United States entry requirements for Slovakia 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
Slovak passport holders need a visa to travel to the United States for tourism or business in 2026. The standard option is the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, which requires an in-person interview at the U.S. embassy in Bratislava. Plan ahead — appointment wait times can stretch several months.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a visa to enter the United States. Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate in Slovakia. Start your application online at the US Department of State visa portal and schedule an interview.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Your Slovak passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by US law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at US ports of entry routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your US host. Officers may ask where you are staying during your visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Show you can support yourself during your stay. Bank statements, credit cards, or a sponsor letter work — have them accessible in your carry-on. | Recommended |
Interview wait times can be long
Appointment slots at the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava fill up quickly, especially in summer. Check the embassy's website monthly and book as soon as you have travel plans. Some travellers report waiting 3+ months for an interview.
ESTA is not available for Slovak citizens
Slovakia is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so you cannot use the ESTA system. You must go through the full visa application process, including the in-person interview.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to ceac.state.gov/genniv/ and fill out the nonimmigrant visa application. Have your passport, travel dates, and recent photo ready. Save the confirmation page with barcode — you'll need it for the next steps.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee online via the U.S. visa payment portal or at a Tatra banka branch. Keep the payment receipt — it's required to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the same portal to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava. Slots fill up fast — check daily if needed. You'll get a confirmation email with the date and time.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy (Hviezdoslavovo námestie 5) 15 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and any supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip, ties to Slovakia, and plans. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa issuance. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer. You'll get a notification to pick it up or have it delivered.
6
Travel to the US
Once you have the visa sticker in your passport, you're good to go. At US border control, have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer may ask about your stay — keep answers consistent with your application.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia 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
Cost$185 USD (€170)
For tourism or business visits; must apply at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years
Cost$185 USD (€170)
Same as single entry but allows multiple trips.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of studies + 60 days
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$185 USD (€170)
For full-time academic programs; requires I-20 from school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 6 years
Validity3 years, renewable
Cost$190 USD (€175) base fee
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years
$190 USD (€175) base fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a US employer. Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of studies + 60 days
$185 USD (€170)
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work. Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD (€970,000) minimum investment
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates 10+ jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; use B2 or Green Card
Varies
Varies
The US does not have a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees typically use B2 tourist visa (max 6 months) or apply for permanent residency through family or investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most applicants. | $185 USD (€170) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years. | $185 USD (€170) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission. | $370 USD (€340) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa; may include bar from re-entry. | Varies; up to $1,000 USD (€920) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Transit visa required
Slovak passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, unless they have a valid US visa or are from a Visa Waiver Program country (Slovakia is not in VWP).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may transit without visa if they have ESTA.
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)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; use repellent and check for ticks.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Rare but present in summer; use insect repellent.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; practice good hygiene.
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 change of status; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications; bring Form I-539 and fee.
Practical information for SK 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
Yes. Slovakia is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa before traveling. The process involves an online form, a fee, and an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava.
Expect 2–4 months total. The DS-160 form takes about an hour. Interview wait times at the Bratislava embassy vary — currently around 2–3 months. After approval, visa issuance takes 3–5 business days. Check the embassy's appointment calendar for current estimates.
The non-refundable application fee is $185 (approximately €170). This covers processing and the interview. There are no additional fees unless you need expedited processing or courier delivery.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must file Form I-539 with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted in up to 6-month increments. Overstaying can lead to bans, so apply early.
You'll be informed of the reason (e.g., insufficient ties to Slovakia, incomplete documents). You can reapply, but you must address the reason for denial. There's no appeal process — just a new application with a new fee.
Yes. Even for a layover, you need a visa or a transit visa (C-1). The only exception is if you're on a direct flight that doesn't require clearing US customs — rare for most itineraries. Check with your airline.
No. The B-1/B-2 visa is for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment only. Any paid work, including remote work for a non-US employer, is technically not allowed. For employment, you need a work visa like H-1B or L-1.
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.