Access a comprehensive handbook on obtaining a Slovakia Schengen Visa for U.S. Green Card holders. Slovakia, officially recognized as the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked nation situated in Central Europe. It came into existence through the peaceful separation of Czechoslovakia in January 1993. The country spans an area of 49,035 square kilometers and was home to a population of 5,462,210 as of the year 2021.
Slovakia boasts a high-income advanced economy and maintains a very high standard of living. It holds membership in several prominent organizations, including the European Union, the Eurozone, the Schengen Area, NATO, the United Nations, and numerous other European and global entities.
As of 2007, travelers have been able to apply for a Slovakian Schengen Visa, coinciding with Slovakia’s accession as an EU Member State and its participation in the Schengen Area.
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Who can Apply for Slovakia Schengen Visa in US?
To visit Slovakia, individuals must apply for a Schengen visa. You are eligible to apply for a Slovakia Schengen visa from the US if:
- ou are specifically visiting Slovakia.
- If you are traveling to multiple Schengen countries and intend to spend an equal number of days in each, you need to apply for a Slovakia Schengen visa only if Slovakia is your first entry point.
- If you plan to spend the majority of your time in Slovakia when visiting multiple Schengen countries.
- You are a US citizen who has been previously denied visa-free access to Slovakia or any other Schengen country.
- If you are a US green card holder, you must apply for a Schengen visa to enter Slovakia or any other Schengen Area. You must hold legal permanent residency status in the United States, and your residence permit must remain valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen area.
Do US citizen need to obtain Slovakia Schengen visa?
US citizens don’t need to obtain a Schengen visa if they are planning a visit to Slovakia for purposes such as vacations, tourism, short-term studies, attending cultural or sports events, medical treatment, or business engagements.
The European Union (EU) and the US have made an agreement that permits visa-free travel for US citizens within the EU, including Slovakia. Therefore, US citizens can explore Slovakia and other Schengen areas for brief stays without needing a visa, allowing them to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is essential to adhere to the 90-day limit.
However, if they intend to stay for a more extended period, such as for employment or long-term educational pursuits, they must apply for a visa.
Starting in May 2025, US citizens has to register for ETIAS, an electronic travel authorization, before embarking on their journeys to Slovakia and other Schengen areas. This registration will be mandatory.
Do Green card holders need to apply for Slovakia Schengen visa?
Your ability to travel to Slovakia and other Schengen countries without a Schengen visa depends on the passport you hold. If you are a green card holder and possess a passport from a country that has a visa liberalization agreement with the EU, you can visit Slovakia and other Schengen areas without the need for a Schengen visa.
However, if your passport is from a country that does not have a visa liberalization agreement with the EU, you must apply for a Schengen visa to enter Slovakia.
For instance, if you are a US Green Card holder with an Indian passport, and considering that India does not have a visa liberalization agreement with the EU, you are unable to visit or travel to Slovakia or any other Schengen countries without a Schengen visa. In this case, you must obtain a Schengen visa to visit Slovakia.
ETIAS Slovakia for U.S. Citizens
The new travel authorization for Europe goes by the name of ETIAS. Starting in 2025, non-EU individuals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area will need to complete an online ETIAS application before their journey to Europe.
It’s important to note that ETIAS is not a visa. US citizens can still visit Slovakia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, suitable for purposes like tourism, business, and short-term studies.
ETIAS provides a validity of up to three years and encompasses the entire Schengen Area, allowing US citizens to explore Slovakia and other ETIAS countries. This includes neighboring nations such as Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy.
However, it’s vital to understand that ETIAS does not grant permission for employment or stays exceeding 90 days in Slovakia. Visa application is required for such extended durations, .
The primary requirement for ETIAS is that the U.S. passport must remain valid for at least three months beyond the departure date from the Schengen Area.
How to Apply for Slovakia Schengen visa for Green Cards Holders in US?
As a green card holder, it’s essential to be familiar with the process of applying for a Schengen visa to enter Slovakia. Follow these steps for the application:
- Identify the specific type of Slovakia Schengen visa you require.
- Download and complete the visa application form.
