Arrested or in prison in Slovakia

The British embassy in Slovakia can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the embassy or consulate can offer.

Family and friends can contact:

the British embassy in Slovakia
the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

British Embassy Bratislava

Panská 16
Bratislava
811 01

Telephone: +421 259 982 000

Finding a lawyer and translator

Find a lawyer in Slovakia

You should carefully consider getting a local Slovak lawyer. Discuss all costs with them in advance.

Prisoners Abroad has information on appointing a lawyer and legal aid (not specific to Slovakia).

Private lawyers

Check the list of local English-speaking lawyers if you want to appoint your own private lawyer. Ask the British embassy if you need a paper copy.

you should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative
normally, if you employ a private lawyer, they will ask for a retainer – an advance on their estimated legal fees (which may be very high) before they will take on your case

Legal aid

Legal aid from Centre for Legal Aid is for non‑criminal cases based on material hardship; criminal legal aid is through court‑appointed defence under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Court-appointed lawyers

If you are accused of a crime or treated as a suspect, you have the right to a lawyer from the moment criminal proceedings begin.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, the state must appoint one free of charge.

Even if the law does not require you to have a lawyer, you can ask the court to appoint one if you do not have enough money. Depending on your situation, the state may cover all or part of the cost.

In Slovakia, if the court appoints you a lawyer (known as ex offo), you do not have a legal right to ask the court to appoint a different court‑appointed lawyer.

If you are unhappy with the court‑appointed lawyer, you can choose and pay for a private lawyer instead.

Costs after the case ends

If you are convicted in Slovakia, the court may order you to pay:

a fixed court cost (known as paušálna suma)
the cost of a court‑appointed lawyer
costs linked to detention or imprisonment

The exact amounts depend on the current ministerial decree and the date your case ends.

If you are acquitted, the state pays the necessary costs of the proceedings, including the cost of a court‑appointed lawyer.

You must still pay the costs of any private lawyer you chose to hire.

Find a translator or interpreter in Slovakia

Slovak is the official language used in legal proceedings.

You may need a translator to help you read Slovak documents about your case. Do not sign any document unless you fully understand what it says.

You may also need an interpreter to help you:

speak with your lawyer
take part in police interviews or court hearings
communicate during prison visits

If you do not speak or understand Slovak, you have the right to ask for an interpreter in a language you clearly understand, such as English. The court must appoint an interpreter from its official list.

Interpretation is provided free of charge so that a detainee can take part effectively in legal proceedings.

When you can ask for an interpreter

You can insist on an interpreter at all stages of the process, including:

arrest
questioning
court hearings
trial

Even if your defence lawyer speaks Slovak, the court must still provide an interpreter if you need one to fully understand what is happening.

Finding a private translator or interpreter

If you need help outside official proceedings, you can look for a private English‑speaking translator or interpreter in Slovakia. You will usually have to pay for private services yourself.

What happens when you’re arrested in Slovakia

You can be arrested and taken to a local police station:

because of an existing arrest warrant
where there are grounds for issuing an arrest warrant
if you’re caught in the act of performing a crime
if it’s expected you’ll leave the country to escape justice
your identity cannot be confirmed

The police must tell you in English (or a language you understand):

why you’ve been arrested
that initial proceedings against you have started
your rights

Do not sign any documents unless you understand them.

Your rights

If you are arrested in Slovakia, you have several basic rights from the moment of your arrest. These are:

the right to be informed
the right to legal counsel
the right to remain silent
the right to medical care
the right to inform someone
protection from abuse

The right to be informed

You must be told straight away, in a language you understand, why you have been arrested, what your rights are, and what you are accused of.

The right to legal counsel

You have the right to a lawyer from the moment of your arrest. You must be allowed to speak to your lawyer before any questioning takes place.

If this right is denied, any statement you make without a lawyer present may be challenged in court and ruled inadmissible.

The right to remain silent

You can choose not to answer questions. Your silence cannot be used against you.

The right to medical care

If you are ill or injured, you must receive the medical care you need. This includes hospital treatment if it is necessary.

The right to inform someone

After you are detained, you have the right to tell a close person or another chosen person that you have been detained. This is usually done by phone. In some cases, the police may make the call for you if security rules require it.

You can ask to contact someone abroad, such as a family member but there may be limits on calls outside Slovakia.

If you are a foreign national, you have the right to contact your embassy or consulate.

You usually do not have to pay for the first call to tell someone about your detention. This call is part of your rights under Slovak law and international standards.
You may need to pay for any additional calls or additional calls may be limited, depending on the rules of the detention facility.

Protection from abuse

You must be treated with dignity. You must not be tortured or treated in a cruel or degrading way.

