🇨🇳CHINA

🏳SKCN-SK

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit SK?

Q: Does ETIAS replace the visa for Chinese travelers?

No. ETIAS (launching late 2026) is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Chinese citizens must still apply for a Schengen visa.

Q: How long can I stay with this visa?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the entries and dates granted.

Q: Where do I apply in China?

Through the official BLS International Slovakia visa application centres, in either the Beijing or Shanghai consular jurisdiction, when Slovakia is your main destination.

Q: How much does it cost?

The visa fee is EUR 90 for adults (EUR 45 for children 6-11), plus a BLS service fee of roughly EUR 20-40.

Q: How early should I apply?

No earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before your planned departure; standard processing is about 15 calendar days.

Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Category C short-stay visa to visit Slovakia for tourism. China is not on the EU visa-exempt list, and ETIAS does not apply to Chinese nationals. Slovakia is a full member of the Schengen Area, so a tourist visit by a Chinese ordinary passport holder requires a Schengen uniform short-stay (Category C) visa. China is not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area, and the new ETIAS travel authorization (launching late 2026) is for visa-exempt nationalities only — it does not replace the visa requirement for Chinese citizens. Apply through the official BLS International visa application centres in China (Beijing and Shanghai consular jurisdictions) when Slovakia is your main destination or first point of entry. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. The standard visa fee is EUR 90 for adults, processing normally takes about 15 calendar days (occasionally up to 45), biometrics are required, and travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 is mandatory. Note: this is the opposite of the reverse direction — Slovak ordinary passport holders currently enjoy visa-free entry to China (up to 30 days, in effect through 31 December 2026).

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Category C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (adult); EUR 45 (children 6-11)

consular fee only

Processing time

About 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases)

standard track

Validity

As granted; tied to travel dates, max 90/180

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm Slovakia is your main destination

Apply at a Slovak visa centre only if Slovakia is your sole or main destination, or your first point of entry into the Schengen Area. Otherwise apply to the country where you spend the most time.

· Schengen main-destination rule

/02

Gather required documents

Prepare a completed application form, passport valid 3+ months beyond departure with 2+ blank pages, two recent biometric photos, confirmed round-trip flight booking, accommodation proof, travel insurance (min EUR 30,000), and proof of sufficient funds.

· Insurance EUR 30,000· Passport validity 3 months

/03

Book an appointment at BLS International

Schedule an appointment online at the official Slovakia BLS centre serving your jurisdiction (Beijing or Shanghai). Apply no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before travel.

· BLS International· Apply 15+ days early

/04

Attend in person and give biometrics

Submit your file in person, pay the visa fee plus the BLS service fee, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics required unless on file within the last 59 months).

· Biometrics required

/05

Wait for processing

Standard decision time is about 15 calendar days; it can extend to 30 or 45 days if additional checks or documents are needed. No expedited processing is offered.

· ~15 calendar days

/06

Collect passport and verify the visa

Retrieve your passport, check the visa sticker for validity dates, number of entries, and authorized stay, then keep insurance and booking copies for the border check.

· Carry documents at entry

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2+ blank pages, issued within 10 years

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

Two recent biometric passport photos (35x45mm)

required

Travel medical insurance covering min EUR 30,000 for the whole Schengen area

required

Confirmed round-trip flight reservation / itinerary

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation)

required

Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements)

required

Cover letter explaining purpose and itinerary of the trip

recommended

Proof of employment / business registration / school enrollment

recommended

Visa fee plus BLS service fee (payable at the centre)

required

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard short-stay Category C fee since 11 June 2024; non-refundable

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are generally exempt

BLS service feeapprox. EUR 20-40Charged by the visa application centre, on top of the visa fee

Travel medical insurancefrom approx. EUR 30-60Must cover min EUR 30,000; cost varies by trip length and age

Total estimateEUR 90 — EUR 190incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

About 15 calendar days

Normal decision time after a complete application is submitted at the visa centre.

Extended review

Up to 30-45 days

Applies when additional documents or extra security checks are required; no expedited service is available.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

China is not Schengen visa-exempt

Chinese ordinary passport holders are not on the EU visa-exempt list, so a Schengen visa is mandatory for any short tourist stay in Slovakia.

High

/02

ETIAS does not apply to Chinese nationals

The ETIAS travel authorization (launching late 2026) is only for visa-exempt nationalities; Chinese citizens still need a full Schengen visa.

High

/03

Slovakia is a Schengen member

Entry is governed by uniform Schengen short-stay rules — one Category C visa covers all Schengen states under the 90/180 limit.

Medium

/04

Tourism is a short-stay purpose

Tourist visits fall under the Category C short-stay visa rather than a national long-stay (D) visa.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

China to Slovakia route verified

Confirmed via the Slovak Embassy in Beijing, BLS International China, and EU sources that Chinese ordinary passport holders still require a Schengen Category C visa; ETIAS does not apply to Chinese nationals, and the adult fee is EUR 90.

/09 — The questions