United States entry requirements for Slovenia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Slovenian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. For short tourist or business visits up to 90 days, you must apply for an ESTA online before you travel. This requirement applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate in Slovenia. Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an in-person interview. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer during peak seasons.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Slovenian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | Immigration officers at US ports of entry routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at the primary inspection booth. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it speeds up secondary inspection if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit card | Bring recent bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. No minimum amount is specified, but $100–$200 per day of stay is a safe benchmark — officers may ask if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
ESTA is not a visa — apply early
ESTA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It can be denied for various reasons. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight. If denied, you'll need a full visa from the US embassy.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in the US. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for ESTA.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, a credit card, and your flight itinerary. Approval usually comes within minutes to 72 hours. Print or save the approval email.
2
Prepare your documents
Before you head to the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), ESTA approval, return ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance details. Keep digital copies on your phone.
3
Arrive at the US airport and go through immigration
After landing, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visitors'. Join the queue for non-US citizens. At the booth, hand over your passport and ESTA approval. The officer will ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying, how long). Answer clearly. They'll take your photo and fingerprints. Once cleared, you're in — usually valid for up to 90 days.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovenia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years (typical for Slovenians)
Cost$185 USD (≈$185 USD)
Allows business and tourism; must apply at US embassy in Ljubljana or consulate.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical)
Cost$185 USD (≈$185 USD)
Same fee as single entry; permits multiple visits within validity.
Student Visa (F-1)
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$350 USD (≈$350 USD) SEVIS fee + $185 USD visa fee
Requires acceptance at SEVP-approved school; allows part-time on-campus work.
Work Visa (H-1B)
Max stayUp to 6 years (3+3)
Validity3 years initial, renewable
Cost$460 USD (≈$460 USD) filing fee + $500–$2,500 USD other fees
Requires employer sponsorship and lottery; highly competitive.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 renewal)
$460 USD filing fee + employer costs
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer must sponsor and file petition. Includes annual lottery cap.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$350 USD SEVIS fee + $185 USD visa fee
For full-time students at SEVP-approved institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas)
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Requires significant capital and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD filing fee + $185 USD visa fee
For nationals of treaty countries (Slovenia qualifies) engaged in substantial trade between the US and Slovenia. Must be employed by a qualifying company.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Standard nonimmigrant visa application fee for most applicants. | $185 USD (≈$185 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Slovenian citizens. | $185 USD (≈$185 USD) |
| Stay extension (Form I-539)Fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (≈$370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may result in fines and future inadmissibility; no fixed daily rate. | Varies (≈$0–$500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
No transit visa needed
Slovenian citizens do not need a transit visa for the US if they have a valid ESTA or visa. However, they must have an approved ESTA or visa to transit through the US, even if staying airside.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without additional documentation.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including Slovenia) must have an approved ESTA to transit.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially Northeast and Upper Midwest.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
West Nile virus present nationwide; dengue rare but reported in southern states.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy; food safety standards are high.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and status changes; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busy office; arrive early for appointments.
Practical information for SI travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa. Slovenian passport holders can travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. You must get an approved ESTA before you fly.
Most applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 days before your flight. The cost is $21 (paid online).
If denied, you cannot travel under the VWP. You'll need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy in Ljubljana. This requires an interview and takes several weeks. Plan ahead.
No. The VWP does not allow extensions. You must leave the US by the 90th day. Overstaying can result in a ban from future travel.
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months beyond entry), ESTA approval (printed or on your phone), and be ready to answer questions about your trip. They may also ask for your return ticket and accommodation details.
It's not required by law, but US medical costs are extremely high. A simple emergency room visit can cost thousands. Get travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation.
No. ESTA is for tourism, short business meetings, or transit. You cannot work for a US employer or enroll in a study program. For those activities, you need the appropriate visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.