Slovakia: Authorities easing certain COVID-19 restrictions as of April 19 /update 30

Slovakia eases certain COVID-19 restrictions as of April 19; travel and business disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities in Slovakia are easing certain COVID-19-related restrictions due to a decrease in infection rates. As of April 19, nonessential shops and services are allowed to reopen. In addition, churches, libraries, pools, zoos may resume operating. Documentation confirming a negative result from a COVID-19 test is required to enter most of these facilities.

Nevertheless, a nationwide state of emergency is in place until at least April 28. A daily 05:00-01:00 curfew also remains in effect. Individuals may only leave their homes between the hours of 05:00-20:00 to perform essential tasks. The only permissible reasons to be outside the home between 20:00-01:00 is to travel to work, 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 polymerase chain reaction (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.

International Entry Restrictions
Arrivals from outside the EU or Schengen Area countries are generally prohibited except for Slovak nationals and residents and their immediate families, as well as essential workers and individuals in transit. All international arrivals must self-isolate for 14 days upon entry; however, they may end the quarantine period by taking a PCR test and producing a negative result. 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. In addition, travelers from EU or Schengen Area countries who have received the second dose of an mRNA vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer) at least 14 days before arrival, as well as persons who have received the first dose of a vector vaccine (AstraZeneca) at least 4 weeks before arrival may enter without restrictions. 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.

All nonessential trips abroad are banned; violations are punishable by fines of up to EUR 1,000 (USD 1,190).

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.