Blanar: Slovak Passport Ranks Ninth Globally for Visa-Free Access

Bratislava, 13 August (TASR) – Citizens of the Slovak Republic hold the ninth "most powerful" passport in the world, allowing visa-free access to 183 countries, including not only all European Union member states but also Brazil, China, Japan, Canada, Mexico, the United States of America, Thailand, and, most recently, Vietnam, the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry's press department stated on Wednesday. According to Juraj Blanar, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs (Smer-SD), Slovakia's passport has climbed from 22nd position in 2006 to 9th in the most recent ranking. „As of 15 August this year, visa requirements will be lifted for Slovak citizens travelling to Vietnam for tourism for up to 45 days. Last year, we also secured visa-free entry to China for stays of up to 30 days,” he stated. The ministry continues to negotiate with additional countries to expand visa-free access for Slovak passport holders. Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced on Tuesday (12 August) that Slovak citizens will no longer need a visa for tourist visits of up to 45 days. This change also applies to citizens of ten other EU countries and Switzerland. The Slovak ministry added that to qualify, travellers from Slovakia must hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. The measure is set to come into effect on 15 August this year and is expected to remain in place for three years. Igor Pokojny, Director General of the Consular and International Law Section at the ministry, noted that visa-free access to 183 countries currently allows Slovak passport holders to travel to over 80 percent of global destinations without needing to apply for a visa. mf/mcs