Slovakia: Authorities enforcing tighter international entry requirements as of March 25 due to COVID-19 activity /update 28

Slovakia tightens COVID-19 quarantine requirements for international arrivals as of March 25; domestic restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities have tightened quarantine requirements for international arrivals as of March 25 as a precaution against the possible spread of new COVID-19 variants. Officials have removed the quarantine exemption for those travelers who have received a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine or have recovered from the virus. All arriving travelers must self-isolate for 14 days upon entry, though may take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test after eight days; if the test result is negative, they may end the quarantine period. 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. 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.

As of March 25, all nonessential trips abroad are banned; violators will be fined up to EUR 1,000 (USD 1,190).

Domestic Restrictions

A nationwide state of emergency is in place until at least April 28. A daily 05:00-01:00 curfew remains in effect. Individuals may only leave their homes 05:00-20:00 to perform essential tasks. The only permissible reasons to be outside the home 20:00-01:00 is to travel to work, to a hospital or pharmacy, or to walk a pet. All persons needing to leave their homes to engage in essential work must have proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a PCR or antigen test. 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.

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.