Slovenia: Authorities to amend COVID-19-related entry restrictions from July 15 /update 39

Event

Slovenian authorities plan to amend their nation's COVID-19-related international entry restrictions. Effective July 15, Slovenia will allow entry for all incoming travelers who are able to provide one of the following documents, regardless of point of origin:

proof of full vaccination
a negative result from a COVID-19 test (i.e. PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within the previous 48 hours)
proof of having fully recovered from COVID-19

Persons unable to produce such documentation will be required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Holders of the EU Digital COVID Certificate or equivalent documents from outside of the EU will be exempt from testing or isolation requirements.

Meanwhile, authorities will continue to employ their existing color-coded system for classifying countries by COVID-19 transmission risk based on local disease activity and immunization rates until July 15, at which point the practice will be terminated. Under this system, Slovenia designates foreign countries as "green," "orange," "red," or "dark red" in increasing order of disease transmission risk. The entry restrictions currently associated with each color designation are as follows:

Green: Travelers may enter without the need for testing or quarantine. All arrivals must provide evidence that they have stayed in a green country for the previous five days otherwise, they will be considered to have arrived from a dark red country.
Orange: Travelers must provide a digital COVID certificate issued by the EU or a third country, a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19, a certificate of recovery from COVID-19, a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours, or a negative antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours.
Red: Travelers must provide a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19, a certificate of recovery from COVID-19, or a digital COVID certificate confirming vaccination or recovery to be permitted entry.
Dark Red: Entry is only permitted for Slovenian nationals and residents and limited categories of essential travel. Permitted arrivals must provide a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19, a certificate of recovery from COVID-19, or a digital COVID certificate confirming vaccination or recovery to be permitted entry.

The full list of country color designations and acceptable forms of testing, vaccine, and recovery evidence is available here.

Arrivals unable to present the required evidence on entry must quarantine for 10 days on entry. However, this can be reduced following a negative result to a COVID-19 test taken no sooner than day five of quarantine. Arrivals without appropriate accommodation will be placed in a government facility.

Domestic Restrictions
As concerns domestic controls that remain in place, businesses must comply with certain hygiene and social distancing requirements in order to operate. Social gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted. Facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces, on public transport, and in open public areas where a distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) cannot be maintained. Only individuals who can provide evidence that they have either been vaccinated against COVID-19, recently recovered from COVID-19, or recently tested negative for COVID-19 are permitted to use the indoor areas of catering establishments, attend certain events, and use certain facilities. Individuals who meet these criteria can apply for a digital certificate online.

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.