- Submit the visa application at consulate or embassy in person
- Collect all the necessary documents for your Slovakia Schengen visa.
- Schedule an appointment for the Slovakia visa by mailing to the respective consulate or embassy.
- Attend the visa appointment interview at the consulate.
- Await the visa decision from consulate officials.
Schengen Visa Categories for Green Card Holders applying for Slovakia:
For travelers from the United States planning a visit to Slovakia, there is a selection of Schengen visa options available, including:
- Slovakia Transit Visa : A transit visa is needed when you have planned to pass through a Slovakia airport en route to a destination outside of the Schengen Area.
- Slovakia Tourist Visa : If you intend to visit Slovakia for tourism and sightseeing purposes, you must obtain a Slovakia tourist visa, allowing you to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Slovakia Visitor visa : If you plan to visit family or friends who are living in Slovakia and your primary purpose is to spend time with them, you will require a visitor visa for Slovakia.
- Slovakia Business visa : If you have intentions of traveling to Slovakia for business-related reasons.
- Slovakia Diplomat visa : This is mandatory for government officials or national groups during official visits.
- Slovakia Medical visa : If you are traveling to Slovakia for the purpose of receiving medical treatment, it is necessary to obtain a medical visa.
- Slovakia Student Visa : If you have received admission to an educational institution in Slovakia, you must proceed to apply for a Slovakia Student visa.
- Slovakia visa for Sports, Cultural or Film Crew : If your plans involve attending sports events, cultural activities, or participating in movie filming in Slovakia, you will require a sports visa or cultural visa.
- Slovakia Spouse Visa : If you intend to visit Slovakia to reunite with your spouse, who is either a citizen or holds a work permit in the country.
Slovakia Schengen visa Requirements for Green Card Holders in US:
Check out the list which are essential documents required for obtaining a Slovakia Schengen visa for Green Card holders in the United States.
Slovakia Visa requirements for Green card holders US:
1. Slovakia Visa Application form:
You must download the Slovakia visa application form and complete it with accurate information. For detailed instructions on filling out the visa application form, you can find more information here.
2. A valid Passport:
Your passport must be valid and issued within the last 10 years, with a minimum validity of at least 3 months, and it should contain a minimum of 2 blank pages.
3. Recent two photographs:
You need to provide two recent photographs that adhere to the Schengen visa specifications. For detailed information regarding Schengen visa photograph specifications, you can find further guidance here.
4. Travel Health insurance policy:
Travel health insurance is a crucial document, and it must provide coverage of at least 30,000 EUR while being valid in all Schengen countries. This serves as evidence that you have the means to cover potential medical emergencies. To learn more about Travel Medical insurance for Slovakia Schengen visa, you can find additional information here.
5. Flight Reservation for Visa:
You need to secure round-trip flight tickets, complete with a booking ID, your name, the destination, and the flight number. For additional details on booking flight tickets, please refer to this source.
6. Proof of accommodation in Slovakia:
You must present evidence of your accommodation in Slovakia, such as hotel or hostel bookings. For further details regarding the proof of accommodation, you can find additional information here.
7. Proof of residency:
A Green Card which also known as an “alien residence card” or a legal US residence visa, This must be valid for your return to the United States of America.
8. Cover Letter:
Within your cover letter, it is essential to specify the purpose of your visit to Slovakia, the intended duration of your stay, your departure and return dates, and the names of any family members or group members traveling with you. For additional information on creating a cover letter for a Slovakia visa, you can find detailed guidance here.
9. Proof of your financial health:
You need to submit a copy of your financial status document as evidence that you possess sufficient funds to cover the entire duration of your trip.
10. Marital status proof:
You need to submit proof of your marital status such as a your marriage certificate.
11. No objection letter from your employer:
This letter should confirm that your company or institution does not have any objections to your travel and that you have received leave approvals for the entire duration of your trip.
12. Sponsorship letter:
If your entire trip to Slovakia or other Schengen countries is being sponsored by someone, you must submit a Sponsor letter.
13. Proof of subsistence:
You are required to provide documentation of bank account transactions from the past three months, credit card statements, income letters from your employer, and proof of income turnover.
