Safety in Slovenia: what overland travellers should know
Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 18 August 2026.
Safety
- Bears — Bears are numerous in the green Karst (Zeleni kras) and in the Notranjska region, in the south of the country. To cut the chance of running into one, stay out of the woods very early in the morning, in the evening and at night, keep dogs on a lead, do not run, and make noise as you go — talking, humming or a bell.
- Vipers and ticks — Vipers are found mainly in the hotter, drier areas, so watch your step where you move through low scrub, and get to medical services immediately if you are bitten. Ticks are active from early spring to late autumn, peaking between late spring and early autumn: use repellent, wear long closed clothing in woodland and check yourself over after a walk.
- Mountain preparation — The shape of the Slovenian mountains asks for real preparation — planning, fitness, and above all the correct technical equipment — because conditions can change abruptly and going up uninformed regularly puts people in sudden danger. Even an easy summer walk should start from proper information, and the Slovenian mountain rescue association (GRZS) will provide it; the emergency number is 112. In autumn and winter keep track of the forecast, with snow and banks of fog both likely.
- Earthquakes — Slovenia, like neighbouring Friuli across the border, sits in a broad seismic area, which is particularly active in the Karst.
- Pickpockets — Watch out for pickpockets, above all in central Ljubljana and at the country's main tourist spots.
- Border checks — Temporary checks have been reinstated at the Italian-Slovenian border since October 2023 and Slovenia has done the same on its Croatian and Hungarian borders: all the crossings stay open, but police are posted at them and waits can be long when traffic is heavy. Carry a valid travel document — a driving licence is not accepted as an identity document for entering Slovenia.
Before you rely on this
This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 18 August 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Slovenia before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.
Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 18 August 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.