Slovenia: Authorities to ease internal COVID-19 measures nationwide from Feb. 15 /update 26

Slovenia to lift some domestic COVID-19 measures Feb. 15; significant business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities will ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Feb. 15 in response to the improving epidemiological situation. Internal movement restrictions will ease, and gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted. In addition, from Feb. 13, international arrivals who can provide evidence that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses or have previously recovered from the virus will be permitted to enter without self-isolation or testing.

A nationwide state of emergency is in place until March 19. A daily 20-hour 0500-0100 curfew remains in place until further notice, during which residents may only leave their homes to perform essential tasks. All persons needing to leave their homes to engage in essential work must possess proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test. Additionally, authorities have extended the mandatory self-isolation period for persons suspected of contracting COVID-19; under the new directive, individuals must self-isolate for at least 10 days, after which they may take a PCR test. Those testing positive are required to self-isolate until they have recovered.

The following domestic measures also remain in effect:

Nonessential businesses and facilities are closed; businesses that are permitted to open must implement strict hygiene and social distancing measures.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars may only offer carryout services.
Facemasks are mandatory in all nonrural public spaces.

As of Feb. 12, individuals arriving from most EEA countries or Switzerland must produce proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result in order to enter the country; alternatively, they can enter self-isolation for 14 days. However, a PCR test may be taken after eight days, and a negative result will end the isolation period. Individuals arriving from high-risk non-EU countries must register with authorities and self-isolate for at least eight days, after which a COVID-19 test may be taken; those testing positive are required to self-isolate until they have recovered. Cross-border commuters are not required to self-isolate, though they must be in possession of a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test result taken within the previous seven days. Individuals arriving from countries designated as low risk may enter without restriction; these countries include Australia, China, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.