PRACTICAL INFORMATION

All incoming Erasmus students must obtain a Temporary Residence Permit in Slovakia.

As a citizen of EU member-state you must have a valid passport (or a valid ID card) and have to register at the Foreign Police Department in Bratislava or Martin. Please note that if you stay longer than 90 days in Slovakia you have to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit in our country.

If you are a non- EU student you are invited to apply for Visa and Temporary Residence Permit at the Embassy or Consulate of the Slovak Republic prior to your arrival. After your arrival you have to register at the Foreign Police Department.

Foreign Police Department in Bratislava

Address: Regrútska 4, 831 07 Bratislava

Telephone: +421 (0) 961036999

Office hours:

Foreign Police Department in Ružomberok (for students at Jessenius Faculty of Medicine)

Address: Námestie Andreja Hlinku 74, Ružomberok 034 01 (6th Floor)

Telephone: +421 (0) 96 14 83 205

Appointment online booking system: http://www.minv.sk/?ocp-pz-ruzomberok

Office hours: 

Getting there:

By train from Vrútky station (you can also travel from Martin but will need to change at Vrútky). Trains depart almost every half hour. Vrútky is easily accessible by public transport from Martin. To check the train times, please visit: www.cp.sk The price of tickets varies between 2 – 2,45 Euros one-way, depending on whether you are travelling by a fast or slow train

Once you get to Ružomberok, it will take you around 10 min to walk to the department of Foreign Police.

Driving: GPS: N 49.078778 E 19.297222

Documents needed for aplying for Visa

• Application Form - the application must be signed by the applicant; in the case of minors or persons lacking legal capacity, the application must be signed by their legal guardian who is required to attach a copy of the document identifying him/her as the applicant’s legal guardian
• full faced colour photograph of size 3 x 3,5 cm

• valid travel document - the travel document must be valid for at least three months longer than the expected validity of the visa requested and it must have been issued within previous 10 years. The document shall contain at least 2 blank pages

• documents demonstrating the purpose and conditions of the planned stay (an acceptance letter, a letter of invitation, a voucher in the case of an organised trip etc.)

• accommodation-related documents, e.g.:

  • a voucher/reservation confirming hotel/dromitory accommodation and services provided;
  • a personal letter of invitation confirming that the applicant will stay at the inviting person’s place;
  • other documents

• documents confirming sufficient means of subsistence, e.g.
  • cash in a freely convertible currency;
  • travel cheques
  • a bank account statement confirming that the applicant has had a regular income (salary, pension) in the previous 6-12 months
  • other documents safeguarding funds in a convertible currency
  No general amount of funds to cover the costs of living is prescribed, but the funds must be sufficient for the length and purpose of stay and costs of living in the final country of destination or Schengen area countries. 
  At a Slovak border crossing the foreign nationals may be asked to demonstrate that they have sufficient means to cover the costs of living for the length of stay specified in the visa in the amount of EUR 56 per person per day.

• documents enabling an assessment of the applicant's intention to leave the territory of the Member Statesbefore the expiry of the visa applied for, e.g. means of transport – a return (not open) air/bus/train ticket.
  When travelling by a passenger motor vehicle, the applicant must submit a valid driving licence and roadworthiness certificate, motor third-party liability insurance certificate (so-called green card), and demonstrate possession of sufficient funds for fuel.
  The travel insurance must be valid for all Schengen Member States and the entire length of the applicant’s stay. A minimum insurance coverage of EUR 30,000 is required. Family members of EU or EEA nationals are exempt from the obligation of submitting travel health insurance. Such exemption does not apply to the family members of the Slovak citizens.

• travel medical insurance – the insurance must cover all costs that may arise in connection with the repatriation of the applicant to their home country due to health problems, urgent medical treatment, emergency hospital treatment or death.

• other documents – for the purposes of the visa application procedure, the embassy or consulate general may ask foreign nationals to submit other documents in order to verify the declared purpose of the visit and applicant’s intention to return to their home country or the country of their residence.

Note:

• name on all needed documents has to be exactly the same as in passport - check everything prior to applying for visa
• more information can be found on the webpage of the Migration Information Centre

Documents needed for applying for the Temporary Residence Permit in the Slovak Republic:

• Application Form, filled out in Slovak language
• 2 coloured photographs of size 3 x 3,5 cm
• valid passport - validity of the passport must exceed the intended stay in Slovakia by at least 6 months
• documents confirming the purpose of stay, not older than 90 days in Slovak language - acceptance letter by the Comenius University
• documents confirming integrity, not older than 90 days in Slovak language (official translation by a Slovak legal translator OR by the Embassy in your home country with an apostille of the Embassy) - confirmation of no criminal history issued in the home country from the Crime Register
• documents confirming financial resources, not older than 90 days in Slovak language - confirmation about granting a scholarship or an original statement of ballance of your bank account from the bank in your home country where the balance has to be minimum 2 400 €
• documents confirming provision of accommodation, not older than 90 days in Slovak language - confimation from the dormitories about the duration of the booked accommodation in Bratislava/Martin

