British travellers have been warned of delays and disruption at border controls after a European destination implemented emergency measures in response to a disease outbreak.
Since March 2025, Slovakia has been attempting to mitigate the effects of an outbreak of food and mouth disease.
To contain the spread, the Slovak government introduced certain measures, which have caused delays and disruption to cross-border travel in the region between Slovakia and neighbouring countries.
The outbreak has led to a series of restrictions affecting travellers and transport operators moving between Slovakia and neighbouring countries as a part of wider efforts to prevent the further spread of the highly contagious livestock disease.
Travellers have been warned about possible delays and disruptions at border control
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Visitors planning to travel to or through Slovakia should be aware of potential delays and disruptions at border crossings.
The emergency measures include increased vehicle inspection procedures, with particular focus on freight vehicles crossing into Slovakia. Several crossing points on the Austrian and Hungarian borders have been temporarily closed as part of the containment strategy.
As a result, travellers should anticipate longer waiting times at operational border crossings.
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The disease, which only affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs, has prompted these strict border controls as authorities work to isolate outbreaks and prevent economic damage to the agricultural sector.
In March, UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said: "Foot and Mouth disease has now been confirmed in Slovakia, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation.
"We have seen a disturbing number of foot and mouth cases on the continent, and we need to stay on high alert to the risk of disease incursion – as a Government, at the border and on our farms.
"Protecting animal health and minimising the risk of disease incursion remains our top priority. Livestock keepers are reminded to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."
Only livestock can contract the disease
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Neighbouring Czechia has also implemented border control checks on its boundary with Slovakia in response to the outbreak.
Travellers moving between the two countries should prepare for additional screening measures and potential delays.
For the latest information on current restrictions and border crossing status, visitors are advised to consult the Slovak Ministry of the Interior's website as well as the UK's FCDO.
