Passport: Your Ticket to the World

Planning a journey to an exotic destination or a business trip outside the Schengen area? Make sure your passport is up to date. This crucial document opens up the world for you. What are the processing times and costs? Is an ID card enough for travel? Let's explore.

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Which countries require a passport?

Consider the exceptions first. You can enter all European Union countries and those with a free movement agreement using just an ID card. This includes Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. A passport isn't needed for Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, and Kosovo either.

Rules can change, so always verify the requirements before traveling. Check your passport's validity too. Some countries require it to be valid for months beyond your planned return.

Where can I obtain a passport and what do I need?

In Slovakia, visit the Passport Department of the Police Force linked to your residence. Alternatively, apply at any Passport Department in Slovakia.

If you're abroad, apply at the Slovak Republic's diplomatic mission. Expect higher fees than in Slovakia.

Passports are issued in person only. Bring your current or expired travel document. First-time applicants need their ID card. No photo is needed; they will take your picture and fingerprints at the department, as all passports are now biometric.

How to obtain a passport for a child?

A parent, legal guardian, or caregiver can request a child's passport. If parents are unmarried or divorced, either can apply without the other's consent.

Even for a baby, bring the child to the Passport Department. You cannot obtain a passport without the child.

For a child's first document, you'll need their birth certificate and your ID card.

How much will you pay for a passport and how long will it take to process?

The longer the processing time, the lower the fee. If you delay, expect to pay more. The lowest fee is 50 euros for processing within 30 days. A 10-day processing costs 100 euros. For the fastest option, 2 days, the fee is 150 euros.

It's wise to keep a valid passport at home to avoid high fees if a last-minute trip arises.

What are the fees for children's passports?

For a child under 6 years old, a passport costs less but is valid for only 2 years. Processing within 30 days is 12 euros, 10 days is 24 euros, and 2 days is 36 euros.

For children aged 6 to 16, the passport lasts 5 years. Fees are higher: 20 euros for 30 days, 40 euros for 10 days, and 60 euros for 2 days.

When and how to pick up your passport?

Provide your phone number when applying. You'll receive an SMS when your passport is ready.

Collect it from the same Passport Department where you applied. If you can't, authorize someone else. Family members like a spouse, parents, siblings, or adult children can collect it without official authorization.

For children under 15, only legal guardians can collect the passport.

What is the validity of passports?

If you're over 16, your passport is valid for 10 years. For ages 6 to 16, it's valid for 5 years, and for children under 6, it's valid for 2 years.

If you can't provide fingerprints, a temporary passport valid for 1 year will be issued.

What to do if you lose your passport or it gets stolen?

If your passport is lost or stolen, act quickly. Report the loss immediately. In Slovakia, report it at the nearest Passport Department. The police will document the incident.

Abroad, contact the Slovak embassy or consulate. They will issue a temporary travel document for your return to Slovakia.

Let's summarize

Obtain a passport at the police station's Passport Department. Bring your current travel document, ID card, or birth certificate for children without these documents.

Prepare for fees based on your chosen processing time. The lowest fees apply for processing within 30 days, while expedited processing within 2 days costs more.

Don't delay your passport application. You'll receive an SMS when your passport is ready for collection.