Slovenia: Offcials tighten domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from Nov. 8 /update 46

Slovenia tightens domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from Nov. 8; travel and business disruptions likely.

Event

Authorities have tightened domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from Nov. 8 in response to rising case numbers. The following additional measures are in effect:

Mass gatherings involving members of different households are generally prohibited.
Public cultural events are prohibited in open public areas; events can take place in closed public spaces providing each attendee has an allocated seat and can prove that they have recovered, been fully vaccinated, or tested negative for COVID-19.
Surgical or FFP2-standard facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces, on public transport, and in open public areas where social distancing of 1.5 meters (5 feet) cannot be maintained.
Catering and other hospitality venues are only permitted to operate from 05:00-22:00.
Public sector workers have switched to home working where possible. Other workers are advised to work from home if practicable.

Other measures remain in effect. All workers - including persons who are self-employed and/or working on an independent contractor basis - must either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or meet one of the following two conditions:

Possess proof of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., a positive PCR test) between 10 and 180 days old;
Test negative for the virus at least once a week using a PCR test, rapid antigen test, or self-testing kit.

The cost of testing is to be covered by the employers. A COVID pass is required to patronize any business other than grocery stores and pharmacies. Individuals who can prove that they have either been vaccinated against COVID-19, recently recovered from the virus, or recently tested negative for COVID-19 may apply for a COVID-19 pass online. Restrictions may vary by region; for details of domestic restrictions, click here.

International Entry Restrictions

All travelers arriving by plane or ship must complete an electronic passenger locator form (dPLF form) before arrival. To access the dPLF form, click here.

All international arrivals must provide one of the following documents, regardless of point of origin:

Proof of full vaccination.
A negative result from an approved 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.

Individuals unable to produce such documentation must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival; this can end on the fifth day after a negative PCR test result is confirmed. Holders of the EU Digital COVID Certificate or equivalent documents from outside the EU will be exempt from testing or isolation requirements.

Nonessential travel is permitted for all persons residing in countries of the EU and Schengen Area, as well as Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and in Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine, the US, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Nonessential travel is also permitted for travelers from any country who are either fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months.

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.