Border Crossing Slovakia Czech Republic
The border between Slovakia and the Czech Republic is an important connecting route between two central European countries. It represents not only a geographical divide but also a vital link for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Length of the border crossings
The total length of the border between Slovakia and the Czech Republic is 251.8 km, of which 71 km is formed by rivers. It spans various geographical regions such as the White Carpathians, the Javorníky Mountains, and the Western Beskids, indicating several possible crossing points in these areas. Not all border crossings are permanently regulated; some are simply road crossings.
Border controls and entry requirements
With both countries joining the Schengen Area in 2007, systematic border controls were abolished. Since joining the EU and the Schengen Agreement, the Slovaks have developed significantly, and their perception of the EU has strengthened amid current challenges. This means that both EU citizens and citizens of other countries can cross the border crossing point without a passport check. Nevertheless, there are occasional temporary border controls, particularly for security or migration policy reasons.
For EU citizens, entry into Slovakia and the Czech Republic is straightforward. A valid ID card or passport is sufficient. Citizens of other countries should inform themselves about specific visa requirements, which may vary depending on their country of origin.
General information about the currency
In Slovakia, payments are made in Euro (EUR), while in the Czech Republic, the Czech Koruna (CZK) is the national currency. Travelers should therefore make sure to have the appropriate currency with them or inform themselves in advance about currency exchange offices and ATMs at the border crossing. Nevertheless, both countries, independently of one another, are each member states of the EU.
The payment of toll fees is done electronically in both countries. It is recommended to purchase both the digital vignette for Slovakia and the digital vignette for the Czech Republic online in advance.
The most important border crossings and some special features
There are a total of 27 former border crossings between Slovakia and the Czech Republic that can be used for checks, including:
17 road crossings
7 railway crossings
3 waterway crossings
Some important geographical points along the border include:
The tripoint of Austria-Slovakia-Czech Republic at the confluence of the Thaya and the March: A striking point where three countries meet.
The Vlára Pass: An important mountain pass crossing.
The Lysá Pass between Horní Lideč and Lysá pod Makytou: Another important crossing point.
The tripoint of Poland-Slovakia-Czech Republic near Hrčava / Čierne close to the Jablunkov Pass: A well-known geographical point of strategic importance.
The most important border crossings specifically are:
17 road crossings:
Brodské - Lanžhot (D2): A main crossing in the west on the motorway.
Holíč - Hodonín: An important crossing for regional traffic.
Skalica - Sudoměřice: Popular among travelers between Slovakia and South Moravia.
Moravský Svätý Ján - Hohenau: A crossing in the south, at the tripoint of Austria-Slovakia-Czech Republic.
Drietoma - Starý Hrozenkov: An important crossing in the Javorníky Mountains.
Lysá pod Makytou - Horní Lideč: An important crossing in the area of the Lysá Pass.
Svrčinovec - Mosty u Jablunkova: An important crossing in the area of the tripoint of Poland-Slovakia-Czech Republic, located in the north of the country.
Makov - Bílá-Bumbálka: A crossing in the White Carpathians.
Strelenka - Nedašova Lhota: A smaller regional crossing.
Velké Karlovice - Makov: A crossing in the area of the Western Beskids.
Klobouky u Brna - Bošáca: A crossing among the regional border crossings.
Hodonín - Holíč: Another crossing in the area of the March.
Hodonín - Kopčany: A local crossing.
Strání - Květná: A regional crossing in the area of the White Carpathians.
Uherský Brod - Vlárský průsmyk: A crossing at the Vlára Pass.
Bohumín - Čadca: An important crossing for cross-border traffic.
Jablunkov - Čierne: A crossing near the tripoint of Poland-Slovakia-Czech Republic.
7 railway crossings:
Holíč nad Moravou - Hodonín: An important railway crossing.
Břeclav - Kúty: A significant railway crossing on the main line.
Horní Lideč - Lúky pod Makytou: A crossing at the Lysá Pass.
Mosty u Jablunkova - Čadca: A railway crossing in the east.
Vrbovce - Velká nad Veličkou: A regional railway crossing.
Strelenka - Nedašova Lhota: A smaller railway crossing.
Svrčinovec - Skalité: A significant railway crossing in the Western Beskids.
3 waterway crossings:
Confluence of the Thaya into the March: A significant waterway crossing.
March River: Further crossings along the river.
Morava River: Crossings along the Morava River.
These crossings are not only important in terms of traffic but also interesting from a historical and cultural perspective.
Slovakia
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether a distance-based toll exists.
Slovakia: Vignette requirement (or not?)
A vignette requirement applies to almost all motorway and expressway sections in Slovakia. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW. It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. In addition, motorhomes represent a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (i.e., even if they weigh more than 3.5 t GVW). Furthermore, for combinations (car + trailer), it should be noted that if the weight is under 3.5 t GVW, only the vignette for the car is required, while for a total weight over 3.5 t GVW, an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer.
Motorcycles are therefore exempt from the vignette requirement and do not have to pay any fees for using motorways and expressways!
The role of the distance-based toll
The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (except for motorhomes, which are only subject to the vignette requirement regardless of their weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, which is calculated based on the kilometers driven, the vehicle class (number of axles), and the emission class (pollutant level). This distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, i.e. an on-board unit (transmitter device). This allows the amount to be paid to be deducted automatically. Therefore, you must have such a device installed in your vehicle beforehand. The distance-based toll covers motorways, expressways, and, in some cases, first-class roads (national roads) and second-class roads (regional/state roads).
Czech Republic
Czech Republic: Vignette requirement (or not?)
In the Czech Republic, you need a vignette to drive on motorways and expressways. You can purchase the vignette at most gas stations in the Czech Republic, but also at selected sales points in Germany, mainly near the border. Another convenient option is to simply buy the vignette online with us before you start your journey.
It is important to note that driving without a valid vignette on Czech motorways and expressways is punishable by high fines. It is therefore advisable to purchase the vignette in good time and attach it properly to your vehicle in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. The differences in toll and vignette regulations between Slovakia and the Czech Republic show how important it is to find out about the respective rules before starting your journey.
The role of the distance-based toll
In the Czech Republic too, no distance-based toll is charged for vehicles under 3.5 t GVW. Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW must pay the so-called Class 1 toll on motorways, expressways, and on marked sections of road. These are marked with an "M" on a yellow background, and the toll is likewise collected using an on-board unit (OBU).
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant journey to Slovakia and lots of enjoyment while exploring this diverse country. Order your digital vignette for the Czech Republic or the digital vignette for Slovakia conveniently and easily.
You can find more information about the toll in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your journey optimally and see the appropriate toll products. If you have any questions, we are available at any time by email.
