Slovakia: Authorities maintain COVID-19 international entry and domestic countermeasures as of Aug. 5 /update 36

Slovakia maintains COVID-19 international entry and domestic countermeasures as of Aug. 5; travel and business disruptions likely.

Event

Slovakia maintains international entry restrictions and domestic measures imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 as of Aug. 5.

International Entry Restrictions
All arrivals must fill out an online registration form before arrival indicating whether they are vaccinated against COVID-19; the form is available here. Fully vaccinated individuals able to present evidence of their vaccination are not required to self-isolate on arrival. Unvaccinated individuals must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. However, this can be ended early following a negative result for an RT-PCR test taken on day five of the isolation. Certain categories of essential travel are exempt from the isolation requirement if they can present a negative RT-PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours. Cross-border commuters are exempt if they possess a negative RT-PCR test taken within the previous seven days.

Authorities consider a person fully vaccinated if they have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine between 14 days and 12 months ago, a single dose of a two-dose vaccine if administered between 14 days and 12 months ago, and within 180 days of the individual recovering from COVID-19, or a single-dose vaccine received between 21 days and 12 months ago. However, until Aug. 9, authorities are temporarily considering all travelers as fully vaccinated immediately after receiving one dose of a vaccine.

Nonessential travel is generally only permitted from within the Schengen Area, Australia, China, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand; travel from other countries is restricted to EU citizens and limited essential purposes only. All travelers arriving by air are additionally required to register online before arrival, available here. Travelers arriving by air from designated high-risk countries must also possess a negative RT-PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours. A full explanation of entry restrictions and exemptions, including the list of high-risk countries, is available here.

Domestic Restrictions
Most businesses and services are permitted to resume operation subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements; negative COVID-19 tests are required to access some facilities. Regional restrictions are in place dependent upon local infection rates. In low infection areas catering establishments may open indoor areas while they are limited to serving in outdoor areas in regions with high infection rates. Similarly, restrictions on public gatherings or tougher in areas with higher infection rates. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces nationwide.

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.