The information on this page was collected from public resources and does not constitute legal advice.
General information on border crossing?There are three checkpoints on the state border with Slovakia: Malyi Bereznyi - Ubฤพa (24/7), Uzhhorod (24/7, but pedestrians are not allowed), Maly Selmentsi - Veฤพkรฉ Slemence (open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.). You can check the interactive map![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
What documents do I need to enter?You can enter Slovakia with any of the following documents:
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What happens after a border crossing?After crossing the border, we ask you to visit a large-capacity center
You can find the application form for download in various language versions here You can check out the official page for those who arrive to Slovakia at ukraineslovakia.sk |
How can I get from the border to the capital (a certain town)?The Slovak Railway Company has introduced free transport Several Slovak regions are providing free bus transport. Train and bus connections can be found here
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Until June 31, 2022, citizens of Ukraine can travel for free
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Starting from July 1, 2022, the conditions of free transportation for Ukrainians are changing
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How can I travel to another (specific) country?Ukrainians or citizens of other visa-free countries can continue to travel to other EU/Schengen countries for up to 90 days in 180 days. If you don't have a biometric passport, it is recommended to contact the respective embassy of your travel destination to see whether a border is open also for those not having a biometric passport. Rules can be different for traveling by plane, train, bus or car. Travel options are:
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How long can I stay?You can stay in Slovakia without a visa for 90 days in any 180 days period. Temporary protection is provided until 4 March 2023. The term will be automatically prolonged by an additional 6 months up to a maximum of 1 year. You can find more information at this website |
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?Unaccompanied minors entering Slovakia will be escorted by border police and placed in the Medzilaborce centre where they get a temporary guardian, who will be able to speak Ukrainian. |
Are there any Covid-related requirements and if yes, what are they?Currently, there are no Covid-related requirements at the border applicable to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. |
Where do I register for temporary protection?You can apply for temporary protection
Children must be present with you when making the declaration. |
What are my rights while I wait to get temporary protection?For faster processing of applications for temporary refuge, large-capacity centers have been established in Bratislava, Humenne, and Michalovce, which are open 24 hours a day. Applicants for temporary refuge are transported from the border crossing points to the centers in Humenne or Michalovce, where all documents are processed in one place. At the same time, a shuttle service is provided for processed applicants from the large-capacity centers to the accommodation facilities. If you do not have any documents with you and do not have an accommodation secured, you need to apply for a temporary refuge at the Asylum Department in Humenne |
What documents will I receive once I get temporary protection?Once temporary protection is approved, you will receive a document confirming your tolerated stay in Slovakia marked DOฤASNร รTOฤISKO (initially, the documents were marked ODรDENEC). |
May I temporarily return to Ukraine? What will happen to my protection status?Beneficiaries of international protection (asylum) cannot return to their country of origin while they are considered a refuge. |
Can I move around the country and the European Union freely while under temporary protection?Yes, you have the right to travel within the EU for 90 days within a period of 180 days on a visa-free basis, and this applies even during the period of temporary refuge. Leaving the territory of the Slovak Republic does not terminate the temporary refuge. If you are granted temporary refuge in one EU country, you cannot apply for temporary refuge in another EU country, but another EU Member State may grant you another form of protection or residence other than temporary refuge if it chooses to do so. Family reunification is also possible if you have family members in different countries. You can check out the official website of the EU to get the most recent updates ec.europa.eu/info |
Can I apply for asylum while under temporary protection? What is the difference?Yes. You can always apply for asylum but you will lose the status of temporary protection. Please note that if you apply for asylum, it is a time consuming and difficult process which will prevent you from returning to Ukraine while you are considered a refugee. Normally, those apply for asylum who have well-founded fears of persecution in the country of origin and cannot or do not wish to return to their country. You can check out the official website of the EU to get the most recent updates ec.europa.eu/info |
How and where can I apply for the residency?Temporary residence in Slovakia is tied to a specific purpose, such as employment, business, study, family reunification, etc. Each applicant for a residence permit must demonstrate the purpose chosen. People older than 14 you must submit an extract from the criminal record when applying for temporary/permanent residence. This document must be verified for use abroad (apostille/consular legalization). For a complete list of available purposes and the legally required documents visit mic.iom.sk
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Where can I take a photo for my documents?There are numerous shops that offer such services. Look for printer shops & copy centers on Google Maps
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Where can I translate my documents?
You can get your documents translated anywhere in the city you are currenty located. Search for "preklady dokumentov" on Google Search. One of such companies
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How do I get Mobile phone/internet services?Citizens of Ukraine can get free SIM cards with credit and data for one month from the following providers:
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Please write to us so we can provide you with legal support. Our pro-bono legal partners will try to respond to your legal request to the best of their ability and knowledge. Please note that due to a high volume of requests, you will receive an answer in a few days after submitting the request at the earliest. Thank you for your patience.