Safety Tips

Understanding Local Safety

Slovenia ranks 9th on the Global Peace Index. Ljubljana and Maribor have low crime rates. Rural areas are considered very safe. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft can occur, especially in tourist areas and at bus or train stations.

Travelers often worry about pickpocketing, but incidents are infrequent. Police presence is visible in city centers. Carry a copy of your passport; fines for not having ID range from €50 to €200.

Drug offenses carry strict penalties, including long jail terms and heavy fines. Jaywalking is fined up to €80. Police may confiscate documents if fines are unpaid.

Use hotel safes for valuables. Do not leave items visible in parked cars. Park in well-lit areas. Avoid dark alleys at night, especially in urban centers.

Be aware of local laws and customs. Terrorism risk is low but authorities recommend vigilance. Health and hygiene standards are high, especially under the Green&Safe label. Remain alert despite Slovenia’s strong safety reputation.

Street Smarts: Cities & Towns

Pickpocketing occurs in Ljubljana, especially at Prešeren Square, the Central Market, and bus stations.

• Watch for theft on city buses and at Ljubljana train station.
• Tourist sites like Ljubljana Castle and Tromostovje Bridge are known for petty theft.
• Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and electronics. Most hotels in Ljubljana and Bled offer in-room safes.
• Carry only a copy of your passport. Police can fine you €50-€200 for not showing ID.
• Keep wallets and phones in front pockets or zipped bags. Avoid leaving bags on chairs in cafes.
• Withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks, not on the street. Carry only what you need for the day.
• At night, avoid Tivoli Park and quiet alleys in the old town. Stick to lit, busy streets.
• Emergency number in Slovenia is 112. Police number is 113. Both have English-speaking operators.
• If fined by police for jaywalking or minor offenses, pay on the spot or risk document confiscation.
• Taxis in Ljubljana are metered. Use registered companies to avoid scams.
• Lock parked cars and do not leave valuables inside, especially in Piran and Bled.

On the Road: Driving & Pedestrian Rules

Slovenia enforces strict road safety laws.

• Jaywalking is illegal. Cross only at marked pedestrian crossings (prehod za pešce).
• Fines for jaywalking range from €40 to €250. Police issue fines on the spot.
• Pedestrians must wait for the green signal at crossings with traffic lights. Crossing on red is fined.
• Drivers must always stop for pedestrians at crossings. Failing to yield can result in fines of €300 or more.
• Always carry identification. Police may request your passport or EU ID at any time.
• Not carrying ID can result in fines between €50 and €200. Police may detain you until identity is confirmed.
• If you cannot pay an on-the-spot fine, police may confiscate your documents or vehicle.
• Road signs are in Slovene. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h).
• Main roads are well maintained. In rural areas, expect narrow lanes and sharp bends.
• Winter tires are mandatory from 15 November to 15 March. Snow chains are required in snowy conditions.
• Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day.
• Alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05%. Zero tolerance for drivers under 21 or with less than 2 years’ experience.
• Police conduct random roadside checks for documents and sobriety.

Nature & Outdoor Safety

Weather in the Slovenian Alps and Triglav National Park can change rapidly.

• Afternoon storms are common from May to September. Always check the ARSO (Slovenian Environment Agency) weather forecast before hiking.
• Marked mountain trails use red-white circles. Unmarked routes are for experienced mountaineers only.
• Carry a map (Planinska karta) and a charged phone. Mobile signal is weak above 2,000 meters.
• Wear sturdy footwear. Snow can remain on north-facing slopes until June.
• In Triglav National Park, wild camping is illegal. Fines start at €100.
• Brown bears live in southern forests. Make noise when hiking in Kočevje and Notranjska. Bear attacks are rare.
• Do not pick protected flowers like edelweiss (planika). Fines up to €300 apply.
• Swimming in Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj is allowed only in designated zones. Lifeguards are present from June to August.
• Emergency mountain rescue number is 112. Helicopter rescue is free for EU citizens; non-EU visitors may pay €500–€2,000.
• Respect signs for avalanche risk (plazna nevarnost) in winter. Trails may close after heavy snow.

Local Laws: What Not to Do

Drug laws are strict in Slovenia.

• Possession or use of any illegal drugs is a criminal offense. Police can issue heavy fines or detain offenders. Jail sentences for drug offenses can be several years.
• Carrying even small amounts of cannabis is illegal. Fines start at €250. Repeat offenses can lead to imprisonment.

Alcohol consumption is regulated.

• Drinking alcohol in public places, such as parks or streets, is prohibited in most municipalities. Police can fine you €40–€200 on the spot.
• Do not purchase alcohol for anyone under 18. Selling alcohol to minors is a criminal offense.

Respect local customs and quiet hours.

• Quiet hours (nočni mir) are enforced from 10pm to 6am in residential areas. Noise complaints can result in police visits and fines up to €300.
• Public drunkenness and disorderly behavior are not tolerated. Police may detain or fine offenders.

Always carry identification.

• Police can ask for ID at any time. Not presenting ID can result in a €50–€200 fine.

Quick Safety Checklist

Carry your passport or a copy at all times. Police may fine you €50–€200 for missing ID.

• Emergency numbers: Police 113, Fire 112, Ambulance 112.
• Report lost or stolen documents to the nearest police station (policijska postaja).
• Use hotel safes for valuables. Do not leave items visible in parked cars.
• Avoid dark or empty streets in Ljubljana and Maribor after midnight.
• Drug possession is a criminal offense. Fines and jail sentences are severe.
• Pay on-the-spot fines for traffic or pedestrian violations. Police may confiscate documents if unpaid.
• For tourist help, contact the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) in major cities.
• Keep a digital and paper copy of all travel documents.