Slovenia, a charming country with its rich natural beauty, ideal climate, delectable cuisine, and more, attracts a significant number of visitors who come to reunite with family and friends. Beyond these heartfelt reunions, Slovenia offers a myriad of experiences for tourists.

What is Slovenia Visitor Visa? Commonly referred to as the Slovenia Schengen visitor visa, this permit is designed for individuals invited by family members or friends residing in Slovenia. Classified as a Schengen short-term permit, it allows for stays of fewer than 90 days within a 180-day period. Depending on your travel plans within the Schengen zone, this visa can be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.

How to Apply for Slovenia Visitor Visa? Indian citizens seeking a Slovenia visitor visa have two primary application options: applying directly at the Embassy of Slovenia in New Delhi or using Visa Application Centers (VACs) located in major Indian cities. Before initiating the application, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and then follow these steps:

Applying at the Embassy:

1. Gather all necessary documents required for the visitor permit.
2. Visit the Slovenian embassy’s website and download the Schengen application form.
3. Complete the application form with precise details, specifying your purpose of visit as ‘visiting friends/family.’
4. Utilize the Slovenian embassy’s online application portal to fill out the form.
5. Schedule an appointment at the embassy.
6. Submit the completed application form, required documents, and fees in person at the Embassy in New Delhi. Biometrics will be collected during this visit.

Applying at a VAC:

1. Obtain all documents required for the visitor category.
2. Download the Schengen application form from the VAC’s website or the embassy’s website.
3. Complete all necessary details on the application form, specifying the purpose of your visit as ‘visiting friends/family.’
4. Schedule an appointment for submitting your application at a VAC using their online facility.
5. Visit the respective VAC with all documents, the completed application form, and a booking confirmation. Payment of fees and biometrics submission will also take place at the VAC.

It is important to note that if you have submitted biometrics for a Schengen permit within the past five years, there is no need to resubmit them. Ensuring the submission of genuine documents and accurate information is crucial to avoid visa rejection.

Eligibility for Slovenia Visitor Visa To be eligible for this permit, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Reside in the country where you are submitting the application. If residing in a foreign nation under a residence permit, you may apply through the corresponding visa authority in that country.
• Possess a valid passport meeting all regulatory requirements.
• The sole purpose of your visit must be to reunite with relatives or friends living in Slovenia, and you must be invited by them.
• Have sufficient funds to cover all expenses throughout your stay in Slovenia.
• Apply for the permit only if Slovenia:
  • Is your sole destination
  • Is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, with the majority of your time spent in Slovenia
  • Is your port of entry into the Schengen region.

Documents Required for Slovenia Visitor Visa The Slovenian embassy requires the following documents for a visitor visa application:

• A valid passport:
  • Must have at least two blank pages.
  • Should not be older than 10 years.
  • Must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
  • Include any previous passports, if applicable.
• Invitation letter from your relative/friend living in Slovenia.
• Proof of sponsorship (if applicable).
• A covering letter:
  • Including the visitor’s basic details and source of funds.
  • Clearly stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
  • Addressed to the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia.
• Proof of accommodation: hotel bookings, invitation to stay, or residence bookings.
• Round-trip flight bookings.
• Medical travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000.
• Proof of occupation:
  • Employment letter or copy of a business license, etc.
• Financial documents:
  • Bank statements for the past three months.
  • Passbook copy.
  • Income Tax Returns (ITR), etc.

Photo Specification for Slovenia Visitor Visa Photographs submitted with the Slovenia visitor visa application must adhere to specific specifications:

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm.
• Colored photographs taken within the last three months.
• The head must occupy the central position.
• Background: Solid, plain white, or grey.
• 80% face coverage.
• Neutral expression.
• Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are allowed.
• Headgear is permitted only for religious reasons.
• Facial hair is permitted.

Processing Time for Slovenia Visitor Visa The processing time for the Slovenian visitor permit depends on several factors, including visa validity, number of entries, volume of visa applications at the embassy, and your previous travel history. Typically, you can expect a processing time of about 15 working days. However, in certain exceptional cases, processing times may extend to 30 or 60 days. Therefore, it is advisable to apply well in advance.

Slovenia Visitor Visa Fees The application fees for the Slovenian visitor visa are subject to currency exchange rates and embassy decisions. The embassy reserves the right to change fees without prior notice. In addition to the application fee, there may be biometric charges, delivery charges, and other service fees levied by the VAC. Applicants should confirm the exact fee amount before initiating the application.

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After Submission Once you have submitted your visitor visa application at one of the VACs, it is forwarded to the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in New Delhi for processing. It is important to note that even though the application was submitted at a VAC, the embassy has sole authority over the processing. The VAC does not influence processing decisions.

If your visa is approved, you can collect your passport directly from the VAC/embassy or request delivery for an additional charge.

How to Check Visa Status Applicants can check the status of their visitor visa application by clicking here and entering their reference number and date of birth. Alternatively, they can check the status by contacting their travel agency for tracking assistance.

During Your Stay with a Slovenia Visitor Visa To ensure a pleasant stay while holding a Slovenia visitor visa, keep the following points in mind before and during your travel:

• Check the expiry date, duration of stay, and number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker, and strictly adhere to these.
• Carry all travel documents with you while traveling to the country, as entry into Slovenia will not be granted without them.
• Ensure that you travel to Slovenia within six months of the visa issue date or as specified in the Schengen visa sticker. After this date, the permit becomes void, and entry is not allowed.
• Always carry a copy of your travel documents while traveling within the country.
• While visiting friends and family, engaging in paid work in Slovenia is not permitted. Participation in unpaid volunteer or charity work may be allowed.
• Extensions for this type of visa are typically not granted under normal conditions.
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone with a visitor visa.