14. Proof of Income:
Based on your employment or student status, you will have to provide the required documents to support your Slovakia Schengen visa application:
- if you are an employee:
- Most recent pay stub.
- Latest 6 month your bank statements.
- A letter from your current employer or a company by stating your job title, start date and your yearly income and approved time off.
- ITR (Income Tax return) Certificate.
- For self-employed:
- Copy of your company / business license;
- Proof of previous economic activity.
- Latest 6 month bank statement of your company
- company Income Tax return Certificate.
- For retired:
- proof of pension benefits or other regular and sufficient income
- Or Latest 6 month bank statement
- Financial dependent:
- Last joint Income Tax Return or joint bank statements
- Sponsorship Letter
- if you are minor:
- birth certificate and written consent of your parent / guardian
- Written permission from parents or guardians, notarized, to travel abroad.
- Parents or guardians sign the Slovakia Schengen visa application form.
- One parent must be present, and the other parent must write permission for the application on their behalf.
- If you are a Student or Researchers
- A certificate from the receiving institution / University by attesting to the duration and intent of the visit Slovakia.
- Certificate from Home institution / University on enrolment.
- If you are not staying in a hotel, then confirm your accommodations by providing the name, address, and phone number of the lodging facility.
- a letter which should states that all costs are covered, if applicable.
15. Supporting documents:
- If you are visiting Family or Friends in Slovakia
- Invitation letter: Invite letter from a friend or family member, along with a copy of their ID or residency permit. If the person is related to you, then you need include legal proof of family ties, such as birth certificates.
- Proof of confirmed accommodation: If you are not staying at any hotel or any hostel, then you need to submit name, address, and phone number of where you are going to live.
- If you are visiting for business purpose:
- A letter of invitation from the business partner
- reference letter proof from your current employer
- If you are not staying in a hotel, then confirm your accommodations by providing the name, address, and phone number of the lodging facility.
- a letter confirming that all costs are covered, if applicable.
Travel Health Insurance for Slovakia Schengen visa for Green card holders in US
Applicants must possess appropriate travel medical insurance that covers several scenarios, including repatriation to their home country for health reasons, urgent medical care, hospital treatment, or, in the unfortunate event of death while in Slovakia.
For individuals applying for a short-term visa with one or two entries, it is mandatory to provide evidence of comprehensive travel medical insurance that encompasses the entire duration of their stay in Slovakia. In the case of multiple entries, applicants must also demonstrate the validity of their travel medical insurance policy, which should encompass the initial stay in Slovakia.
When applying for their Slovakia Schengen visa, green card holders must furnish proof of travel medical insurance. The travel medical insurance policy should provide coverage of at least 30,000 EUR for medical care or emergency hospital stays and be applicable for all other Schengen countries. Additionally, it should cover expenses related to repatriation for medical reasons.
Get more information on Travel Health Insurance here.
Flight Itinerary for Green Card holders to get Slovakia Schengen visa in US
A Flight Itinerary, also known as a flight reservation, is a document that acts as proof of your travel plans when applying for a visa. To obtain a Slovakia Schengen visa, you need to provide evidence of round trip flight reservation tickets that clearly indicate the duration of your stay in Slovakia and any other Schengen countries you plan to visit.
As visa consultants, we recommend obtaining dummy flight tickets while your visa application is in progress. To avoid the risk of purchasing fully paid reservations, we take this precaution, as it could be inadvisable if your visa application is denied, an outcome that cannot be foreseen. Instead of purchasing fully paid tickets upfront, it’s advisable to secure dummy reservations temporarily. Once the immigration office approves your visa, you can proceed to book your actual flight itinerary.
We can assist you in booking your flight reservation to facilitate your Slovakia Schengen visa application. Please click on the link below for more information and assistance.
- Arrival and departure from the Schengen area
- Departure and arrival to the United States of America
You can know more about flight itinerary for Slovakia Schengen visa.
Cover Letter for Slovakia Schengen Visa for Green Card Holders
When applying for a Slovakia visa, it is crucial to include a cover letter as part of your application. The cover letter serves as an essential document that explains the purpose of your visit to Slovakia or any other Schengen area country. If you have an invitation from a resident of Slovakia, you should also describe your relationship with the inviting party.
