Europe

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Precautions should be taken when carrying money in busy tourist areas.

Scams

Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists.  These scams can pose great financial loss to victims.  If you receive an e-mail purporting to be from HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) offering a tax refund on provision of your bank details you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Slovenia Country Profile

Local Travel

 

Road Travel

 

Slovenia has a ‘Vignette’ system for motorway travel. Vignettes are available for weekly, monthly or yearly periods, and can be purchased at petrol stations and DARS (the Slovenian Motorway Company) offices in Slovenia as well as outlets in neighbouring countries near the Slovene border. The Vignette is compulsory for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes in weight. The police and DARS officials are monitoring motorway use, and are stopping motorists who do not have a Vignette. Failure to have or display a Vignette will lead to an on-the-spot fine of up to €800. For more information on the Vignette system and where to buy one, please visit http://www.cestnina.si/Dokumenti/Vignette_308.aspx.

If you are driving to Slovenia during the winter period, you should be aware that winter equipment is mandatory from 15 November until 15 March.  This means that your car must be equipped with either winter tyres, or have snow chains and radial tyres with at least 4mm tread depth.  You can be fined 125 Euros for not having this equipment, or 417 Euros if you cause a delay on the road for the same reason.

 

By law, you must have your headlights on at all times, while driving in Slovenia.  You are also required to carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle and a first aid kit in the vehicle.

 

If you intend to hire a car and drive it into Slovenia you must declare this to the car hire company first, as you must have adequate car insurance cover.

 

Heavy on-the-spot fines are in place for traffic offences and jaywalking.  The police are empowered to impose on-the-spot fines for offences including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and for using mobile phones without properly installed wireless headsets (Bluetooth).

In 2007 there were 293 road deaths in Slovenia (source: DfT).  This equates to 14.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

Air Travel

 

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Slovenia.  For more details about this see Airline Security

 

Remember to reconfirm your return flight if your airline advises it.