SLOVAKIA

Slovakia is becoming one of Europe's focal points for travel and tourism. "Slovensko" in the native language of Slovak, officially named the Slovak Republic, the country enjoys moderate weather and a prime map location, bridging east and west.

Slovakia's capital city Bratislava is a growing hub of culture, as well as the national seat of politics and business. Its thousand year history offers a great deal to visitors. The second-largest city of Kosice is a centre of heavy industry, but also of architecture and multiculturalism.

Slovakia is a peaceful country, with beautiful scenery, inexpensive shopping and tourism and hospitable people.

CLIMATE IN SLOVAKIA:
The Slovak climate is generally temperate with four seasons. Summers are warm with temperatures in July averaging 70°F (21°C), while the coldest month is January with averages temperature 28°F (-2°C). Winter brings snowfall, which usually lasts from November to May in the Tatras. The mountains are colder and wetter than the lowlands in general, with most rain falling in June and July. Autumn is the driest time of year to visit, and along with the months of spring, is a good time to visit Slovakia, with less crowding and milder weather.

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURIST:
Passengers are required to hold health insurance covering the period of stay in Slovakia, as well as funds equal to at least US$50 per day of stay (credit cards not accepted). Travelers who require a visa must register with local police within three days of arrival. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Americans: US nationals require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
UK nationals: British citizens do not require a visa and must hold a passport valid for the period of stay. British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizens or British Subjects with right of abode in the UK, with a passport valid for the period of stay, do not need a visa for up to 90 days in any six-month period. Other passport holders require a visa and a passport valid for at least three months after expiry date of visa.
Canadians: Canadians require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Australians: Australians require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
South Africans: South Africans require a visa for entry to Slovakia and passports must be valid for at least three months past the expiry date of visa.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed.

New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for the period of stay, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period.

TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO IN SLOVAKIA:

Bratislava Castle
City/Region: Bratislava
Situated on a hill 269 feet (82m) above the city, Bratislava Castle is a prominent structure on the city's skyline and provides excellent views of Bratislava, as well as over Austria, and even Hungary in fine weather. It has been inhabited for thousands of years due to its important location on the Danube River in central Europe, and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in its history, as well as undergoing a series of reconstructions and extensions. Four towers make up the enormous castle building, enclosing a courtyard and collections of the Slovakia National Museum, as well as a Treasure Chamber.

Devin Castle
City/Region: Bratislava
Situated on a cliff 696 feet (212m) above the confluence of the Morava and Danube Rivers, Devin Castle is one of the most important archaeological sites in Slovakia. The oldest traces of settlement date back to 5,000 BC, and for centuries the mighty fortress citadel was impenetrable until the arrival of Napoleon's troops who blew the castle up in 1809. Its image is depicted on postage stamps and Slovakian money.