Slovakia, renowned for its breathtaking castles, enchanting caves, and captivating natural beauty, boasts the highest number of castles per capita in the world. With its magnificent churches, pristine natural springs, and awe-inspiring glaciers, Slovakia is a must-visit destination for any traveler. The Slovakia Tourist Visa opens the door for non-Schengen visitors to explore this captivating country.

What is Slovakia Tourist Visa? Also referred to as the Slovakia Schengen Tourist Visa, this visa is designed for individuals entering Slovakia for tourism purposes. The visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. The specific duration and validity of the visa are subject to the discretion of the consular officer reviewing your application. This visa can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa, depending on your travel needs within the Schengen zone.

How to Apply for Slovakia Tourist Visa? The application process for the Slovakia Tourist Visa for Indian citizens has been outsourced to Visa Application Centres (VAC) by the Slovakian Embassy. The application process is conducted offline. To begin the application process, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the tourist visa and then follow these steps:

1. Gather all the required documents for the tourist category.
2. Visit the official website of the Slovakian embassy in India to download the Schengen visa application form.
3. Complete the form with accurate details, specifying the purpose of your visit as ‘tourism.’
4. Schedule an appointment at one of the VACs conveniently located across India.
5. Attend the visa appointment in person, equipped with the completed application form, appointment confirmation, required documents, and fees. Biometric data will be collected during this appointment.

Eligibility for Slovakia Tourist Visa To be eligible for the tourist permit, you must meet the following conditions:

• Reside in the country where you are applying. If you reside in another foreign nation under a residence permit, you may apply through the corresponding visa authority in that country.
• Possess a valid passport that complies with all regulations.
• Your primary purpose for the visit must be tourism and related activities.
• Have sufficient funds to cover all expenses throughout your stay in Slovakia.
• Apply for the permit only if:
  • Slovakia is your sole destination, or
  • Slovakia is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, with the majority of your time spent in Slovakia, or
  • Slovakia is your port of entry into the Schengen region.

Documents Required for Slovakia Tourist Visa The Slovakia tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens include the following documents for a successful application:

• A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages, not older than 10 years, and valid for at least 6 months from the travel date. Include any old passports, if applicable.
• A covering letter that includes the applicant’s details, mentions the source of funds, clearly states the purpose of tourism, and specifies the duration of the visit. The letter should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of the Slovak Republic.
• Round-trip flight reservation.
• A detailed travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings, an invitation to stay, or residence bookings.
• Medical travel insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.
• Proof of occupation, such as an employment letter or a copy of the business license.
• Financial documents, including bank statements from the past 3 months, passbook copies, and Income Tax Returns (ITR).

Slovakia Tourist Visa Photo Requirements Photographs submitted for a Slovakia Tourist Visa application must adhere to specific specifications:

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm.
• Colored photographs taken within the last 3 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 allowed.

Processing Time for Slovakia Tourist Visa The processing time for tourist visa applications depends on various factors, including the validity of the permit, the volume of applications at the embassy, and your previous travel history. Typically, processing takes approximately 15 working days. However, in exceptional cases, it may extend to 30 or 60 days. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for a visa well in advance of your intended travel date.

Slovakia Tourist Visa Fees The application fees for the Slovakia Tourist Visa are subject to foreign currency exchange rates and embassy policies. In addition to the application fee, there may be biometric charges, delivery fees, and service charges imposed by the VAC. It is essential to verify the exact fee amount before initiating the application process.

After Submission After submitting your application at one of the VACs, it is forwarded to the Embassy of the Slovak Republic for processing. It is crucial to note that the processing is solely in the hands of the embassy, even though you submit the application at a VAC. The VAC has no influence over the processing and cannot intervene in any circumstances.

If your visa is approved, you can collect it directly from the VAC or opt for delivery to your location for an additional charge.

How to Check Visa Status? To track the status of your Slovakia Tourist Visa application, you can visit the official website and enter your reference number and date of birth. Alternatively, you can contact your travel agency for updates.

When You Have This Visa After receiving your passport with the visa, keep the following points in mind to ensure a smooth journey:

• Note the expiry date, duration of stay, and number of entries specified on the visa sticker, and strictly adhere to these conditions.

• Carry all your travel documents while traveling; entry to Slovakia is not allowed without them.

• Ensure that you travel to Slovakia within 6 months of the visa issue date or as mentioned in the Schengen sticker. After this date, your permit becomes invalid.

• While traveling within the country, always carry copies of your travel documents.

• Under the tourist permit, refrain from engaging in paid work for a Slovakian company; you may be allowed to participate in unpaid voluntary work.

• The tourist visa cannot be extended under normal circumstances.

• You can move freely within the Schengen zone with the tourist visa.