Slovenia: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related domestic restrictions as of Sept. 15 /update 44

Slovenia tightens COVID-19-related domestic restrictions as of Sept. 15; international entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Slovenia has begun tightening domestic COVID-19-related restrictions due to ongoing disease activity. Effective Sept. 15, all workers - including persons who are self-employed and/or working under 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. In addition, a COVID pass is now required in order to patronize any business other than grocery stores and pharmacies. Individuals who can provide evidence 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.

Social gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted. 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. Restrictions may vary by region; for details of domestic restrictions, click here.

International Entry Restrictions
All travelers arriving by plane or ship are required to 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 confirmation of a negative PCR test result. 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.