Helpful resources 

• Embassy of Germany in the United States
• U.S. Travelers in Europe’s Schengen Area
• Schengen Area Visa Information
• Dual Nationality
• Prevention of International Child Abduction
• Customs Regulations

Traveling through Europe 
If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country. Please review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.  
• We recommend you have at least 6 month’s validity remaining.  
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.  
• For more information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.  
• Visit the Embassy of Germany for the most current visa information. 

Prescription medications
If traveling with prescription medications, review all requirements related to pharmaceuticals to avoid potential fines and confiscation.  

HIV/AIDS restrictions
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Germany. 

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Prospective residents or anyone intending to stay longer than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa. Visit the Embassy of Austria’s website for current visa information or the Government of Austria’s website on migration. Austria collects the fingerprints of all visa applicants.

• Students and prospective students should visit the Study in Austria webpage for current information on student visa requirements. Fulbright students and scholars with questions should contact their respective program officer.

Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
• You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Austria.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Hungary is a party to the Schengen Agreement, which allows for free movement between certain European countries. U.S. citizens may enter Hungary for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, please visit the Embassy of Hungary for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. Please review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Hungary.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Visit the Embassy of the Czech Republic’s website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the arrival date into Schengen, to avoid difficulties entering and traveling within the Schengen zone. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
• The Czech Republic (official short name: Czechia) is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter the Czech Republic for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.
• You may enter the Czech Republic for up to 90 days for tourist, business, study, and most other purposes (except work) without a visa. This is counted along with presence in all Schengen countries for up to 90 days out of any 180-day period.
• You will need a visa for stays over 90 days or to work for any period of time in the Czech Republic. When a visa is required, submit your application to the nearest Czech diplomatic mission at least 3-4 months in advance of traveling to the Czech Republic. The U.S. Embassy cannot help expedite foreign visa applications. For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.
• The Czech Government requires travelers to be able to show proof, upon request, of sufficient finances to cover the cost of a traveler’s stay.
• You must also carry proof of a valid medical insurance policy contracted for payment of all costs for hospitalization and medical treatment while in the Czech Republic.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the Czech Republic.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Visit the Embassy of the Slovak Republic website for the most current visa information and CDC Travel Destination page for immunization information.

Slovakia is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Slovakia for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.

Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least six months upon arrival in the Schengen. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.   
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket. 
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

Carry proof of sufficient funds (such as a credit card) and make sure your medical insurance policy covers all costs if in need of hospitalization and medical treatment in Slovakia.

• Upon arrival in Slovakia, you must register with the local Border and Alien Police within three working days if you are staying in a private home. Hotels and official accommodation providers will register you automatically.
• If you want to reside in Slovakia or stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residency and/or work permit. You should complete the application process through the Slovak Embassy in Washington, D.C. prior to arriving in the country. If you decide to stay longer at the time of our arrival in Slovakia, you should begin the process upon arrival as the process normally takes longer than the 90 days allowed visa free. Read the requirements on the U.S. Embassy website and prepare your application before traveling. Many required documents, such as an FBI clearance, are easier to obtain in the United States. To follow up on the status of a request, please contact the FBI directly at identity@jc.fbi.gov.
• Slovak authorities strictly enforce residency laws. Foreigners who stay beyond 90 days without a residency permit may be ordered to depart, or may even be deported with a possible ban on re-entry to the entire Schengen area.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Slovakia. A medical examination, including an HIV/AIDS test, is required to obtain a Slovakian residency permit.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Military/Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Travelers: While active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter Slovakia under the (SOFA) with proper Department of Defense (DOD) identification and travel orders, all SOFA family members, civilian employees, and contractors must have valid passports. Active-duty military personnel are encouraged to obtain a tourist passport before leaving the United States to accommodate off-duty travel. DOD travelers should consult with their unit for clearance before leaving the United States.