Slovakia: Authorities ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions in some regions as of as of May 5 /update 31

Slovakia eases domestic COVID-19 restrictions in some regions as of May 5; travel and business disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities in Slovakia have eased domestic COVID-19 restrictions in some regions of the country due to a decrease in local infection rates, as of May 5. Authorities previously divided the country's districts into three color-coded tiers according to disease activity: Burgundy, Red, and Pink, with Burgundy representing the worst-affected districts. As of May 5, the curfew has been eased in Red and Pink districts. It will only apply 21:00-01:00. Resident may only leave their accommodation during curfew hours to perform essential tasks including grocery shopping, work, to seek medical attention, or for a limited set of permitted leisure activities. Bratislava is classified as a Red district. The 20-hour 05:00-01:00 continues to apply in Burgundy districts. Only ten districts remain within the Burgundy tier including Ilava, Kysucke Nove Mesto, Lucenec, Martin, Myjava, Poltar, Povazska Bystrica, Trencin, Turcianske Teplice, and Tvrdosin. Residents may only leave their homes for work, essential shopping, examinations, and for a limited set of leisure activities. Residents of any district who have been vaccinated, recently recovered from COVID-19, or who have tested negative within the previous seven days are exempt from curfew restrictions.

Authorities previously permitted nonessential shops and services to resume operations. In addition, churches, libraries, pools, zoos have resumed operating. Documentation confirming vaccination or a negative result from a COVID-19 test is required to enter most of these facilities. A nationwide state of emergency is in place until at least May 28. Individuals may only leave their homes between the hours of 05:00-20:00 to perform essential tasks. Additionally, KN95 or FPP2-grade facemasks are mandatory in shops and on public transport. Nonessential businesses and facilities remain closed; those that are permitted to open must implement strict hygiene and social distancing measures.

International Entry Restrictions
Arrivals from outside the EU or Schengen Area countries are generally prohibited except for Slovak nationals and residents and their immediate families, as well as essential workers and individuals in transit. All international arrivals must self-isolate for 14 days upon entry; however, they may end the quarantine period by taking a PCR test and producing a negative result. The mandate does not apply to citizens of neighboring countries commuting for work or study purposes; such individuals must present a negative PCR test every seven days.

Aircrews and freight transporters are exempt from all measures. In addition, travelers from EU or Schengen Area countries who have received the second dose of an mRNA vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer) at least 14 days before arrival, as well as persons who have received the first dose of a vector vaccine (AstraZeneca) at least four weeks before arrival may enter without restrictions. All travelers arriving by air must register in advance using the Electronic Passenger Search Form; they must also fill out the Travel Registration Form immediately upon arrival.

All nonessential trips abroad are banned; violations are punishable by fines of up to EUR 1,000 (USD 1,190).

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.