Transport in Slovakia for foreigners

Yes. Under temporary EU rules, people with temporary protection can use their valid Ukrainian license for the entire protection period — without being forced to exchange it for a Slovak one. This applies in all EU countries as long as the license is not expired or invalid.

You are not required to exchange your license while you have temporary protection. Moreover, temporary protection status (dočasná ochrana) alone is not enough to apply for an exchange: the right to exchange is usually for holders of temporary (prechodný) or permanent (trvalý) residency, or long-term students.

You should carry your license with you; an official translation might also be useful in certain situations. The Ministry of Interior (Ministerstvo vnútra) provides clarifications on residency and documents.

Temporary protection has been extended until March 4, 2027. If you plan to stay longer and are transitioning to prechodný or trvalý pobyt, then the question of exchange will arise — the Migrant Information Centre IOM (Migračný informačný centrum IOM) collects practical advice.

An exchange (výmena vodičského preukazu) is mainly for those transitioning to long-term residency who are no longer covered by temporary EU rules. Applications are submitted to the road traffic inspectorate (dopravný inšpektorát) at your place of residence.

Typically, you will need: your valid Ukrainian license, its official translation, a residency document, a photograph, and a medical certificate of fitness to drive (lekárske potvrdenie). For certain categories (professional drivers, trucks, buses), a psychological assessment is also required — this is generally not needed for the standard category B.

You should check the procedure, required documents, and fees in advance, as details can change — the Ministry of Interior (Ministerstvo vnútra) provides current information, and some steps can be initiated online via the slovensko.sk portal.

Consider the deadlines: if you already have prechodný or trvalý pobyt, do not delay the exchange — there is usually a limited time to do so after obtaining the status.

Public transport (MHD) includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses. You buy a ticket in advance (from a machine, kiosk, app, or via SMS) and validate it at the start of your journey; it is valid for a set time (e.g., 15, 30, 60 minutes) and allows transfers. Traveling without a ticket is subject to a fine.

If you travel regularly, a monthly, quarterly, or annual pass (predplatný lístok) is more economical — it is linked to the city's transport card. In Bratislava, the network is served by Dopravný podnik Bratislava, and in Košice by Dopravný podnik mesta Košice.

The most convenient way to buy tickets is through the carriers' official apps — they also show schedules and fare zones. In larger cities, the price depends on the number of zones you cross, so check the zone before your trip.

For newcomers, the Migrant Information Centre IOM (Migračný informačný centrum IOM) provides transport guidance for various cities.

The national railway carrier is ZSSK. For Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status, free travel is still available on most trains (except IC): to get a free ticket, show your ID, proof of temporary protection, and, according to current conditions, employer confirmation at the ticket counter. As conditions change periodically, check them before your trip.

Beyond this benefit, regular fares and standard discounts apply — for children, pupils and students, as well as seniors. From July 1, 2026, ZSSK updated its system: a single ZSSK Vlaková karta replaced separate paper passes, and discounts can be activated in the app.

Check current tariffs, discounts, and conditions for free travel for Ukrainians on the official ZSSK website (ZSSK) — there is a dedicated page for Ukraine aid.

Tickets are conveniently purchased online or via the 'IDeme vlakom' app; for popular routes and peak days, it's better to book in advance. The Migrant Information Centre IOM (Migračný informačný centrum IOM) also offers general travel advice.

You can legally use a car with Ukrainian registration for a certain period, but once you settle in Slovakia long-term (transition to prechodný or trvalý pobyt), the issue of re-registration (prihlásenie do evidencie vozidiel) arises. The exact timeframe depends on your residency status, so check it in advance.

Regarding mandatory civil liability insurance (PZP): a car permanently located in Slovakia must be insured with a local policy. A 'Green Card' is a solution for temporary entry, not for permanent use.

Car registration typically involves a technical inspection (STK) and emissions control (emisná kontrola), customs and tax formalities upon import, and an application at the road traffic inspectorate (dopravný inšpektorát). The Ministry of Interior (Ministerstvo vnútra) describes the procedure and required documents.

As import and customs clearance rules are complex and subject to change, it is advisable to check current conditions before buying or importing a car — the Migrant Information Centre IOM (Migračný informačný centrum IOM) provides guidance for newcomers.