United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Slovakia passport holders
Slovak citizens can visit the United Kingdom visa-free for up to 180 days. The UK is not part of the EU or Schengen Area following Brexit, but Slovak citizens retain visa-free access under the UK's current immigration rules.
Great news! Slovakia passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
No visa required for stays up to 180 days. From January 2025, Slovak citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. The ETA costs GBP 10, is valid for multiple trips over 2 years, and must be applied for online before boarding. The ETA is linked to your passport; apply at least 72 hours before travel. Slovaks with settled or pre-settled status have different documentation requirements; consult the UK Home Office.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Passport
A valid Slovak passport. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, GBP 10) must be obtained before boarding a flight to the UK.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Apply online via the UK ETA app or UKVI portal. Fee GBP 10. Valid for multiple trips over 2 years. Must be approved before boarding.
Current Travel Situation
Slovakia to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK remains one of the most important destinations for Slovak citizens, particularly for the substantial Slovak community that emigrated during and after EU accession in 2004. London is home to one of the largest Slovak communities in Western Europe; Slovak food shops, clubs, and social networks are well established. Pre-Brexit, Slovaks had full EU freedom of movement in the UK; post-Brexit, settled and pre-settled status covers most long-term residents, while new visitors can enter visa-free for up to 6 months. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Slovak citizens visiting the UK was introduced from January 2025.
How to Get There
London highlights: the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace (changing of the guard), Hyde Park, Greenwich and the Cutty Sark. Beyond London: Edinburgh (1 hour by plane from London, or the scenic East Coast Main Line in 4.5 hours), Bath (1.5 hours by train), Oxford (1 hour), Stonehenge (2 hours), the Cotswolds (2 hours). The Scottish Highlands are spectacular but require 2+ days from London.
Money & Banking
The UK uses the pound sterling (GBP). As of 2025, GBP 1 is approximately EUR 1.17. London is one of Europe's most expensive cities; a mid-range restaurant dinner costs GBP 20-35 and a pint of beer in a pub costs GBP 5-7. Card and contactless payments are universal; the UK is nearly cashless. Travelcards and Oyster cards (or contactless bank cards) cover all London public transport.
Practical Tips
Direct flights from Bratislava to London (Luton, Stansted, Gatwick) operate via Ryanair and Wizz Air. London Heathrow is the UK's main hub and served from Vienna and Prague. Eurostar trains (Paris to London via Channel Tunnel, 2h20m) offer a scenic overland option. The London Underground (the Tube) connects all major airports to the city centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Slovak citizens need a visa for the UK?
No. Slovak citizens can visit the UK visa-free for up to 180 days. However, from January 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required. The ETA costs GBP 10, is valid for multiple trips over 2 years, and must be applied for online before travel.
Do Slovak citizens need a visa to visit UK?
No. Despite Brexit, the UK maintains visa-free access for EU citizens including Slovaks for stays up to 180 days for tourism and short business visits.
What is the UK ETA and how do I apply?
The ETA is the UK's equivalent of the USA's ESTA or Australia's ETA. Apply via the official UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android) or the UKVI online portal. You will need your passport, a photo taken via the app, and a payment of GBP 10. The ETA is linked digitally to your passport; no physical document is issued. Apply at least 72 hours before travel.
Will Slovak citizens need a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)?
The UK is rolling out its ETA scheme to more nationalities including EU citizens. Slovak citizens should check the UK government website (gov.uk/eta) before travel to confirm if an ETA is required and how to apply.
Did Brexit change travel rights for Slovak citizens in the UK?
Yes. Before Brexit (January 2020), Slovak citizens had full EU freedom of movement in the UK: no visa, no ETA, no time limit, automatic right to work and reside. Post-Brexit, Slovak citizens can visit for up to 180 days as tourists but require the ETA. Working or living in the UK now requires a separate visa. Slovaks who were legally resident in the UK before December 2020 and applied for settled or pre-settled status retain their rights under that scheme.
Can Slovak citizens use a national ID card to enter UK?
A passport is strongly recommended for travel to the UK. The UK is not in the Schengen Area and has its own border controls. A national ID card may not be accepted - always carry your Slovak passport.
What currency does the UK use?
The UK uses the pound sterling (GBP). As of 2025, GBP 1 is approximately EUR 1.17. Card and contactless payments are universal in the UK; physical cash is rarely needed.
What currency does UK use?
The UK uses Pound Sterling (GBP). No Euro is accepted in England, Scotland, or Wales (though some Northern Ireland border areas may accept Euros). ATMs and currency exchange are available throughout the UK.
Is London worth visiting for a short trip?
Absolutely. London's free museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, the V&A) alone justify a 3-day visit. The city's theatre scene (West End musicals and plays), food markets (Borough Market, Maltby Street), and neighbourhoods (Shoreditch, Notting Hill, Greenwich) offer enormous variety. A Travelcard or contactless bank card covers all Underground and bus travel.
Can Slovak citizens still work in the UK after Brexit?
The post-Brexit rules changed significantly. EU citizens who were resident in the UK before June 2021 may have Settled or Pre-Settled Status. New workers generally need a work visa under the Points-Based System. Tourism for up to 180 days remains visa-free.
How long does the Eurostar take from London to Paris or Brussels?
London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord takes 2 hours 20 minutes by Eurostar. London to Brussels takes 2 hours. The Eurostar requires passport control at both ends. It is often faster than flying for the city-centre-to-city-centre journey.
How do you get from Slovakia to UK?
Flights from Bratislava (BTS) or Vienna (VIE) to London (LHR/LGW/STN/LTN) take approximately 2.5 hours. Multiple airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and British Airways operate the routes. The Eurostar train from Paris or Brussels is another option.
Is Scotland worth a separate visit from London?
Yes. Edinburgh deserves at minimum 2-3 days: the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat (an extinct volcanic plug with panoramic views), and the excellent whisky bars of the Grassmarket. The Scottish Highlands (Loch Ness, Glencoe, the NC500 coastal road) require at least 3-5 days by rental car.
What are the top attractions in UK for Slovak tourists?
London (Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower, British Museum, West End shows), Edinburgh (castle, Royal Mile), the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District, Stonehenge, and Oxford/Cambridge.
What is an Oyster card?
The Oyster card is London's contactless smart card for public transport (Underground, bus, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth Line). Load credit at station machines or Oyster Points. A single Underground journey capped at Zone 1-2 costs GBP 2.70 (much cheaper than a paper ticket at GBP 6). Foreign contactless bank cards and Apple/Google Pay work identically to Oyster and are often more convenient.
Is UK expensive for Slovak tourists?
Yes, the UK (especially London) is one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. Accommodation in London is particularly costly. Regional UK cities and rural areas offer much better value. Book well in advance for better prices.