You will submit this cover letter to the Slovakia consulate or embassy, providing comprehensive details about your entire trip, including the reasons for your visit and any other pertinent information that can support your Slovakia visa application.
A well-prepared cover letter for your Slovakia visa application holds significant importance and can enhance your case, increasing the likelihood of your visa approval. It is the primary document that allows you to communicate with consulate officials and persuade them to grant your visa.
Know more about cover letter for Slovakia Schengen visa.
Where to apply for Slovakia Schengen visa for Green card holders in US?
After you’ve collected all the necessary documents, you must bring them along with your Slovakia visa application and submit them at the Slovakia embassy or consulate in person, if you are applying visa from US. Depending on your specific jurisdiction, you’ll need to identify the nearest Slovakia consulate and present your visa application in person.
Know more about:
- How to Apply for Slovakia Schengen visa in Washington D.C
- How to Apply for Slovakia Schengen visa in New York
- How to Apply for Slovakia Schengen visa in Los Angeles
How to set up an appointment for Slovakia Schengen visa for Green card holders in US?
As previously mentioned, you must arrange an appointment for your Slovakia Schengen visa at the nearest Slovakia consulate by emailing, which is situated in Washington D.C, New York, and Los Angeles. Then don’t any online option to set an appointment for Slovakia visa. Depending on your jurisdiction, you should choose the nearest location and book an appointment at the consulate there through mail.
After you’ve scheduled your appointment, you must visit the Slovakia consulate on the designated date, bringing with you all the required documents and your visa application. It’s crucial not to miss your appointment. In case you are unable to attend, you will need to reschedule the appointment and provide a valid explanation for your absence during the previous visa appointment.
When should Green card holders need to apply for Slovakia Schengen visa in US?
When applying for a visa, it’s important to take into account the national holidays of both the Schengen State (Slovakia) you intend to visit and the United States, where you are submitting your visa application. Ideally, you should file visa applications at least six months before the intended trip.
Typically, you should submit application forms no later than 15 days before the planned visit. For individuals holding a multiple-entry visa that is valid for a minimum of six months, they have the option to apply for a new one before the current visa expires.
How long does the Slovakia visa procedure take in US?
Generally, after you’ve submitted your Slovakia Schengen visa application at the nearest Slovakia consulate, the processing time for the visa will typically be approximately 15 calendar days. Please note that certain exceptional circumstances, such as holidays or a high volume of applications at the Slovakia embassy, could potentially extend this period to 30 to 45 calendar days. Therefore, as a green card holder in the United States, it’s essential to take these factors into account when determining the optimal timing for your Slovakia Schengen visa application.
Can I submit a visa application if my passport is set to expire in just two months?
As per the regulations, it’s not allowed. If you intend to travel to Slovakia or any other Schengen Area country, your passport should have a validity of at least three months beyond your intended departure date. However, in case of a genuine emergency, the Embassy or Consulate might make an exception to this rule based on the nature of your emergency situation.
Can my Slovakia Schengen visa be extended?
When seeking a visa extension, it is imperative that you provide a valid rationale for your inability to depart from a Member State’s territory before your visa expires or your authorized stay duration ends, citing reasons such as force majeure, humanitarian circumstances, or compelling personal factors.
Typically, a renewal of a Slovakia visa or any Schengen visa is feasible if your total Schengen area stay within the last 180 days is under 90 days, and your current visa remains valid.
The fees for a applying for a Slovakia visa in the United States are:
| Category | Slovakia Visa Fee in EUR | Slovakia Visa Fee in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Slovakia Schengen visa application fee | 80 | 95.45 |
| Slovakia Schengen visa fee for children aged between 6-11 years | 40 | 47.72 |
| Fee for children under 6 years | No fee | No fee |
| US residents holding a passport of Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Kosovo | 35 | 38.52 |
| Researchers travelling for the purpose of conducting scientific research or participating in a scientific seminar or conference. | No fee | No fee |
| US residents holding a passport of the Gambia | 120 | 132.07 |