What is the purpose of a Slovakia visa appointment?

The purpose of a Slovakia visa appointment is to submit your visa application and supporting documents, provide biometric data, and address any questions the visa officer might have. It's a necessary step to obtain a visa for traveling to Slovakia.

Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Slovakia tourist visa?

Yes, with a Slovakia tourist visa, which is a type of Schengen visa, you can travel freely between all Schengen Area countries during the validity of your visa, as long as you adhere to the 90/180 rule.

How early should I apply for a Slovakia tourist visa?

It's best to apply for a Slovakia tourist visa at least 15 days before your intended travel date but not more than six months before your departure. This timing ensures you have enough leeway for processing and any potential issues.

What is the minimum passport validity required for a Slovakia tourist visa?

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area. Also, it should have been issued within the last ten years.

How much bank balance is required for a Slovakia tourist visa?

While there's no fixed amount, you should have enough funds to cover your stay in Slovakia. Typically, this means showing you can sustain yourself with at least 50-100 euros per day during your stay. Bank statements or a sponsorship letter can be used to prove this.

Slovakia Tourist Visa Explained: Documents, Process & Fees

Introduction

Planning a trip to Slovakia? Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or to meet family and friends, obtaining a Slovakia tourist visa is an essential step for Indian residents. This simplified guide is designed to walk you through the entire process of securing your Slovakia tourist visa.

From understanding the types of visas available to knowing what documents are required, and the fees involved, we'll ensure you have all the necessary information to make your application as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Let's get started with the essentials of applying for a Slovakia tourist visa, ensuring you're well-prepared for your exciting journey ahead.

Slovakia Tourist Visa Photo Requirement

For a Slovakia tourist visa, the photo requirements are generally consistent with the standard Schengen visa photo criteria. Here are the detailed requirements for the photos that Indian applicants must submit:

Size: The photo must be 35mm x 40mm.
Quality: The photo should be of high resolution, clear and in focus.
Background: Must be plain and light-colored, preferably white, without any shadows or patterns.
Face Coverage: The applicant's face must cover 70-80% of the photo, which typically means that the face height from chin to crown should be between 32mm and 36mm.
Expression: Neutral expression with the mouth closed; no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows.
Eyes: Must be open and clearly visible. Glasses are allowed as long as they do not cause reflections or obscure the eyes. Tinted glasses and sunglasses are not permitted.
Headgear: Generally not allowed except for religious reasons. Even in such cases, it should not cover or cast shadows on the face.
Recent Photo: Must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.

These photos must be submitted along with the visa application, and it's crucial that they meet all the specified Slovakia tourist visa requirements to avoid delays in processing.

Slovakia Tourist Visa Application Process

To apply for a Slovakia tourist visa as an Indian resident, you will need to go through the BLS International Visa Application Centre, which manages visa submission and processing. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Know Your Visa Type

Before starting the application process, it's important to determine the right type of visa for your visit:

Short Term (Schengen) Visa: This visa is suitable for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be issued for the following purposes:

Tourism
Business
Visiting Family or Friends
Participation in Cultural, Sports, or Religious Events
Medical Treatment
Study, Research, or Internships (up to 90 days)

Step 2: Fill in the Application Form

Application forms must be completed in English. You can usually download the form from the official website of the Slovakia Visa Application Centre or the Embassy of Slovakia in India.

Step 3: Book Your Appointment

Create an account on the Slovakia BLS Visa Application Centre's online portal. You will need to provide your email address and create a password.

Once you have an account, log in and follow the prompts to book an appointment at one of the visa application centres. Available centres in India are located in:

Step 4: Visit the Visa Application Centre

Attend your Slovakia visa appointment at the chosen visa application centre. Remember to bring all required documents, which include:

Completed and signed application form.
Valid passport (as per the Schengen visa requirements).
Recent passport-sized photos that meet the Schengen specifications.
Travel itinerary.
Proof of accommodation.
Financial means (e.g., bank statements, sponsorship letters).
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies with a minimum of €30,000.
Any other documents that support your visa application type (e.g., invitation letters, event registrations, proof of study or research).

Applicants above 12 years of age must submit their applications in person to provide biometric data. Children below 12 are exempt from biometric data submission and can have their applications submitted by their guardian or parent.

Step 5: Track Your Application

After submitting your application, you can track its status online through the visa application centre's website. You will need your application reference number and your date of birth to access your application status.

When to Apply for Slovakia Tourist Visa?

It's advisable for Indian citizens to apply for a Slovakia tourist visa well in advance of their planned travel date. Here are some guidelines on timing:

Earliest Application Time: You can apply up to 6 months before your intended date of travel.
Latest Application Time: Ideally, you should not apply later than 15 calendar days before your planned trip. This is because the Slovakia visa processing time can typically take up to 15 days, and sometimes longer in peak travel seasons or under special circumstances.
Recommended Application Time: To avoid any unforeseen delays and ensure a smooth travel experience, it's best to apply approximately 3 to 4 weeks before your travel date. This time frame provides a cushion for any potential delays in processing and allows you to address any issues that might arise during the visa application process.

Applying within this recommended timeframe can help ensure that you receive your visa in time for your travel without unnecessary stress or urgency.

Slovakia Tourist Visa Fees

When applying for a Slovakia Schengen visa, it's important to understand the associated costs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Slovakia tourist visa fees, applicable in Indian Rupees (INR), and based on the current exchange rates set by the Embassy of Slovakia.

Visa Fee Structure

Adults: INR 7,154
Children aged 6-12: INR 3,577
Children under 6: No fee

Additional Fees

Service Fee: An additional service fee of INR 358 (including VAT) is required for each application. This fee covers the operational costs of processing visa applications.

