Britons warned of new entry requirements to European hotspot - 'you may get an on-the-spot fine'

Britons warned of new entry requirements to European hotspot – ‘you may get an on-the-spot fine’

Posted by Admin December 18, 2024 Travel

Slovenia is the latest European nation to update its entry requirements to the country, with new information for Britons on visas.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) alerted holidaymakers to the imposements brought in when travelling to Slovenia.

The FCDO said: “You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Slovenia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.”

This applies to:

tourists
to visit family or friends
to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
for short-term studies or training

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia

GETTY

The Schengen area was created in 1995 and is an area featuring 29 countries allowing the free movement of people across countries without passport control.

Britain opted out of joining due to it being physically outside of the area when it was established.

The FCDO said: “If you are travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

“If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may have to pay an on-the-spot fine. If you cannot pay the fine, the border police can confiscate your documents or assets until you pay. You may also be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to three years.”

It is imperative Britons get their passport stamped on entry and exit from Slovenia.

The FCDO warned Britons that border guards will look at their passport to make sure they have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit.

It stated: “If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

“At Slovenian border control, you may need to: show a return or onward ticket or prove that you have enough money for your stay.”

Britons could be fined if they overstay the 90-day visa-free limit

WIKIMEDIA

For those wanting to stay longer than 90 days in a 180 day period, the FCDO said: “To stay longer, you must meet the Slovenian government’s entry requirements.

“Check which type of visa or permit you need with the Slovenian Embassy in the UK.

“If you are in Slovenia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”

Slovenia is not the only country to be in the Schengen area and update its travel advice. Britons were recently alerted of new border controls for visiting the Netherlands and Belgium.