Border Crossing Slovakia Poland
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 neighbouring 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 kilometres and includes a variety of crossings, offering travellers different options depending on their route and the means of transport they use. This number of border crossings makes it possible to travel flexibly and conveniently 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, which lies on the Danube and forms both 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 range 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?
Since both countries joined the Schengen Area, there are no systematic border controls at the border between Slovakia and Poland. Travellers 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 heightened security measures, even though the traveller is entering a state that is a member of the EU.
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 from outside the EU, the usual Schengen rules apply, meaning they need a visa if they are not allowed to enter the Schengen Area visa-free.
Can the toll be paid at the border?
Paying the toll at the border is generally not necessary, as most toll systems in both countries operate electronically. In Slovakia, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight must purchase an electronic vignette (e-vignette). In Poland, most motorways and expressways are subject to tolls, and fees can be paid at the toll stations in cash or by card.
The Main Border Crossings
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 offering their own unique features and advantages.
Skalité - Zwardoń-Myto: Here there are two options: one is only open to cars, while the other is open to all vehicle types. This crossing is located in a picturesque region and is particularly popular with tourists travelling to the Tatra Mountains.
Trstená - Chyżne: Another important 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.
Tatranská Javorina - Łysa Polana: This crossing has a weight limit of 7.5 tonnes and is mainly suitable for lighter vehicles and tourists wishing to explore the beauty of the Tatra National Parks.
Mníšek nad Popradom - Piwniczna-Zdrój: A border crossing that is exclusively open to cars. This route is less busy and offers a quiet alternative for travellers who wish to avoid the busy main roads.
Čirč - Leluchów: Another quiet road crossing suitable for all vehicle types. This route runs through a scenically beautiful area and is ideal for travellers 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 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 (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, whereas 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 kilometres 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 (OBU). This allows the amount due to be debited 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).
Poland
Poland: Vignette requirement (or not?)
In Poland, alongside 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 type of vehicle and the type of financed motorway sections.
Vehicles and combinations under 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight
The toll is a distance-based toll that depends on the distance travelled. It should be noted that there is no nationwide uniform price per kilometre, meaning that different prices apply on different motorway sections. On the concession motorways, you can pay either in 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 tonnes gross vehicle weight
For all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, a toll obligation applies both on private motorway sections (concession motorways) and on publicly financed motorways as well as on expressways and national roads.
The toll is a distance-based toll that depends on the distance travelled. It should be noted that there is no nationwide uniform price per kilometre, meaning that different prices apply on different motorway sections. While you can pay either in cash or by card on the concession motorways, the situation is different for the publicly financed routes. If you drive on the publicly financed routes with a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes, and the toll obligation therefore applies, you can only pay electronically via the e-TOLL system. For this, the vehicle must be registered with e-TOLL (registration is possible online or on-site). Only in this way can billing be carried out using the e-TOLL PL app, an on-board unit (OBU), or an external locating device (ZSL) installed in the vehicle.
Important: viaBOX and viaTOLL can no longer be used! A more detailed explanation can be found 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 Trip
We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and lots of enjoyment while 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 suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are available at any time via email.