Payment Information

Visa fees must be paid directly to the bank account of the Embassy of Slovakia on the day of your visa appointment.
Applicants processing their visas through BLS International should pay the visa fee at the application center.
The fee conversion from Euros to INR is adjusted monthly according to the exchange rate provided by the embassy staff at the time of application.

Note

All visa fees, including the service fee, are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application or if you withdraw the application.

Processing Time for Slovakia Tourist Visa

Standard Processing Time

15 Working Days: Once the Embassy of Slovakia receives your completed application—including all original documents, biometric data, and the visa fee—it typically takes about 15 working days to process. It's important to note that the transit time for documents between the Visa Application Centre and the Embassy is not included in these 15 days.

Possible Extensions

Up to 45 Calendar Days: In some cases, the Slovakia visa processing time can be extended to 45 calendar days. This extension is usually due to the need for additional scrutiny of the visa application.

Is it possible to extend Slovakia tourist visa?

Yes, it is possible to extend a short-stay visa in Slovakia under exceptional circumstances. A visa may be extended for up to 90 days within any 180-day period if specific conditions are met. Extensions are granted by the appropriate police department and are considered if a foreign national finds themselves unable to leave the Slovak Republic due to compelling reasons such as natural disasters, humanitarian grounds, or serious personal reasons.

Applicants seeking an extension should prepare to demonstrate the necessity of their request with appropriate evidence supporting their claims. This process ensures that those genuinely in need due to unforeseen circumstances can legally extend their stay without complications.

Can I appeal a denied Slovakia tourist visa?

If your Schengen visa application is refused, annulled, or revoked, you have the right to be informed in writing through a standard form which will include reasons for the decision and information on how to appeal.

How to Appeal:

Where to Appeal: You can file an appeal at the diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) that issued the initial decision.
Content of the Appeal: Your appeal should clearly state your identity, point out what you believe is incorrect in the initial decision, and highlight any discrepancies with the legal regulations. The appeal must be written in Slovak or accompanied by an official translation.
Deadline for Filing an Appeal:
Regular cases: Within 15 days from receiving the decision.
Family members of EU/EEA or Swiss citizens: Within 30 days from receiving the decision.
Administrative Fee: An appeal requires an administrative fee of EUR 80, payable at the embassy or consulate where you are filing the appeal. If the fee is not paid, the appeal process will be suspended.
Outcome: If your appeal is successful, the administrative fee will be reimbursed.

Special Considerations:

Standard regulations on administrative procedures do not apply to visa appeal proceedings, except in cases involving family members of EU/EEA or Swiss citizens.
Decisions made by the diplomatic mission are subject to judicial review, meaning they can be challenged in court.

This appeal process provides a structured way for applicants to challenge visa decisions that they believe to be unjust or incorrect.

Additional Resources

Slovakia Tourist Visa BLS International

Embassy of Slovakia in India

Slovakia Tourist Visa Application Form

Slovakia Tourist Visa Checklist

Slovakia Visa for Indians

Conclusion

Applying for a Slovakia tourist visa might seem daunting at first, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a straightforward process.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, from gathering the necessary documents to understanding the fees and processing times, you'll be well on your way to exploring the beautiful landscapes and rich culture of Slovakia.

Remember to apply in a timely manner and prepare for your visa appointment to ensure a smooth experience.

Safe travels, and enjoy your trip to Slovakia, a gateway to the enchanting Schengen Area!

Application Form	Fully completed and duly signed by the applicant.
Passport	Must be issued within the last 10 years Valid for at least three months after the return date, and Contain at least two blank pages. Include photocopies of the first and last page.
Photos	Dimensions: 35 x 40mm Two recent color passport-size photos (not older than six months) with a white background. The face must cover at least 80% of the frame.
Travel Medical Insurance	Must be valid in all Schengen countries Cover at least €30,000 for all risks, and match the trip's duration.
Proof of Transport	Return flight tickets Intra-Schengen flight reservations, Train itineraries, or car rental proof.
Proof of Lodging	Hotel bookings, rental agreements, or campus residence reservations. For stays with family or friends, provide proof of sponsorship/private accommodation.
Cover Letter	Should outline the purpose of the visit, complete travel itinerary, and include the applicant's signature.
Official Invitation (First-time Visitors)	For first-time Schengen visitors, an Official Invitation Form verified by the Slovak foreign police department is mandatory.
Proof of Financial Means	Bank statements from the last three months, Recent tax returns, Pay slips, or proof of income from business or property.
Employment or Business Documents	Employment contract, Recent pay slips, Employer's holiday approval, Company registration certificate, or similar documents relevant to your employment or business status.
Minor Applicants	Birth certificate, Parental ID copies, Proof of enrollment in educational institutions, Parental consent if traveling alone or with one parent.

City	Address	Email
Delhi	Upper Ground Floor, Dr. Gopaldas Bhawan 28, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi – 110001	info.slovakiaind@blshelpline.com feedback.slovakiaind@blshelpline.com
Bengaluru	Smartworks Golden Millenium, 69/1, Ground floor, Millers Rd. Bengaluru - 560052	info.slovakiaind@blshelpline.com feedback.slovakiaind@blshelpline.com
Mumbai	Dalamal Towers, A Wing, 4th Floor, Unit – 409 – 410, Free Press Journal Marg, Nariman Point – Mumbai 400021	info.slovakiaind@blshelpline.com feedback.slovakiaind@blshelpline.com

Simplified Guide To Slovakia Tourist Visa: Documents, Application & Fees

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