Slovakia Poland Border Crossing

Length of the border crossings

The border between Slovakia and Poland stretches for around 541 kilometres and includes a wide variety of crossings, offering travellers different options depending on their route and the means of transport they use. This large number of border crossings makes it possible to travel between the two countries flexibly and conveniently.

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 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 considerably smaller than Germany.

Are there border controls at the border crossing?

Since both countries joined the Schengen Area, there are no longer any 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, spot checks may be carried out by police or customs authorities, particularly during periods of heightened security measures, even though the traveller is entering a state 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 from outside the EU, the usual Schengen rules apply, meaning they need a visa unless they are permitted to enter the Schengen Area visa-free.

Can you pay the toll 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 toll roads, and fees can be paid in cash or by card at the toll stations.

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 offering its own particular features and advantages.

2. 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 the Beskids (Kysuce region) and provides access to the D3 motorway towards Žilina. Please note: the D3 requires a vignette from the border (21 km to Čadca-Bukov).

3. 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.

4. Tatranská Javorina - Łysa Polana: This crossing has a weight limit of 7.5 tonnes and is mainly suitable for lighter vehicles and tourists who want 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 busy and offers a quiet alternative for travellers wishing to avoid the busy main roads.

6. Čirč - Leluchów: Another quiet road crossing suitable for all vehicle types. This route passes through a scenically attractive 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 the signposted motorway and expressway sections of Slovakia. The motorway bypasses of Bratislava, Nitra, Košice, Prešov, Poprad, Žilina and Banská Bystrica have been toll-free since 1 August 2024 (sign "BEZ ÚHRADY"). The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight as well as to all vehicles registered as passenger cars (class M1), regardless of 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 more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight), provided they are registered as passenger cars (class M1); motorhomes registered as trucks (N2/N3) over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, on the other hand, pay the distance-based toll. In addition, for combinations (car + trailer), it should be noted that for a weight of up to 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 cars and motorhomes registered as passenger cars of class M1: these remain subject to the vignette requirement regardless of 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 (pollution 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. You must therefore have such a transmitting device installed in your vehicle beforehand. The distance-based toll applies to motorways, expressways, and in some cases first-class roads (national roads) and second-class roads (regional/state roads). On 1 January 2027, Slovakia will switch to a new system for the distance-based toll: anyone currently using an on-board unit from the operator SkyToll will need to re-register their vehicle (with the national provider CzechToll from 1 December 2026) and will receive a new on-board unit. Rates and the tolled road network will remain unchanged.

Poland

Poland: Vignette requirement (or not?)

In Poland, there is no vignette requirement, aside from the distance-based toll obligation.

The role of the distance-based toll

The toll system in Poland is based on the distance-based toll obligation, which varies depending on the vehicle and the type of financing for the 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 uniform nationwide 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. You can find out more about exactly which routes are subject to tolls in our article on tolls in Poland.

Vehicles and combinations over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight

All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are subject to tolls 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 that depends on the distance travelled. It should be noted that there is no uniform nationwide 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, things work differently on the publicly funded routes. If you travel on the publicly funded routes with a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes, meaning the toll obligation applies, you can only pay electronically via the e-TOLL system. To do this, the vehicle must be registered (or must be registered) with e-TOLL, which can be done online or in person. Only in this way can billing take place 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.

You can find further information on tolls in Poland in our guide.

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. You can find further information on tolls in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and be shown the appropriate toll products. If you have any questions, we are always happy to help you by email.