Slovakia tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Slovakia tourist (schengen c) visa — used for short holiday or sightseeing trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Slovakia consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Slovakia tourist visa
Schengen (type C) applications must be submitted at a visa application centre run by VFS Global or BLS International in London or Edinburgh — not at the Slovak Embassy.
Required documents
- Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages)
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- 1–2 recent biometric photos (35x45mm, ICAO standard)
- Travel medical insurance covering €30,000, valid across the Schengen area for the whole trip
- Round-trip flight reservation / detailed itinerary
- Proof of accommodation for every night (hotel bookings or invitation)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, usually last 3–6 months)
- Proof of employment / studies (employer letter, payslips, student letter)
- Proof of UK immigration status (BRP, eVisa share code, or residence permit)
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken at the appointment
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- Adult (standard)€90
- Child 6–11€45
- Child under 6Free
- Family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC.
- School pupils, students and accompanying teachersFree
- VFS Global / BLS International service fee—— Charged per applicant in addition to the consular fee; check the current amount on the centre's website when booking.
Consular fee is the harmonised Schengen fee; the visa centre charges its own service fee on top.
Booking an appointment
Book the appointment directly with VFS Global or BLS International online; the embassy does not arrange slots. Biometrics are captured at the centre and a partner service fee applies on top of the consular fee.
Practical tips
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date the application is admissible, extendable where extra checks are needed. British and EEA citizens do not need a Slovak short-stay visa.
What is unusual about the Slovakia process
The move to outsourced centres is recent (confirmed on the London embassy page in February 2026) — older guides that tell you to apply at the embassy in Kensington Palace Gardens for short stays are out of date.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — Embassy of the Slovak Republic25 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QYNational (type D) visas and temporary residence permit applications only — short-stay Schengen applications go to VFS Global or BLS International.
- London — Slovakia Visa Application Centre — VFS GlobalSchengen (short-stay) applications for Slovakia; book online before attending.
- Edinburgh — Slovakia Visa Application Centre — VFS GlobalSchengen (short-stay) applications for Slovakia in Scotland.
- London — Slovakia Visa Application Centre — BLS InternationalAlternative outsourced centre for Slovak Schengen applications.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Slovakia consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Slovakia tourist visa cost?
- For a Slovakia tourist visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen — free; School pupils, students and accompanying teachers — free; VFS Global / BLS International service fee — varies. Consular fee is the harmonised Schengen fee; the visa centre charges its own service fee on top. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Slovakia tourist visa take to process?
- A decision on a Slovakia tourist visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Slovakia tourist visa?
- Schengen (type C) applications must be submitted at a visa application centre run by VFS Global or BLS International in London or Edinburgh — not at the Slovak Embassy. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Slovakia tourist visa?
- The Slovakia consular network lists: Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; 1–2 recent biometric photos (35x45mm, ICAO standard); Travel medical insurance covering €30,000, valid across the Schengen area for the whole trip; Round-trip flight reservation / detailed itinerary; Proof of accommodation for every night (hotel bookings or invitation); Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, usually last 3–6 months); Proof of employment / studies (employer letter, payslips, student letter); Proof of UK immigration status (BRP, eVisa share code, or residence permit); Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken at the appointment. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Slovakia tourist visa?
- Appointment model: Online booking. Book the appointment directly with VFS Global or BLS International online; the embassy does not arrange slots. Biometrics are captured at the centre and a partner service fee applies on top of the consular fee.
- Can I apply for a Slovakia tourist visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Slovakia, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
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