Slovenia: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related international travel restrictions March 29; domestic measures to be tightened from April 1 /update 31

Slovenia tightens COVID-19 international travel restrictions March 29; stricter domestic measures to be effective starting April 1.

Event

Authorities in Slovenia are tightening the nation's COVID-19-related restrictions. Starting March 29, all travelers arriving from countries on the ''Red List'' of high-risk countries must either produce a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test - taken in an EU member state or a Schengen Area country within the previous 48 hours - or proof of COVID-19 vaccination showing that at least seven days have passed since the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, at least 14 days since the second dose of the Moderna vaccine, or 21 days since the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. International hauliers, hauliers leaving or entering the country for no more than eight hours, persons in transit, and diplomats are exempt. In addition, individuals who reside in Slovenia are prohibited from traveling to a country on the red list; persons who have recovered from COVID-19 or have been vaccinated are exempt. Nonessential travel from non-EU/Schengen Area countries remains prohibited. For a full list of countries on the Red List, click here. Individuals arriving from countries not on the Red List may enter without restriction.

Cross-border commuters arriving from countries on the Red List 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 and may not remain in Slovenia for more than 14 hours.

Domestic Restrictions
Certain domestic restrictions will also be tightened. Movement between regions will be temporarily suspended April 1-11, although travel for certain purposes, including work, business, agricultural activities, or access to healthcare, will still be permitted. Moreover, individuals who possess a negative PCR test result no more than 48 hours old, proof of vaccination, or a certificate of a positive PCR test result that is more than 21 days but less than six months old will be allowed to engage in interregional travel. Additionally, non-essential businesses will be closed and schools will switch to remote learning during this period.

As of March 29, additional COVID-19 restrictions remain in place. A nightly 22:00-05:00 curfew is in effect until further notice; during curfew hours, residents may only leave their homes to perform essential tasks. Gatherings of more than 10 people from different households are prohibited at all times. Facemasks are mandatory in all nonrural public spaces. Restaurants, cafes, and bars may only offer carryout services.

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.