Slovakia Poland Border Crossing

The Slovakia and Poland share a long and historic border that runs through picturesque landscapes, dense forests and impressive mountain ranges. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the border crossings between these two neighboring countries, including information on border controls, entry requirements, currency, and toll fees.

Length of the border crossings

The border between Slovakia and Poland stretches over approximately 541 kilometers and includes a variety of crossings, offering travelers different options depending on their route and the mode of transport they use. This number of border crossings allows for flexible and convenient travel between the two countries.

General information about Slovakia

Slovakia is a country in Central Europe that borders Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Ukraine. The capital is Bratislava, located on the Danube, which forms the cultural and economic heart of the country. The current president of Slovakia is Peter Pellegrini, who has been in office since June 2024. Slovakia is known for its impressive landscapes, including the High Tatras, historic towns, and a rich cultural history. The country offers an impressive amount of cultural and scenic experiences that delight visitors.

The official language of Slovakia is Slovak. With an area of 49,035 km², Slovakia is significantly smaller than Germany.

Are there border controls at the border crossing point?

Since both countries joined the Schengen Area, there are no longer systematic border controls at the border between Slovakia and Poland. Travelers can therefore cross the border freely without having to stop at a border post. However, random checks may be carried out by police or customs authorities, especially during periods of increased security measures, even though the traveler is entering a country that is an EU member.

What are the entry requirements for Slovakia?

Thanks to the Schengen Agreement, EU citizens do not need any special documents to travel between Slovakia and Poland. A valid ID card or passport is sufficient. For citizens outside the EU, the usual Schengen regulations apply, meaning they need a visa if they are not allowed to enter the Schengen Area visa-free.

Can you pay the toll at the border?

Paying the toll at the border is generally not required, as most toll systems in both countries operate electronically. In Slovakia, vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW must purchase an electronic vignette (e-vignette). In Poland, most motorways and expressways are subject to tolls, and fees can be paid at toll stations in cash or by card.

The most important border crossings

1. Vyšný Komárnik - Barwinek: This border crossing is one of the most important on the main road between Slovakia and Poland. It is located on the international road E371 and is suitable for all vehicle types. The route is well developed and offers a fast connection between the two countries. There are numerous other border crossings, each with its own特点 and advantages.

2. Skalité - Zwardoń-Myto: Here there are two options: one is only for cars, while the other is open to all vehicle types. This crossing is located in a picturesque region and is particularly popular with tourists traveling to the Tatra Mountains.

3. Trstená - Chyżne: Another significant border crossing located on the international road E77. This route is frequently used by trucks, as it is one of the main traffic routes between Slovakia and Poland.

4. Tatranská Javorina - Łysa Polana: This crossing has a weight limit of 7.5 tons and is mainly suitable for lighter vehicles and tourists wishing to explore the beauty of the Tatra National Parks.

5. Mníšek nad Popradom - Piwniczna-Zdrój: A border crossing that is only open to cars. This route is less frequented and offers a quiet alternative for travelers who want to avoid the busy main roads.

6. Čirč - Leluchów: Another quiet road crossing suitable for all vehicle types. This route passes through a scenic area and is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the border region.

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 GVW. 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 more than 3.5 t GVW). It should also be noted that for combinations (car + trailer), if the weight is under 3.5 t GVW, only the vignette for the car is required, while for a total weight of 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. a transmitting device (on-board unit). This allows the amount payable to be debited automatically. 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).

Poland

Poland: vignette requirement (or not?)

In Poland, in addition to the distance-based toll requirement, there is no vignette requirement.

The role of the distance-based toll

The toll system in Poland is based on the distance-based toll requirement, which varies depending on the vehicles and the type of financed motorway sections.

Vehicles and combinations under 3.5 tons GVW

The toll is a distance-based toll based on the distance traveled. It should be noted that there is no nationwide uniform price per kilometer, meaning that different prices apply on different motorway sections. On concession motorways, you can pay either with cash or by card. In our article on tolls in Poland, you can find out more about exactly which routes are subject to tolls.

Vehicles and combinations over 3.5 tons GVW

For all vehicles over 3.5 tons, a toll requirement applies on both private motorway sections (concession motorways) and publicly funded motorways as well as on expressways and national roads.

The toll is a distance-based toll based on the distance traveled. It should be noted that there is no nationwide uniform price per kilometer, meaning that different prices apply on different motorway sections. While you can pay either with cash or by card on concession motorways, this is different for publicly funded routes. If you use the publicly funded routes with a vehicle over 3.5 tons, and the toll requirement therefore applies, you can only pay electronically via the e-TOLL system. To do this, the vehicle must be registered with e-TOLL (registration is possible online or on-site). Only then can billing be carried out using the e-TOLL PL app, a transmitting device (OBU), or an external locating device (ZSL) installed in the vehicle.

Important: viaBOX and viaTOLL can no longer be used! You can find a more detailed explanation here.

The fee charged varies depending on the road category, the permissible total weight of the vehicle or vehicle combination, and the Euro emission class.

For more information on tolls in Poland, please see our guide.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and lots of fun exploring this diverse country. For more information on tolls in Slovakia, please see our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and see the appropriate toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help at any time via email.