Note:

• name on all needed documents has to be exactly the same as in passport - check everything prior to applying for temporary residence permit
• We strongly recommend all students to arrive at least one week prior to the start of classes in order to apply for Temporary Residence Permit and participate on Welcome Week for Erasmus Students
• for non-EU students we recommend to start the procedure prior to departure to the Slovak Republic, since not all of the documents can be issued in the Slovak Republic (mainly the confirmation of no criminal history in the home country from the Crime Register)
• more information can be found on the webpage of the Migration Information Centre

For more information please contact the Slovak Embassy in your home country and check on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mzv.sk)

https://www.mzv.sk/web/en 

Post Address:

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
Hlboká cesta 2
833 36 Bratislava 37
Slovak Republic

Telephone number (Central Office):

From Slovakia: 02 / 5978 1111
From other country 00421-2 / 5978 1111 

Opening hours to public of the Document Authentication Unit:

Opening hours of the Documents Submission Desk for the public:

List of embassies in Slovak Republic, as on December 15, 2021. - here

When enrolling for an ERASMUS mobility students have to provide evidence of a health insurance policy. 

EU students have to travel to Slovakia with your European Health Insurance Card (E111 card).  This card will facilitate access to health care during your study stay in Slovakia. Students should request your Card from their home country's health service before you leave. 

Non EU student need to have a health insurance policy for the whole period of stay in Slovakia.

All students must also have an insurance coverage against accidents during the whole stay in Slovakia. The insurance should also cover any accidents that may occur during educational activities.

In case of emergency, dial 112 to call an ambulance.

Note: when applying for Visa you will be asked to provide evidence of health insurance policy and do not forget that medical treatment without coverage is very expensive!

EMERGENCIES FOR ADULTS IN BRATISLAVA

Health Center (Zdravotné stredisko) - Strečnianska 13, Bratislava

Outpatient Clinic (Poliklinika) - Ružinov, Ružinovská 10, Bratislava

Dental emergency - Drieňová 38, Bratislava

EMERGENCY PHARMACIES IN BRATISLAVA

Lekáreň Pokrok - Račianske mýto 1/A

Univerzitná lekáreň - Ružinovská č. 12

EMERGENCIES FOR ADULTS IN MARTIN

Emergency (Pohotovosť) - Mudroňová 14, Martin

Dental emergency - Mudroňová 14, Martin

In case of emergency, dial 112 to call an ambulance.

It is important to note that doctors providing primary health and dentistry care can be found at each Comenius University's Dormitories. For more information please contact the concierge of your Residence Hall.

http://druzba.uniba.sk/en/

To reach Slovakia by plane, students can fly to M.R. Stefanik Bratislava International Airport which is situated only half an hour drive by bus from the centre of the town.

Another option is the Vienna International Airport which is located only 50km from Bratislava. You can take a shuttle bus line to Bratislava from there.

Shuttle buses from Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Schwechat) are organized by:

• "RegioJet" to the Main Bus Station Mlynské Nivy or the bus stop "Most SNP" in the centre. If you book in advance, the ticket costs only 1,00 €. For schedule and online booking visit the website RegioJet
• "Slovaklines" to the Main Bus Station Mlynske Nivy (Autobusová stanica Mlynské Nivy). One way ticket costs 7,70 € and the trip takes 60 minutes. For schedule and online purchase of your ticket visit the website Slovaklines 
• "Blaguss" to the bus stop "Most SNP" in the centre of Bratislava. Especially convenient if you are staying at the Dormitory Druzba. Tickets can be purchased for 7,50 € on the bus. For schedule and prices visit the website of Blaguss

Our capital city is also connected by railways with the major cities of all neighboring countries (www.zssk.sk/en) as well as different European long distance buses.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN BRATISLAVA

All towns have a network of public transport. Bratislava’s network of public transportation consists of tram lines, trolleybus lines and bus lines and provides the cheapest and most convenient means of getting around.

Tickets are available in the ticket machines at the public transport stops and in some of the newspaper stands. 

You can buy a tourist one-week ticket or a monthly student ticket (based on student card or confirmation from your hosting Faculty) in different Ticket shops. We recommend the Public Transport Operator's Shop situated in the city centre on Hodžovo námestie (underground passage between Presidential Palace and Hotel Crowne Plaza).

Please note that ticket inspectors in public transport are strict. Immediately after entering the public transport vehicle you have to mark your ticket in the marking machine - the machines lock automatically 30 seconds after departure from the stop.

For more information about public transport see www.imhd.sk.

More information can be found on ESN web page about transportation in Bratislava.

