Foreign and Commonwealth Office Notes on Travel in Slovenia
These travel notes have been edited down from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk, where the full story may be read.
Edited by Barry and Margaret Williamson
September 2005
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Please read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas for further information and advice.
Crime
Sensible precautions should be taken when carrying money in busy tourist areas.
Road Safety
If you plan to drive, you will need a driving licence with a photo on it, which means that if you do not have the new style EU driving licence you will need an International Driving Permit.
If hiring a car elsewhere, in order to ensure that visitors have adequate car insurance cover, you must declare to the car hire company that you are planning to travel to Slovenia.
Heavy on-the-spot fines are in place for traffic offences and jaywalking. A new Road Safety Act came into effect on 1 January 2005. This gives the police greater powers to stop drivers and levy on the spot fines, including greater penalties for speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and for using mobile phones without properly installed wireless headsets (bluetooth).
You should be prepared for severe weather in winter. Roads are generally not lit so take extra care when driving at night. The use of dipped headlights is compulsory, even in daytime.
Local Laws And Customs
Carry a copy of your passport at all times as a form of identification.
Entry Requirements
You do not require a visa to visit Slovenia.
Health
You can gain access to medical treatment in Slovenia. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC replaces Form E111, which still remains valid until the end of 2005. The EHIC is available free of charge through most United Kingdom post offices or through the UK Department of Health via their website at: www.dh.gov.uk or by telephoning 0800 555 7777 and obtaining their leaflet "Health Advice for Travellers". The E111 form/EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Slovenian nationals. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
Visitors to forested areas during the summer months should seek medical advice about immunisation for tick borne encephalitis, which is a serious health risk in that part of southern Europe.
For further information on health, check the Department of Health's website at: www.dh.gov.uk
Natural Disasters
Western Slovenia is on an earthquake fault line and is subject to occasional tremors. On 12 July, 2004 a shock measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale caused one death and extensive property damage.
General
You should carry a copy of your passport at all times for identification.
Ljubljana is a small town and an increasingly popular destination as its air services grow. Hotels are busy. We advise that you arrange accommodation before travelling.
If you are planning a skiing or mountaineering holiday, we advise you to contact the Slovenian Tourist Board in the UK (Tel: 0870 225 5305, E-mail: for advice on weather and safety conditions before travelling. You should be aware that off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. You should follow all safety instructions meticulously, given the danger of avalanches in some areas.
The British Embassy in Ljubljana does not issue passports and so, before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages. The British Embassy in Ljubljana will accept applications for new passports for forwarding to the British Embassy in Vienna, but this can take two weeks or more. You will need to pay if a courier is used.
British nationals who intend to stay in Slovenia for an extended period of time should register their presence with the Consular Section of the British Embassy in Ljubljana.
ATMs are widely available and major credit cards/travellers' cheques are widely accepted. Banks and bureaux de change will change travellers' cheques, sterling and other main currencies. Sufficient quantities of local currency, the Slovene Tolar or SIT, should be carried when travelling elsewhere in the country.
Contact Details
Address: British Embassy, 4th floor Trg Republike 3, 1000 Ljubljana
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