June 21, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Slovenia operates under a parliamentary democracy. In May 2004, Slovenia became a member of the European Union. A mountainous country, half of Slovenia is covered by forests, with 29 miles of coastline along the Adriatic Sea. Tourist facilities are widely available throughout the country.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required for entry into Slovenia. Visas are not required for American citizens arriving for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. For further information on entry requirements for Slovenia, travelers may contact the Embassy of Slovenia at 1525 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036, Tel: (202) 667-5363, the Consulate General of Slovenia in New York City, Tel: (2l2) 370-3006; Or the Consulate General in Cleveland, Ohio, tel. (216) 589-9220. The website of the Slovenian Embassy in the United States is http://www.embassy.org/slovenia/.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Slovene laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Slovene citizens. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: There are occasional political demonstrations in city centers in Slovenia. Most often they occur in central Ljubljana in areas around Kongresni Trg ( Congress Square ), in front of the Parliament building, around other government facilities and at times near the American Embassy. These demonstrations are usually peaceful and generally are not anti-American in nature. However, there have been demonstrations that voiced anti-American sentiments. In at least one demonstration, eggs and paint balloons were thrown at the Embassy. American citizens are urged to avoid demonstrations. For additional information, Americans are encouraged to check the Embassy's website at http://www.usembassy.si or to call the Embassy at 386-1-200-5595 or 200-5599 (200-5556 after hours and on weekends/holidays).

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays).

CRIME: Slovenia has a low crime rate. Travelers should, however, take normal precautions, as they are sometimes the targets of pickpockets and purse-snatchers. The loss or theft abroad of an U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Adequate medical care is readily available.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau for Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Travelers to Slovenia may obtain a list of English-speaking physicians at the U.S. Embassy at the U.S. Embassy or online at http://www.usembassy.si/consular/physicians.pdf. Antibiotics, as well as other American-equivalent prescription medications are available at local pharmacies. Slovenia requires that all medications, including drugs considered over-the-counter and first aid supplies be dispensed through a pharmacy (Lekarna). For those persons who engage in outdoor activities, a vaccine to prevent tick-borne encephalitis is recommended.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for International travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Slovenia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Slovenia has a well-developed road network, safe for travel. Highways connect to neighboring cities and countries and are clearly sign-posted. As the number of cars in Slovenia continues to rise, roads are becoming more heavily congested during the weekends on major routes and during rush hours. Parking is difficult and can be expensive in the city center. Traffic moves on the right; road signs and traffic rules are similar to those used throughout Europe. Third party liability insurance is required for all vehicles; coverage is purchased locally. Travelers should be alert to aggressive drivers both in cities and on highways. Many of the serious accidents in Slovenia occur as a result of high speed driving. Emergency roadside help and information may be found by dialing 1 987 for vehicle assistance and towing services, 112 for an ambulance or fire brigade, and 113 for police.

U.S. visitors or U.S. residents in Slovenia must be in possession of both a valid U.S. driver's license and an International Driver's License if they wish to drive in Slovenia. This will allow them to drive for a maximum of one year after which residents of Slovenia are required to obtain a Slovene driver's license. Current information about traffic and road conditions is available in English by calling (01)530-5300 and online at http://www.amzl.si.

The speed limit is 50-kph/30 mph in urban areas, 90-kph/54 mph on expressways (the avtocesta). Motorists are required to have their headlights on during the daytime and drivers and passengers must wear seat belts, and both drivers and passengers on motorcycles must wear homologated helmets. The use of handheld cellular telephones while driving is prohibited in Slovenia. For additional information, visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Slovenia at http://www.usembassy.si.

For specific information on Slovenian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance contact the Slovenian National Tourist Office at (212) 358-9686, or via the Internet at http://www.Slovenia-tourism.si. For information about International Driving Permits, contact AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance at http://www.aaa.com.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Slovenia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Slovenia 's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may Contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Slovenia customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation or export from Slovenia of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, business equipment, and other items. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate General of Slovenia in New York for specific information regarding customs requirements.

As of March 15, 2001, Slovenian Customs authorities accept ATA (Air Transport Association) Carnets for the temporary importation of commercial samples, exhibitions and fairs and professional equipment into Slovenia. The U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send an email to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at http://www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the laws of Slovenia, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Slovenia are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. A list of English-speaking Slovenia attorneys can be obtained at the U.S. Embassy

Under the Protect Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the U.S., for U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens, to engage in illicit sexual conduct, sexually exploit children via pornography, the Internet or other means, with a person under the age of 18 in a foreign country, regardless of whether there was intent.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Slovenia is rated high for earthquake probability by the U.S. Federal Management Agency. In 1895 Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, was leveled by an earthquake. On April 12, 1998, 3,000 buildings in the Soca Valley were damaged from a 5.5 scale earthquake, which was centered in the valley. Although 700 homes were damaged irrevocably, there were no injuries or fatalities. Earthquake probability ratings and other information about earthquake preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Slovenia are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana to obtain updated information on travel and security within Slovenia. The U.S. Embassy is located at Presernova 31, Ljubljana 1000, Tel: (386)(1) 200-5500 or Fax: (386)(1) 200-5535. The Embassy website address is http://www.usembassy.si.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 12, 2003, to update information on Country Description, Entry Requirements, Safety and Security, Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Customs Regulations, Criminal Penalties and Children's Issues.

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