The city of Martin is 224 km away from Bratislava and the journey takes from 2 to 4 hours - depending on the type of the transport connection.

The easiest way how to reach the city of Martin is to travel from your home country to Bratislava and from the capital city take the bus (www.slovaklines.sk) or the train (www.zssk.sk/en).

The most comfortable train connection is Bratislava - Žilina. Some fast trains go on from Žilina to Poprad and stop in Vrútky (part of the Martin agglomeration), here you get off and take a local bus to Martin. You can also get off in Žilina and continue by bus to Martin.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN MARTIN

Tickets are available in the ticket machines at the public transport stops, by the driver and in newspaper stands.

For more information on public transport see www.mhdmartin.net

University accommodation

• Students' Dormitories Druzba 
• Students' Dormitories Ludovit Stur - Mlyny

Other types of lodging in Bratislava

• www.casaswap.com 
• http://bit.ly/2rqlhWl - fully equipped flats and without any commission and deposit - get a 20% discount for booking fee with promo code ESNCU

More information can be found on ESN page about accommodation, including photos.

SHOPS

Shops are generally open from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm from Monday to Saturday. Shopping centers (Aupark, Polus city center, Avion shopping park, Tulip Center, OC Central, etc.) are opened every day usually from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm.

TELEPHONE

You can buy prepaid phone cards from one the three mobile operators in Slovakia: Orange Slovakia, Telekom Slovakia and O2 Telefonica.  

POSTAL SERVICES

The Slovak Post’s main office in Bratislava is located in downtown Námestie SNP 25 and is opened every day. You can find all branches of the Slovak Post  

BANKS

If you want to open a bank account in Slovakia, you should go to one of our local banks with following documents:

• identity card or passport
• stay permit (for Non EU citizens)
• certificate of enrolment at Comenius University

We recommend to open a bank account in Tatra banka, as this bank does not require to have a stay permit from the Foreign Police Department and the bank accound is free of charge for students.

Banks are usually opened from Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. You can withdraw cash from “Bankomat” ATM (Automated teller machine).   

Slovakia has temperate climate with four seasons. The coldest month is January with night temperatures from –10°C to –15°C. The warmest month is July with maximum day temperature around 35°C. 
In the mountain regions there is snow coverage for 130 days a year.

Slovakia is a country which can offer boundless opportunities when it comes to culture, and entertainment.

In winter our mountains offer good quality ski resorts with well-prepared downhill slopes and cross-country trails opened usually from November to the end of April.

In summer you can choose between cycling, rafting, trekking, hiking, horse riding, etc.

During the whole year you can swim in the thermal swimming pools almost everywhere in Slovakia!

Thanks to its central position in Europe, Slovakia has always been a crossroad of cultures. Museums and galleries exhibit this heritage. They are the key to understanding the culture, the fascinating history of the nation as well as the natural landscape. 

There are numerous theatres, opera and ballet companies, chamber orchestras and symphony orchestras which represent the national cultural heritage. It is right here, in the country of musicians and painters, where Andy Warhol has his origins. 

To organize your free time in Bratislava contact:

• Bratislava Culture and Information Centre on Klobučnícka 2 or
• go through website www.bkis.sk

To know more about Slovakia and the city of Martin see: 

• www.slovakia.org
• www.slovakia.travel
• www.tikmartin.sk

Each faculty of Comenius University proposes different sport activities. For more information contact the Department of sports of your hosting faculty.  

The Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Comenius University offers Erasmus+ students possibility to rent various sport facilities  (tennis court, basketball court, beach volleyball court, mini-football field, football pitch) with discount prices (column „cena pre Školy“).
For more information please contact:

For more information please contact:

Mgr. Marcela Rychtáriková
Erasmus+ administrator
e-mail: marcela.rychtarikovafsport.uniba.sk

Football for Erasmus+ students

An opportunity for Erasmus+ students to continue football career during studies in Slovakia. Currently the club has student-athlete players, which proved to be a successful concept. The club is now in the 3rd Slovak division and offers an excellent opportunity to continue and improve football career.

Where: At Lokomotiva Devinska Nova Ves football club located in Bratislava in close proximity of Volkswagen car factory.

For more information please contact general manager:

Ing. Peter Zukal

e-mail: zukal@saluto.sk
tel: +421 907 799 338
web: www.lokomotivadnv.sk

The International Relations Office organizes Welcome Week at the beginning of each semester to welcome Erasmus+ students.

You are strongly recommended to attend this meeting in order to get well informed. The presented topics include: information about studying at the University, about library, Slovak language courses, etc. 

Various social activities are organized by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). For more information please visit Student network site and see the events they organize.

• Housing: 250 - 300 €
• Meals: 150 €
• Books: 30 €
• Local transportation: 20 €

These costs are just estimated; the actual living costs depend on your living standards.

SAFETY GUIDE