Slovakia–Czechia Border Crossing

The border between Slovakia and Czechia is an important connecting route between two central European countries. It is not only a geographical separation, but also a key link for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

Length of the border

The total length of the border between Slovakia and Czechia is 251.8 km, with 71 km formed by rivers. It includes various geographical regions such as the White Carpathians, the Javorníky Mountains, and the Western Beskids, which indicates several possible crossing points in these areas. Not all border crossings are formally designated; some are simply road crossings.

Border checks and entry requirements

With both countries joining the Schengen Area in 2007, systematic border checks were abolished. Since joining the EU and the Schengen Agreement, Slovaks have developed significantly and their perception of the EU has become more firmly established amid current challenges. This means that both EU citizens and citizens of other countries can cross the border crossing point without passport checks. Nevertheless, there are occasional temporary border checks, especially for security or migration policy reasons.

For EU citizens, entry into Slovakia and Czechia is straightforward. A valid national ID card or passport is sufficient. Citizens of other countries should check specific visa requirements, which may vary depending on their country of origin.

General information about currency

In Slovakia, payments are made in euros (EUR), while in Czechia the Czech koruna (CZK) is the national currency. Travelers should therefore make sure they have the right currency with them or find out in advance about exchange offices and ATMs at the border crossing. Nevertheless, both countries are EU member states, even independently of each other.

Toll charges are paid electronically in both countries. It is recommended to purchase both the digital vignette for Slovakia and the digital vignette for Czechia online in advance.

The most important border crossings and some special features

Between Slovakia and Czechia there are a total of 27 former border crossings that can be used for checks, including:

• 17 road crossings
• 7 rail crossings
• 3 inland waterway crossings

Some important geographical points along the border are:

• The Austria–Slovakia–Czechia tri-border point at the confluence of the Thaya and the Morava (March): a striking spot where three countries meet.
• The Vlára Pass: an important mountain pass crossing.
• The Lysá Pass between Horní Lideč and Lysá pod Makytou: another key crossing point.
• The Poland–Slovakia–Czechia tri-border point near Hrčava / Čierne close to the Jablunkov Pass: a well-known geographical point with strategic significance.

The key border crossings are:

17 road crossings:

• Brodske - Lanžhot (D2): A main crossing in the west on the motorway.
• Holíč - Hodonín: An important crossing for regional traffic.
• Skalica - Sudoměřice: Popular with travelers between Slovakia and South Moravia.
• Moravský Svätý Ján - Hohenau: A southern crossing at the Austria–Slovakia–Czechia tri-border area.
• 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 near the Poland–Slovakia–Czechia tri-border point, 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.
• Klobouky u Brna - Bošáca: A crossing for regional border traffic.
• Hodonín - Holíč: Another crossing in the Morava (March) area.
• Hodonín - Kopčany: A local crossing.
• Strání - Květná: A regional crossing in the White Carpathians area.
• 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 Poland–Slovakia–Czechia tri-border point.

7 rail crossings:

• Holíč nad Moravou - Hodonín: An important rail crossing.
• Břeclav - Kúty: A significant rail crossing on the main line.
• Horní Lideč - Lúky pod Makytou: A crossing in the Lysá Pass area.
• Mosty u Jablunkova - Čadca: A rail crossing in the east.
• Vrbovce - Velká nad Veličkou: A regional rail crossing.
• Strelenka - Nedašova Lhota: A smaller rail crossing.
• Svrčinovec - Skalité: A significant rail crossing in the Western Beskids.

3 inland waterway crossings:

• Confluence of the Thaya into the Morava (March): A significant inland waterway crossing.
• Morava (March) River: Additional crossings along the river.
• Morava River: Crossings along the Morava River.

These crossings are not only important for transport, but are also interesting from a historical and cultural perspective.

Slovakia

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether distance-based tolls apply.

Slovakia: vignette required (or not?)

A vignette is required 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. Motorhomes are a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (even if they weigh more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight). In addition, for vehicle 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, whereas if the total weight exceeds 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 distance-based tolls

The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (except motorhomes, which are subject to the vignette requirement regardless of their weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, calculated based on the kilometers driven, the vehicle class (number of axles), and the emission class (pollution level). This distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, i.e., a transmitting device (on-board unit). This allows the amount due to be debited automatically. Therefore, you must have such a transmitting device installed in your vehicle in advance. The distance-based toll covers motorways, expressways, and in part first-class roads (federal roads) and second-class roads (state/regional roads).

Czechia

Czechia: vignette required (or not?)

In Czechia, you need a vignette to drive on motorways and expressways. You can buy the vignette at most petrol stations in Czechia, as well as at selected sales points in Germany, mainly near the border. Another convenient option is to purchase the vignette online from us before you start your journey.

It is important to note that driving without a valid vignette on Czech motorways and expressways is punished with high fines. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase the vignette in good time and attach it properly to your vehicle to avoid unpleasant surprises. The differences in toll and vignette regulations between Slovakia and Czechia show how important it is to familiarize yourself with the respective rules before you travel.

The role of distance-based tolls

In Czechia, no distance-based toll is charged for vehicles under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight either. Vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight must pay tolls on motorways, expressways, and on marked sections of so-called first-class roads. These are signposted with an "M" on a yellow background, and tolls are also collected using an on-board unit (OBU).

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and lots of enjoyment while exploring this diverse country. Simply and conveniently order your digital vignette for Czechia or the digital vignette for Slovakia.

You can find more information about tolls in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time by email.