Slovakia Country Report

Slovakia is a stable, landlocked central European country. The biggest threat to foreign travelers is from petty and opportunistic theft. Foreign nationals may be targeted by thieves due to perceptions of relative wealth. Unrest occurs periodically over various socio-economic and political issues. Protests are typically low-level and peaceful but have the potential to escalate into violence. Previous large-scale unrest in Slovakia resulted in the resignation of the country’s prime minister, Robert Fico, who has since been reelected. The EU migrant crisis has stoked some tensions over immigration and low-level protests in recent years. Slovakia is culturally homogeneous and is not particularly welcoming to migrants; however, it has welcomed several thousand Ukrainian refugees following the military escalation in neighboring Ukraine in February 2022. Corruption is a problem and foreigners may be solicited for bribes.

Petty theft and opportunistic street crime occur with some frequency and such criminal activity represents one of the primary threats facing foreigners in Slovakia. There is a low risk of terrorism and the country has no recent history of attacks. The absence of high profile and symbolic targets makes Slovakia a less likely target than other countries in Western Europe. Public demonstrations in Slovakia occur periodically. While rallies are generally small and peaceful, large-scale unrest took place in the spring of 2018, forcing the resignation of the prime minister.

Air travel in Slovakia is considered safe.

Overland travel can be dangerous due to the hazardous driving habits of some local road users and poorly maintained secondary roads.

The Port of Bratislava is considered efficient.

Utilities infrastructure is generally considered dependable. For example, Internet services are well-developed.

The country has increasingly focused on the growing threat from cyber-attacks. Most attacks are financially motivated or linked to hacktivism.

Slovakia is located in a seismically-active region and is susceptible to earthquakes. Most earthquakes are of moderate intensity. Heavy rains often occur during the rainy season in the spring and summer months from March to September and can lead to flooding during this period, especially near the Danube and Morava Rivers.

Travelers' diarrhea is the most common ailment among travelers to Slovakia. Basic medical facilities can be found in the larger cities and metropolitan areas around the country, though medical services and facilities can be lacking in more rural areas. Pharmacies are generally well-stocked.

Slovakia is a unitary multi-party parliamentary republic. The president is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. Presidential elections take place once every five years. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet form the government and exercise executive power. The unicameral parliament, or the National Council, exercises legislative power. Parliamentary elections take place once every four years. Snap parliamentary elections were called in the past in response to political developments. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are typically required to form the government. Government collapses occasionally take place. State institutions are competent and effective and provide reliable services across most of the country.