Travel essentials · Amazing Slovenia 🇸🇮
Travel essentials
Everything you need to know before you travel: visas, airport transfers and where to stay. Choose what suits you, and I’ll take care of the arrangements.
Last updated: September 2026
01
Visa
Slovenia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area. Whether you need a visa depends on the passport you travel on.
Who needs a visa
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens don't need a visa; a valid ID card or passport is enough.
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g. USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Everyone else needs a short-stay Schengen visa (type C).
- Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen Area.
- Since April 2026, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is in operation: on your first entry, your fingerprints and photo are recorded at the border instead of a passport stamp.
- ETIAS (the online travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers) is not yet in operation. Please check the official EU website before you travel.
How to apply
Apply at a Slovenian embassy or consulate, an authorised external service provider (e.g. VFS Global), or the country that represents Slovenia in your country of residence. Apply to the country that is your main destination. You will usually need to attend in person for fingerprints.
You'll need:
- a completed application form and photo
- a valid passport
- travel medical insurance with a minimum cover of €30,000, valid for the whole Schengen Area
- proof of the purpose of your trip, accommodation and financial means
Fee: €90 (over 12 years), €45 (children 6–12). Some categories are exempt.
How long it takes
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, and in some cases up to 45 days.
- You can apply up to 6 months and, as a rule, at least 15 days before your trip.
- We recommend applying 6–8 weeks before departure, and even earlier in summer.
- Avoid non-refundable flights and accommodation until your visa is approved.
We don't set any visa rules ourselves. This information is based on official sources – always double-check the links above before you travel.
02
Airport transfer
Guests most often land at one of four airports: Ljubljana, Zagreb, Venice or Trieste. From there I arrange the journey onward.
Approximate driving times
| Airport | Ljubljana | Bled | Piran | Novo mesto |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LJU Ljubljana | 25 min | 30 min | 1 h 30 min | 1 h |
| ZAG Zagreb | 1 h 45 min | 2 h 15 min | 2 h 45 min | 1 h |
| VCE Venice | 2 h 30 min | 2 h 45 min | 2 h | 3 h 15 min |
| TRS Trieste | 1 h 15 min | 1 h 45 min | 1 h | 2 h |
Times are approximate and assume normal traffic. Allow extra time in summer and at weekends.
Car hire
Freedom to explore at your own pace — ideal if you enjoy driving and choosing your own stops.
- All major international and local rental companies operate at all four airports.
- Typical conditions: minimum age 21 (drivers under 25 often pay a surcharge), licence held for 1–2 years, and a credit card in the driver's name for the deposit.
- Non-EU licences may require an International Driving Permit.
- Cars rented in Italy or Croatia don't include the Slovenian e-vignette. Buy it at evinjeta.dars.si before using motorways.
- Picking up in one country and returning in another usually means a one-way international fee, which can be high.
- Winter equipment is mandatory from 15 November to 15 March.
- Book automatic cars early.
Shuttle
Scheduled or shared transfer between the airport and your accommodation — simple and budget-friendly.
- A regular public bus runs from Ljubljana Airport to the main bus station (about 45–50 min, a few euros).
- Shared and private shuttles (e.g. GoOpti, Markun, Nomago) connect Ljubljana, Zagreb, Venice and Trieste airports with major destinations in Slovenia.
- Bus lines (e.g. FlixBus) connect Venice, Trieste and Zagreb with Ljubljana.
- Shared shuttles make stops and may wait briefly for other passengers.
- Timetables and prices change, so please check with the provider.
Private transfer
A vehicle and driver just for you — arranged in advance, with a name sign and help with the luggage.
- Meet & greet in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign.
- We track your flight and wait at no extra cost if it's delayed.
- A comfortable car or van, matched to your group and luggage.
- Child seats on request.
- A fixed price per vehicle, confirmed when you book – no surprises.
- Driving time: see the table above. Stops along the way on request.
03
Hotels
I match the accommodation to the pace of your trip and your budget — from simple, well-run stays to something truly exceptional.
Comfort
3–4★
Cosy, well-kept stays — perfect for active days, families and longer visits.
Examples
- Family-run guesthouses in Bohinj and the Soča Valley
- Boutique B&Bs in Ljubljana's old town
- Farm stays with home cooking in Dolenjska and Bela krajina
- Well-kept apartments for families and longer stays
Premium
4–5★
Well-located hotels with thoughtful service and a welcoming place to unwind after a long day.
Examples
- Hotel Cubo or Grand Hotel Union, Ljubljana
- Hotel Park, Bled
- Bohinj Eco Hotel, Bohinj
- Hotel Hvala, Kobarid
Luxury & unique stays
5★ · boutique
Boutique hotels, castles, wine estates and distinctive places to stay off the beaten track.
Examples
- Vila Bled or Grand Hotel Toplice, Bled
- Kempinski Palace, Portorož
- Nebesa, mountain chalets above the Soča Valley
- Hiša Franko, rooms at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Kobarid
- Garden Village Bled, glamping in nature
- BIG BERRY, luxury glamping on the Kolpa river
Price levels are relative. The final offer depends on dates, season and availability; examples are indicative and tailored to your wishes.