Slovakia Visa RequirementsFor Bulgaria passport holders
Bulgarian passport holders enjoy EU free movement in Slovakia. A Bulgarian passport or national ID card is sufficient for entry.
Great news! Bulgaria passport holders can enter Slovakia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required. A Bulgarian passport or national ID card is sufficient. Bratislava (BTS) has a small international airport; Vienna (VIE) is a better air hub, with Bratislava reachable by bus in about 1 hour. For longer stays, register with the Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.
Slovakia is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Bulgarian Passport or National ID Card
Either is accepted for entry to Slovakia as an EU citizen.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Recommended
Covers emergency healthcare in Slovakia as an EU country.
Current Travel Situation
Bulgaria to Slovakia: What You Need to Know
Bulgaria and Slovakia are both EU member states. Bulgarian citizens can travel, live, and work in Slovakia freely under EU free movement rules. Slovakia is a Schengen country and uses the Euro. Bulgaria completed its full Schengen accession with land borders joining in January 2025. Bratislava is a compact and charming capital, very close to Vienna (60 km) and Budapest (200 km), making it ideal to combine on a multi-city itinerary.
How to Get There
From Sofia, the most practical routes to Bratislava involve flying to Vienna or Budapest and continuing overland. The bus connection from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Bratislava takes about 1 hour and is very affordable. Train connections via Budapest are also possible.
Money & Banking
Slovakia uses the Euro (EUR). Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN), pegged to the Euro at 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR. Cards are widely accepted in Bratislava and larger towns. Cash is useful in smaller towns and villages.
Practical Tips
Fly to Bratislava directly (limited routes) or to Vienna (WIE) and continue by bus (1 hour). Wizz Air operates some routes from Sofia through other Slovak cities. Bratislava can also be reached by train from Budapest or Vienna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa for Slovakia?
No. Both Bulgaria and Slovakia are EU members. Bulgarians can enter Slovakia visa-free with a passport or national ID card.
What currency does Slovakia use?
Slovakia uses the Euro (EUR). Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN), pegged to the Euro. EUR can be obtained at Bulgarian banks before travel.
How do I get to Bratislava from Bulgaria?
Fly to Vienna (1 hour from Bratislava by bus) or directly to Bratislava (BTS) if a direct flight is available. Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Bratislava by FlixBus or RegioJet is a very affordable and quick option.
Is Slovakia in the Schengen zone?
Yes. Slovakia is a Schengen member. Bulgaria completed its full Schengen accession with land borders in January 2025.
Can I combine Slovakia with Austria and Hungary on one trip?
Yes. Bratislava is uniquely positioned within a short distance of both Vienna (60 km) and Budapest (200 km), making it perfect for a three-capital itinerary.
What are the top attractions in Slovakia?
Bratislava old town and castle, High Tatras mountains (hiking and skiing), Bojnice Castle, the Slovak Paradise National Park, and Banska Stiavnica UNESCO mining town.
Can Bulgarians work in Slovakia?
Yes. EU free movement rights allow Bulgarian citizens to live and work in Slovakia. For stays beyond 3 months, registration with the Slovak Foreign Police is required.