State Department: Slovenia - Consular Information Sheet, June 4, 1999

Slovenia - Consular Information Sheet
June 4, 1999

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Slovenia operates under a parliamentary democracy. A mountainous country, half of Slovenia is covered by forests, with 29 miles of coastline along the Adriatic Sea. Tourist facilities are widely available throughout the country.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required for entry into Slovenia. A visa is not required for a tourist/business stay up to 90 days. For further information on entry requirements for Slovenia, travelers may contact the Embassy of Slovenia at 1525 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036, Tel: (202) 667-5363, or the Consulate General of Slovenia in New York City, Tel: (212) 370-3006. The website of the Slovenian Embassy in the United States is http://www.embassy.org/slovenia/.

CRIME INFORMATION: Slovenia has a low crime rate. Travelers should, however, take normal precautions, as they are sometimes the targets of pickpockets and purse-snatchers.

The loss or theft abroad of an U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Adequate medical care is readily available.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid in Slovenia. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax service.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Travelers to Slovenia may obtain a list of English-speaking physicians at the U.S. embassy. Antibiotics, allergy medication and all other prescription medication are available at local pharmacies. Some over-the-counter medication is available locally. For those persons who engage in outdoor activities, a vaccine to prevent tick-borne encephalitis is recommended. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international traveler's hotline at Tel: 1-877- FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); Fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Slovenia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good

Slovenia has a well-developed road network, safe for travel. Highways connect to neighboring cities and countries and are clearly sign-posted. As the number of cars in Slovenia continues to rise, roads are becoming more heavily congested during the weekends on major routes and during rush hour. Parking is difficult and can be expensive in the city center. Traffic moves on the right; road signs and traffic rules are similar to those used throughout Europe. Third party liability insurance is required for all vehicles; coverage is purchased locally. Travelers should be alert to aggressive drivers both in cities and on highways. Many of the serious accidents in Slovenia occur as a result of high speed driving. Emergency roadside help and information may be reached by dialing 987 for vehicle assistance and towing services, 112 for an ambulance or fire brigade, and 113 for police.

U.S. visitors or U.S. residents in Slovenia must be in possession of both a valid U.S. driver's license and an international drivers license if they wish to drive here. This will allow them to drive for a maximum of one year after which residents of Slovenia are required to obtain a Slovenian driver's license. The speed limit is 50kph/30mph in residential areas and 130kph/78mph on highways. Motorists are required to have their headlights on during the daytime and drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. For additional information, visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Slovenia at http://www.usembassy.si.

For specific information Slovenian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance contact the Slovenian National Tourist Office at (212) 358-9686, or via the Internet at http://www.tourist-board.si. For information about international driving permits, contact AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial service at present between the United States and Slovenia, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Slovenia's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Slovenia's air carrier operations.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Slovenian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import or export of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, business equipment, sales samples, and other items. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington or the Consulate General of Slovenia in New York City for specific information regarding customs requirements. Slovenian authorities require an ATA (Air Transport Association) carnet under certain circumstances for the temporary importation of goods into Slovenia. The U.S. Council of the International Chamber of Commerce, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues the ATA carnet in the United States. For additional information contact the Council toll-free from within the United States at 1-800-282-2900, or via their web site at http://www.atacarnet.com.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the laws of Slovenia, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Slovenia are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Y2K INFORMATION: U.S. citizens contemplating traveling or residing abroad in late 1999 or early 2000 should be aware of potential difficulties. They may wish to consider taking practical precautions against possible disruptions of services triggered by the Y2K computer phenomenon. Monitor the home page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs for updates on Y2K issues. See also the Government of Slovenia's Internet home page (in Slovenian and English) on Y2K issues at: http://www.sigov.si.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana and obtain updated information on travel and security within Slovenia. The U.S. Embassy is located at Prazakova 4, Ljubljana 1000, Tel: (386)(61) 301- 427 or 301-472. Fax: 301-401. The Embassy website is http://www.usembassy.si.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 7, 1998 to update information on Country Description, Entry Requirements, Medical Facilities, Crime Information, Criminal (and Drug) Penalties, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions. New sections have been added on Medical Insurance, Aviation Safety Oversight, Customs Regulations, Y2K Information, and Children's Issues.