Slovakia

Importing marijuana, cannabis, or CBD products into Slovakia is illegal; CBD with THC 0.2% or less is legal only for topical use, not consumption.

Up to 2 years for importing cannabis; 1–6 years for possessing psychotropic substances.

Slovakia does not allow importing medication without a valid prescription and only in the amount needed for the trip; a Ministry of Health permit is required to import medication by mail, even for personal use.

Import without prescription or permit may result in seizure.

Importing guns, ammunition, or even spent shell casings into Slovakia without prior authorization is illegal; a weapons consignment note from a Slovak Embassy is required first.

Arrest and long detention; possession penalty 3–8 years.

You must declare EUR 10,000 or more in cash when entering or leaving the EU through Slovakia; the threshold applies to each traveller individually, and there is no EU-wide rule for cash carried between EU countries.

Undeclared cash can be detained, and each EU country applies its own "effective, proportionate and dissuasive" penalties, which can include significant fines.

Driving after any alcohol is illegal in Slovakia — the legal BAC is 0.00% (zero tolerance) — and police run frequent random breath tests.

A fine of up to EUR 1,300, confiscation of your licence and possible imprisonment.

Drinking alcohol in the street is illegal in Bratislava's Old Town, and most Slovak cities ban public drinking except in designated areas, events, and registered cafes/bars.

A EUR 33 fine for drinking alcohol in the street in Bratislava Old Town; tourists have also been fined or imprisoned for being a public nuisance, particularly between 10pm and 6am.

An electronic vignette is required to drive on Slovak motorways and certain highways; buy it online, at petrol stations, post offices, or border stations.

Heavy on-the-spot fines for no vignette; licence confiscation if unpaid.

Slovakia accepts a foreign photocard driving licence for short visits — the UK FCDO states a photocard licence is valid for up to 6 months — and you must exchange it for a Slovak licence if you stay longer.

Drink-driving with any alcohol in your system can bring a fine of up to EUR 1,300, confiscation of your licence and possible imprisonment.

Slovak law requires winter tyres in snowy conditions, and chains may be needed in certain mountainous areas; heavy snow is common November–March in the northern mountains.

Non-compliance can result in fines.

It is illegal to photograph security or military installations in Slovakia; authorities may confiscate images, fine or reprimand you, or expel you.

Confiscation of images, fine, reprimand, or expulsion.

Same-sex relationships are legal in Slovakia but not recognised as unions (a 2014 amendment bans same-sex marriage); discrimination and verbal abuse have been reported, and a 2022 hate-motivated shooting targeted an LGBTQ+ venue.

No criminal penalty for same-sex relations; crimes based on orientation are classed as hate crimes.

Anyone over 16 in Slovakia must carry a passport or Slovak ID at all times (a photocopy is not sufficient); authorities can request it at any time.

A fine of up to EUR 1,600 for failing to show ID when the Slovak police ask for it.