.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 113. For medical emergencies, dial 112. Contact the U.S. Embassy aby calling +386-1-200-5500. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local English-speaking attorneys
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Outdoor adventure sports are increasingly popular with tourists in Slovenia. Such activities involve inherent risk, and travelers are encouraged to be mindful of their own personal limitations, as well as accessibility and connectivity issues that might hinder emergency response. Many of the mountain rescues in Slovenia involve foreign nationals who were ill-prepared: hiking or climbing without proper footwear and protective equipment, unprepared for altitude sickness, drinking insufficient water, leaving marked trails, and even handling poisonous snakes. If you are hiking/climbing you should let family/friends know in advance where you will be going and register at mountain huts. If you experience an emergency, call 112 for Slovenian police.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Your U.S. passport will not prevent you from being detained, arrested, or prosecuted. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Slovenia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Make sure you receive a receipt for your purchase when you buy something in Slovenia. Slovenian law allows inspectors to request to see your receipt of purchase upon exiting the business. If you do not present a receipt, you can be fined.

Slovenian authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the import, export, and use of firearms. You should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate General in Cleveland if you are planning to transport a firearm into or out of Slovenia.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Special Circumstances: Slovenian banks do not accept paper checks, including travelers checks, from the United States. ATMs are common in all major cities and are increasingly common in rural areas. Credit cards are broadly accepted.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Although same-sex marriage is not legal in Slovenia, the LGBTQI+ community is protected by anti-discrimination laws, and there are no legal or governmental impediments to the organization of LGBTQI+ events. Local NGOs assessed that violence against LGBTQI+ persons was not uncommon, and there have been several isolated violent incidents targeting LGBTQI+ individuals in Slovenia.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Slovenia prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in lodging and general infrastructure, especially outside of the main cities, but common in public transportation and communication/information.

Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different in Slovenia from what you find in the United States. Under Slovenian law, persons with disabilities should have access to buildings, information, and communications. In practice, however, modification of public and private structures to improve access is a work in progress, and many buildings are not easily accessible. Most tourist destinations around Slovenia are accessible by those with disabilities.

Rental, repair, replacement parts for assistive devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants are widely available.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers.

Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Slovenia.

Facilities

• For emergency services in Slovenia dial 112. Ambulance services are widely available and reliable. When contacting an ambulance, if you do not speak Slovenian, you may need to find a Slovenian speaker who can explain your location.
• Medical care throughout Slovenia is comparable to that found in the United States.. Emergency responders may determine that patients requiring specialized and more complex medical care need to be transported to Ljubljana Clinical Center (public hospital) by air.  
• While many medical providers in Slovenia speak excellent English, that may not be the case for all medical staff.
• There is a list of English-speaking medical providers and 24-hour pharmacies on the U.S. Embassy’s website.
• Although most government-run institutions in Slovenia provide care at little or no cost to Slovenian nationals, foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, are expected to pay the full cost directly. That said, prices in government-run clinics are very reasonable. Private clinics are also an option. For both, you will pay up front and can later seek reimbursement from your health insurance provider.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinics for preventive vaccinations can provide more information.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Almost all prescriptions available in the United States are widely available in Slovenia (although may be under different names). You may need a prescription for medications (such as Ibuprofen when over 200 mg) that could be purchased over-the-counter in the United States.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought  into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Ljubljana has air pollution levels similar to those in major U.S. cities. Visit the European Environment Agency’s website for information on air quality in Slovenia.

Water Quality:

• The tap water in Ljubljana and other cities in Slovenia is suitable for drinking. Precautions for safe food storage and preparation are the same as would be practiced in the United States. Detailed laboratory reports about the water quality are available in Slovenian language. Slovenia does not put fluoride in the tap water, so long term residents might want to consider fluoride supplements for their children.

General Health Language:

• Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
• Slovenia has a high incidence of Lyme disease and encephalitis, both transmitted by ticks. For stays longer than three months, consider getting a vaccine to prevent tick-borne encephalitis. This vaccine is not available in the United States, but is available in Slovenia. Use insect repellent and inspect your body after being outdoors.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Road Conditions and Safety: Slovenia has a well-developed, connected, and clearly-marked road network with road signs and traffic rules consistent with those used throughout Europe.

• Be alert to aggressive drivers both in cities and on highways. Many serious, high-speed accidents occur in Slovenia.
• If you are involved in an accident, you should contact the police by dialing 113.
  • If anyone is injured, an ambulance can be reached by dialing 112.
  • Police routinely conduct breathalyzer tests on all drivers involved in accidents, regardless of whom they suspect is at fault. If major damage has occurred, do not move your vehicle. The police will wish to survey the accident scene as-is. Obtain the name, contact information, and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
• If your car breaks down, call 1987 for roadside assistance and towing.
• Obtain English traffic and road conditions from the Automobile Association of Slovenia, Traffic Information Center for Public Roads, or by calling (01) 530-5300.

Traffic Laws: Third-party liability insurance is required for all vehicles and can be purchased locally. Travelers driving rented automobiles from Croatia into Slovenia are generally able to purchase Slovenian insurance at the border.

• Highway vignettes (windshield stickers) are required for all passenger vehicles and motorcycles using highways. Steep fines for driving without a vignette are one of the most common problems faced by U.S. citizens in Slovenia. Purchase a vignette in-country. If driving into Slovenia from neighboring countries, buy your vignette at a gas station before reaching the border.
• If you are stopped for not having a vignette, or for a moving violation, you may have the opportunity to pay a reduced fine ticket on the spot. If you choose not to, the police may confiscate your passport until you pay the fine.
• Don’t drink and drive. The maximum legal blood-alcohol limit is .05%. The limit is.00% for drivers with less than two years’ experience, drivers under 21, and truck or bus drivers. 
• Headlight (day and night), seatbelt, and helmet (on motorcycles) use is mandatory. In addition, in your car you must carry:
  • first-aid kit
  • spare headlight bulbs
  • a warning triangle
  • reflective vest/jacket
  • blank European accident form (to complete in the event of an accident)
• Using hand-held phones while driving is illegal.
• Turning right on red is illegal.
• Bicycles are very common on Slovenian roads and drivers must yield to them.
• Between November 15 and March 15, all cars must have winter or appropriate all-season tires. Police may require chains in heavy snow.

You need a valid U.S. driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive. After one year, you must get a Slovenian driver’s license. The American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance issue IDPs.

For more information on the above, see the Embassy’s page on Driving in Slovenia.

Public Transportation: Trains and buses are available between cities, and buses provide reliable service within cities such as Ljubljana.

Taxis: While taxis are generally safe and reliable, first ask for an estimated fare and ensure the meter is running during the journey.

Bicycling: Cities have well-developed bicycling networks with marked bicycle lanes along most roads and many rules governing cycling.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the websites of Slovenia's national tourist office and the Slovenian Roads Agency for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Slovenia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Slovenia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Slovenia should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings. View weather warnings specific to Slovenia.