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 division but also a vital link for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

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 encompasses 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 formally regulated, as some are merely 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, Slovakia has developed significantly, and its perception of the EU has solidified amid current challenges. This means that both EU citizens and citizens of other countries can cross the border without passport control. Nevertheless, there are occasionally 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 carry the appropriate currency or inform themselves in advance about currency exchange offices and ATMs at the border crossing. Nevertheless, both countries are, independently of one another, each a member state of the EU.

Toll payments are made 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 inspections, including:

• 17 road crossings

• 7 railway crossings

• 3 waterway crossings

Some important geographical points along the border are:

• The Austria-Slovakia-Czech Republic tripoint at the confluence of the Thaya and the Morava: A notable point where three countries meet.

• The Vlára Pass: An important pass crossing.

• The Lysá Pass between Horní Lideč and Lysá pod Makytou: Another important crossing point.

• The Poland-Slovakia-Czech Republic tripoint near Hrčava / Čierne close to the Jablunkov Pass: A well-known geographical point of strategic importance.

The most important border crossings specifically are:

Important 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.

• Drietoma - Starý Hrozenkov: An important crossing in the Javorníky Mountains.

• Lysá pod Makytou - Horní Lideč: A significant crossing in the area of the Lysá Pass.

• Svrčinovec - Mosty u Jablunkova: An important crossing in the area of the Poland-Slovakia-Czech Republic tripoint, 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 Western Beskids area.

• Hodonín - Kopčany: A local crossing.

• Uherský Brod - Vlárský průsmyk: A crossing at the Vlára Pass.

• Jablunkov - Čierne: A crossing near the Poland-Slovakia-Czech Republic tripoint.

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 and the Morava: A significant waterway crossing.

• Morava 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 on almost all motorway and expressway sections in Slovakia. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. In addition, motorhomes are a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (i.e., even if they weigh over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight). Furthermore, for combinations (car + trailer), it should be noted that if the weight is under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, only the vignette for the car is required, while for a total weight of over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, 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 gross vehicle weight (except for motorhomes, which only require a vignette, 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. a transmitting device (On-Board Unit). This allows the amount to be paid to be automatically deducted. Therefore, you must have such a transmitting 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 the vignette-required motorways (D-roads). On site, you can get the vignette at branches of the Czech Post, at EuroOil and RoBiN-OIL gas stations, as well as at vending machines at border crossings; online, it is available via edalnice.gov.cz. Another convenient option is to simply purchase the vignette online from us before you start your trip.

It is important to note that driving without a valid vignette on vignette-required Czech motorways is punished with heavy fines. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase the vignette in good time and to carefully check the license plate and country of registration when ordering, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Nothing is affixed: since 2021, there is only the digital vignette, which is linked to the license plate. The differences in toll and vignette regulations between Slovakia and the Czech Republic show how important it is to inform yourself about the respective regulations before starting your trip.

The Role of the Distance-Based Toll

In the Czech Republic, too, no distance-based toll is charged for vehicles under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. Vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight must pay the so-called 1st class toll on motorways, expressways, and on marked sections of roads. 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 Trip

We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and much enjoyment exploring this diverse country. Conveniently and easily order your digital vignette for the Czech Republic or the digital vignette for Slovakia.

For more information on tolls in Slovakia, see our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and to be shown suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are available at any time by email.