Slovakia family visa

Family members of European Union single market citizens may enter without a visa using a qualifying residence card. Longer residence follows separate rules.

Ways to get a Slovakia family visa

Visa-free entry with a family-member residence card
No visa needed
Family members of European Union single market citizens who hold a residence card showing that status and accompany or join their family member.
Stay
Up to three months.
Family-member visa at the border
Visa on arrival
In theory, family members of European Union single market citizens who do not meet the residence-card exemption can obtain a visa at the border by proving the family relationship.
1. Present evidence of your family relationship at the border checkpoint.
2. Request a visa under the family-member rules.

Who needs it

Family members who do not meet an exemption may need a visa. Detailed Slovak family residence requirements are not specified.

Who doesn't

Family members of any nationality with a qualifying residence card can enter without a visa under the applicable family-member rules.

What to bring

Valid travel document.
Residence card showing your status as a family member of a European Union single market citizen.

Good to know

Generally, accompany or join your European Union single market family member.
A qualifying family-member residence card issued by a Schengen country also allows independent travel to another Schengen country.
In theory, a family member without the qualifying documents can seek a visa at the border by proving the family relationship.
Detailed procedures for settling in Slovakia as a spouse or dependant are not specified.

Questions

Do I need a family visa for Slovakia?

Family members who do not meet an exemption may need a visa. Detailed Slovak family residence requirements are not specified. Family members of any nationality with a qualifying residence card can enter without a visa under the applicable family-member rules.

What are the ways to get a family visa for Slovakia?

There are 2 options: Visa-free entry with a family-member residence card (no visa at all); Family-member visa at the border (a visa at the border).

Who can go to Slovakia without a family visa?

Family members of European Union single market citizens who hold a residence card showing that status and accompany or join their family member.

How long can I stay on a Slovakia family visa?

Up to three months under the family-member short-stay exemption.

What documents do I need for a Slovakia family visa?

Valid travel document.; Residence card showing your status as a family member of a European Union single market citizen..

What rules do I have to follow on a Slovakia family visa?

Generally, accompany or join your European Union single market family member. A qualifying family-member residence card issued by a Schengen country also allows independent travel to another Schengen country.

Does my passport change whether I need a family visa for Slovakia?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Slovakia visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a family visa for Slovakia be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Slovakia family visa rules?

On Slovakia's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my family visa once I am in Slovakia?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

Reviewed by @snuck