Slovakia is an attractive destination for visitors throughout the year. Spring and autumn are good times for mountain hikes, bike tours and cave exploration. Summertime is excellent for swimming in the numerous pools and bathing centres (ordinary and thermal) and for enjoying water sports on its artificial lakes. In winter, Slovakia tempts visitors with its excellent ski slopes, and more unusual attractions such as swimming in outdoor thermal pools.

Those interested in visiting museums, open-air museums (skansens) and castles should bear in mind that from October to May many of them are closed, particularly those situated in the provinces. However, sights in Bratislava and other large towns generally remain open throughout the year.

Nationals of EU countries are admitted to Slovakia on presenting a valid passport or an ID Card, but if they intend to remain in the country for more than 90 days, they are required to report to the police and apply for a resident’s permit.

Foreigners entering the Slovak Republic have to carry €108, or the equivalent in any convertible currency, in the form of travellers’ cheques, cash or credit cards, for each day of their intended stay (children up to the age of 16 need half this amount). This rule is, however, applied to EU citizens only in exceptional circumstances. The sum may be reduced on the presentation of documents confirming advance payment for some services, such as hotel bookings or car hire.

At customs, EU nationals can bring into Slovakia the maximum allowed within the EU guidelines for personal use.

For selected embassies in the Slovak Republic, see the directory. The consulates for Australia and New Zealand and the Canadian embassy in Prague cover their nationals when travelling in Slovakia.

Local tourist information centres provide details on accommodation, the region’s natural attractions, also its cultural and sporting events. The most reliable information can be obtained from any of the 49 AICES affiliated offices (Asociácia informačných centier Slovenska), with their head office in Liptovský Mikuláš (www.infoslovak.sk). In addition, many places have their own information centres providing the same type of services. These may sell parking permits and local discount cards for tourists; they may also exchange foreign currencies. In some of these centres (although still very few) it is possible to book hotel accommodation. Unfortunately, almost none of the maps, guidebooks and information brochures that can be obtained from tourist information offices are free; the best you can hope to be given for free are a few pamphlets.

Tourist information offices are usually open 9am to 5pm, occasionally until 4pm or 6pm. Some of them close for an hour at lunchtime. On Saturdays many such offices close at 1pm, and on Sundays many remain closed all day. Their staff usually speak English and German.

Slovak tourist offices abroad are few and far between, but it is worth consulting websites such as www.slovakije.com or www.slovakiatourism.sk for information when planning your trip.

Slovakia has numerous interesting historic sites from various eras: from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages to relatively recent times. In most towns you can find regional, historic or local museums. These often open all year from 9am to 5pm, though they may open Tuesday to Sunday in summer and Monday to Friday in winter.

The most interesting open-air museums (skansens), exhibiting traditional rural buildings, can be found in the country’s northern regions, in Martin-Jahodniki (from all over Slovakia), Zuberec (Orava), Stara L’ubovňa (Spiš), Svidník (Ukrainian-Ruthenian); and Humenn (Zemplinský). The historic villages of Čičmany and Vlkolínec enjoy the status of “living skansens”. Opening hours vary, with some staying open all year and others just during the summer months.

Many Slovak castles and historic buildings are open from May to September, Tuesday to Sunday between 9am and 5pm, closing for an hour for lunch. They open at weekends in April and October, and then some close completely from November to March. Opening hours of major sights are listed in this guide. Many can be seen only on a guided tour; ask if there is an English guide as otherwise tours are usually in Slovak.

Some large churches and cathedrals open on the same basis as museums. Others are open only when a service is in progress. At other times, seek admission from the local caretaker or priest, whose address is often given on the door.

Museum entrance fees are not very high in Slovakia–they vary from €1 to €2, with concession tickets for children and students at around 50 cents to €1. A few major castles charge more. At Bojnice, for instance, a standard ticket costs €4, and concessions are €2. At Orava a standard ticket is €3, while a concession ticket is €1.

Slovakia is a child-friendly country. Public parks feature many playgrounds; there are also children’s play areas in some supermarkets. The most attractive places are the numerous swimming pools, with ordinary and thermal pools. The country’s best-known aquapark is Tatralandia, near Liptovský Mikuláš. Its competitor is the ever-expanding Aquacity park in Poprad. Children are also sure to enjoy the zoos in Bratislava, Bojnice, Košice and Spisšká Nová Ves

The youngest travellers can expect generous discounts in hotels, as well as on public transport; for example, a child up to the age of six travels free on Slovak railways.

Facilities for disabled visitors are limited in Slovakia. Many of the trains have wheelchair access to at least one carriage, but it is often difficult to negotiate the station itself in order to reach the train. Many older buildings are gradually being adapted to the needs of disabled users.

Slovakia’s official language is Slovak, commonly spoken by about 86 per cent of the population. In the country’s southern region, with its Hungarian minority (about 10 per cent of the population), the signs and names of places are given in both Slovak and Hungarian. Bilingual signs can also be seen in northeastern regions inhabited by, amongst others, the Ruthenian (Ukrainian) minority. You can also communicate in Czech anywhere in Slovakia without any problem. In towns and tourist resorts a knowledge of English and German is reasonably widespread.

Slovakia uses the metric system. The mains voltage is 220–230 volts. Standard Continental European two-pin plugs are used.

Slovakia’s clocks are set to Central-European time (GMT + 1), that is, the same as most of the countries of Continental Europe. As in neighbouring countries, the clocks are put forward by one hour on the last Sunday in March (summer time) and back again by one hour on the last Sunday in October (winter time).