The Slovakia and Poland share a long and historically rich border that winds through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and impressive mountain ranges. This post offers a comprehensive overview of the border crossings between these two neighboring countries, including information on border controls, entry requirements, currency, and toll fees.
The border between Slovakia and Poland stretches approximately 541 kilometers and includes a variety of crossings, offering travelers different options depending on their route and means of transport. This number of border crossings allows for flexible and comfortable travel between the two countries.
Slovakia is a country in Central Europe that borders Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Ukraine. The capital is Bratislava, located on the Danube, and it forms both the cultural and economic heart of the country. The current president of Slovakia is Peter Pellegrini, who has been in office since June 2024. Slovakia is known for its stunning landscapes, including the High Tatras, historical cities, and rich cultural history. The country offers a wealth of cultural and scenic experiences that will delight visitors.
The official language of Slovakia is Slovak. With an area of 49,035 km², Slovakia is much smaller than Germany.
The toll fees in Slovakia are used to finance and maintain the road network. The revenue from the tolls is used to build, repair, and improve highways, expressways, and other important roads. This ensures that the roads remain in good condition and can meet the growing demands of traffic. Additionally, the tolls contribute to increased road safety, as well-maintained roads cause fewer accidents and provide a smoother driving experience. Therefore, the toll is an important contribution to maintaining and improving the country’s infrastructure.
Since both countries joined the Schengen Area, there are no systematic border controls between Slovakia and Poland. Travelers can cross the border freely without having to stop at a border post. However, random checks by police or customs authorities may occur, especially during times of heightened security, even if the traveler is entering a country that is a member of the EU.
Thanks to the Schengen Agreement, EU citizens do not need special documents to travel between Slovakia and Poland. A valid ID card or passport is sufficient. For citizens outside the EU, the usual Schengen regulations apply, meaning they need a visa if they are not visa-exempt for entry into the Schengen Area.
In general, toll payment at the border is not required since most toll systems in both countries operate electronically. In Slovakia, vehicles up to 3.5 tons must purchase an electronic vignette (e-vignette). In Poland, most highways and expressways are toll roads, and the fees can be paid at toll stations in cash or by card.
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there is a distance-based toll system.
Almost all highway and expressway sections in Slovakia require a vignette. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tons gross vehicle 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 trailers (car + trailer), if the total weight is under 3.5 tons GVW, only the vignette for the car is required. However, if the total weight exceeds 3.5 tons GVW, an additional vignette for the trailer must be purchased.
Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not have to pay fees for using highways and expressways!
In Poland, there is no vignette requirement in addition to the distance-based toll.
The toll system in Poland is based on the distance-based toll, which varies depending on the vehicles and the sections of the highway that are financed.
Currently, only two highway sections in Poland are subject to tolls for cars and motorcycles. These include the A2 and A4. Due to certain sections, they are classified as concession highways, meaning privately financed highways. The following sections of the A2 and A4 are subject to the toll:
The toll is a distance-based toll, calculated based on the kilometers traveled. It should be noted that there is no nationwide uniform kilometer price, meaning different prices apply on different sections of the highway. On the concession highways, you can pay either in cash or by card.
For all vehicles over 3.5 tons, tolls are required both on private highway sections (concession highways) and on publicly funded highways, as well as expressways and federal roads.
The toll is a distance-based toll, calculated based on the kilometers traveled. It should be noted that there is no nationwide uniform kilometer price, meaning different prices apply on different sections of the highway. While on the concession highways, you can pay either in cash or by card, this is different for publicly funded sections. If you drive a vehicle over 3.5 tons on publicly funded sections where the toll applies, you can only pay electronically via the e-TOLL system. To do this, the vehicle must be registered with e-TOLL (registration is possible online or in person). Only then can the toll be paid via the e-TOLL PL app, a transponder (OBU), or an external GPS device built into the vehicle.
Important: viaBOX and viaTOLL can no longer be used! A more detailed explanation can be found here.
The fee charged depends on the road category, the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle or vehicle combination, and the Euro emission class.
Order your vignette easily and conveniently with us and choose from the various durations of the digital vignette for Slovakia.
