The Slovakia-Poland border is long and steeped in history, stretching through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and impressive mountain ranges. This post provides 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 spans approximately 541 kilometers and includes a variety of crossings that offer travelers different options depending on their route and mode of transportation. This number of border crossings allows for flexible and convenient travel between the two countries.
Slovakia is a country in Central Europe, bordered by Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Ukraine. The capital is Bratislava, located on the Danube River, and it serves as 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 impressive landscapes, including the High Tatras, historic cities, and a rich cultural history. The country offers a remarkable array of cultural and scenic experiences that delight visitors.
The official language of Slovakia is Slovak. With an area of 49,035 km², Slovakia is significantly smaller than Germany.
The toll fees in Slovakia are used to finance and maintain the road network. The revenues from the tolls are used to build, repair, and improve highways, expressways, and other important transportation routes. This ensures that the roads remain in good condition and can meet the growing demands of traffic. Additionally, toll fees contribute to increased road safety, as well-maintained roads cause fewer accidents and allow for smoother travel. Thus, 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 pass freely across the border without having to stop at a border post. However, random checks may occur by police or customs authorities, particularly during times of increased security measures, even if the traveler is entering a state 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. Citizens from outside the EU must adhere to the usual Schengen regulations, meaning they will need a visa if they are not allowed visa-free entry into the Schengen Area.
Payment of the toll at the border is generally not necessary, as 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 either in cash or by card.
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there is a distance-based toll.
On almost all highway and expressway sections in Slovakia, a vignette is required. This requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tons gross weight. It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. Additionally, motorhomes are an exception, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (even if over 3.5 tons gross weight). Moreover, when traveling with a car and trailer, if the total weight is below 3.5 tons, only the car needs a vignette. However, if the combined weight exceeds 3.5 tons, an additional vignette for the trailer must be purchased.
Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need to pay fees to drive on highways and expressways!
In Poland, there is no vignette requirement in addition to the distance-based toll requirement.
The toll system in Poland is based on distance-based charges, which vary depending on the vehicle and the sections of the highway being financed.
Currently, only two sections of the highway are toll-required for cars and motorcycles in Poland. These include the A2 and A4 highways, which are part of concession highways (privately financed roads). The toll applies to the following sections of A2 and A4:
The toll is distance-based, and the price varies depending on the highway section. On concession highways, you can pay either by cash or card.
For all vehicles over 3.5 tons, tolls are charged on both private (concession) highways and publicly funded highways, as well as on expressways and federal roads.
The toll is based on the distance traveled, and there is no uniform kilometer price across the country, meaning that different prices apply on different highway sections. While you can pay with cash or card on the concession highways, publicly funded roads require electronic payment via the e-TOLL system. To use e-TOLL, your vehicle must be registered either online or at a physical location. Only then can the toll be billed through the e-TOLL PL app, a transponder (OBU), or an external GPS device installed in the vehicle. Important: viaBOX and viaTOLL can no longer be used! More information can be found here.
The fee depends on the road category, the total weight of the vehicle or vehicle combination, and the Euro emissions class.
Order your vignette easily and conveniently with us and choose from different durations for a digital vignette for the Czech Republic.
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Do you want to directly register your digital vignette for Slovakia with the experts after this information? Then start here: