The border between Slovakia and the Czech Republic is an important connection between two central countries in Europe. The official language of Slovakia is Slovak, while Czech is spoken in the Czech Republic. Since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have been independent states, each with its own political system. The countries are separated by a 251.8 km long border, of which 71 km are river borders. This not only represents a geographical separation but also an important link for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The total length of the border between Slovakia and the Czech Republic is 251.8 km, with 71 km formed by rivers. It includes various geographical regions such as the White Carpathians, the Javorníky mountains, and the Western Beskids, indicating several possible crossing points in these areas. Not all border crossings are strictly regulated; some are just road crossings.
With the accession of both countries to the Schengen Area in 2007, systematic border checks were abolished. Since joining the EU and the Schengen Agreement, Slovakia has developed significantly, and its perception of the EU has solidified in the face of current challenges. This means that both EU citizens and citizens of other countries can cross the border crossing point without passport control. However, temporary border checks occasionally occur, especially for security or migration policy reasons.
For EU citizens, entering Slovakia and the Czech Republic is straightforward. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient. Citizens from other countries should check specific visa requirements, which may vary depending on the country of origin.
In Slovakia, the euro (EUR) is used, while in the Czech Republic, the Czech koruna (CZK) is the national currency. Travelers should ensure they have the appropriate currency or check in advance for currency exchange offices and ATMs at the border crossing. Nevertheless, both countries, independently of each other, are EU member states.
Toll fees are paid electronically in both cases. It is recommended to purchase both the digital vignette for Slovakia and the digital vignette for the Czech Republic online in advance.
There are 27 former border crossings between Slovakia and the Czech Republic that can be used for checks, including:
Some important geographical points along the border are:
The most important border crossings are:
17 road crossings:
7 railway crossings:
3 waterway crossings:
These crossings are not only important for transportation but also interesting from a historical and cultural perspective.
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether a distance-based toll exists.
On nearly all highways and express roads in Slovakia, a vignette is required. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tons gross weight (GVW). It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. Additionally, motorhomes are a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (even if they exceed 3.5 tons GVW). Furthermore, for car-trailer combinations, if the total weight is less than 3.5 tons GVW, only the vignette for the car is needed, but if the total weight exceeds 3.5 tons GVW, an additional vignette for the trailer must be purchased.
Motorcycles are thus exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need to pay tolls for using highways and express roads!
In the Czech Republic, you need a vignette to drive on highways and expressways. This vignette was for a long time a small adhesive label that had to be clearly displayed on your windshield. It has now been replaced by the digital vignette.
The vignette is an efficient system to ensure the financing and maintenance of the Czech highway network. You can purchase the vignette at most gas stations in the Czech Republic, but also at selected sales outlets in Germany, mainly near the border. Another convenient option is to buy the vignette easily online before you start your trip.
The Czech vignette is available in different validity periods, including 10 days, 1 month, and 1 year. The choice of validity period depends on your travel plans. For example, if you're only on a short vacation in the Czech Republic, the 10-day vignette is a convenient choice. For longer stays or frequent trips to the country, the annual vignette may be more cost-effective.
It is important to note that driving without a valid vignette on Czech highways and expressways is subject to hefty fines. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase the vignette in advance and affix it properly to your vehicle to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The differences in toll and vignette regulations between Germany and the Czech Republic show how important it is to inform yourself about the respective regulations before your trip. This not only ensures compliance with the laws but also helps ensure a smooth journey while enjoying the impressive landscape and culture of both countries.
In the Czech Republic, no distance-based toll is charged for vehicles under 3.5 tons GVW. Vehicles over 3.5 tons GVW must pay a toll on highways, expressways, and on marked sections of 1st-class roads. These are marked with an "M" on a yellow background, and the toll is also collected using an on-board unit (OBU).
Order your vignette conveniently and easily from us and choose from the various durations for the digital vignette for the Czech Republic or the digital vignette for Slovakia. Also, discover the popular cities that the Czech Republic has to offer and the culinary specialties of the country.
Ready to hit the road with this information? Then register your digital vignette right here:
