Destinations / Slovakia
Driving in Slovakia as a visitor
Usually yes. Slovakia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Slovakia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%). |
|---|---|
| Tolls | Motorway e-vignette required. |
| Lights | Headlights on at all times. |
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory in snow. |
On the road in Slovakia
At the pump
Petrol is labelled Natural 95 and 98 with Diesel (Nafta) at all stations; pumps are self-serve, you pay the cashier after fuelling, and cards are widely accepted.
After a crash
Call 158 for police or 112 general emergency; police must be called for injuries or damage over EUR 4,000, otherwise complete the European Accident Statement, and do not move vehicles before documenting an injury scene.
Sources: tollguru.com · easypark.com · vignetim.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Slovakia?
Usually yes. Slovakia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Slovakia accept?
Slovakia recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Slovakia ask for one?
Bratislava desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; e-vignette usually included.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.