This right is protected by Slovak law and the European Convention on Human Rights.

If your fundamental rights are not granted when you are arrested, you can

request intervention – the ask the police officer or on-site supervisor to uphold your rights immediately
make a complaint:
- submit your complaint in writing to the police station, the public prosecutor, or a pre-trial judge
- independent oversight is available through the Ombudsperson or monitoring by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture
- challenge illegally obtained evidence: Evidence gathered in violation of your rights can be inadmissible in court
- escalate internationally: You can submit a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after exhausting domestic remedies

How long you can be held for

Initially, after your arrest, you will be held in a police detention cell (often called a “police holding cell” or cela predbežného zadržania). This is a short-term facility at the police station, designed for temporary custody during the initial investigation and questioning.

You will be provided with basic necessities
– food and drinking water at regular intervals
– a bed or sleeping platform with bedding (though conditions are basic)
– hygiene items may also be provided upon request

If you feel unwell or require medication, you have the right to medical care. The police must arrange for a doctor or medical professional to examine you and provide treatment if needed.

If you have prescribed medication, inform the officers immediately so they can ensure continuity of treatment.

The police can usually hold you in custody for up to 48 hours.
For serious crimes, such as terrorism or organised crime, this can be up to 72 hours.

After this time, you must either be:

released
brought before a judge, who will decide whether you should be kept in pre‑trial detention

Personal belongings

All personal items (such as money, phone, jewellery and documents) will be taken from you, listed in an official inventory and stored securely by the police. You will receive written confirmation of the items taken.

Anything that could pose a danger, such as weapons, sharp objects or drugs, will be confiscated and not returned until it is legally cleared. You cannot keep your phone or wallet in the cell.

You may be allowed to use some items, such as medication or glasses, if they are needed for your health or safety.

The items will be kept in a sealed locker or evidence room until you are either:

released
transferred to a remand prison, where your belongings are handed over to the prison authorities

Going to court

First court appearance

The court will inform you of your rights and reasons for detainment. You’re given a clear opportunity to speak, respond, or remain silent.

You have the right to remain silent. If you choose to use this right, it cannot be used against you.

If you do not have a private lawyer and cannot afford one, the court will make sure you have legal representation before the hearing continues. This may be your existing court‑appointed lawyer, or a lawyer appointed by the court, to make sure the hearing is fair.

There is no legal requirement for court-appointed lawyers to speak English. If the lawyer cannot communicate effectively in English, the proceedings will still go ahead. If you do not understand Slovak, you will need an interpreter.

If you do not understand Slovak, you have the right to a free interpreter at all stages of the court process, including your first appearance. The court must appoint an interpreter, even if your lawyer speaks English, so that you can understand what is happening and take part effectively.

Being put on remand

You may be placed on remand if the authorities strongly suspect you of committing an offence. This means you will be held in prison while the criminal investigation and trial are ongoing.

The remand prison (ústav na výkon väzby) is separate from prisons for convicted people

You are moved from police detention cells to a remand prison within 48 or 78 hours of detention.

In Slovakia, if you are on remand (pre‑trial detention), you usually have more relaxed conditions than those in police custody, especially for communication, visits and personal rights

Communication and visits while on remand

You are allowed at least 2 telephone calls per month, each lasting at least 20 minutes. You can speak to your defence lawyer every week. More calls may be allowed in justified cases. Calls with your lawyer are confidential and must not be monitored.

You have the right to send and receive mail, including correspondence with institutions and human rights organisations. You may receive parcels from family members or other approved senders

You can send money and write to state or international human rights bodies without censorship.

You may keep study materials, books and personal photographs in your cell.

How long you can be on remand for

The maximum time you can be held in pre‑trial detention (remand) depends on how serious and complex the charges are.

standard cases: up to 12 months
serious crimes: up to 36 months (3 years)
exceptionally serious crimes, such as terrorism or organised crime: up to 48 months (4 years)

The Criminal Procedure Code sets these limits, based on:

the severity of the offence
the stage of the case (investigation or trial)
risk factors, such as the risk of absconding, tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses

Bail

Bail is available under Slovak law. A judge decides whether to grant bail, and it can be granted either before or after you are placed on remand. Bail is more common in less serious cases.

Bail may be refused if the charges are particularly serious, if the legal grounds for detention are strong, or if the risks cannot be managed by other measures.

Bail is available to foreign nationals under the law. In practice, it is granted less often because courts may consider there to be a higher risk of absconding. The key factor is the strength of your ties to Slovakia, not your nationality.

How courts decide the amount of bail

When deciding the amount of bail, courts consider:

your financial situation
the seriousness and nature of the charges
the risk that you may abscond or leave Slovakia
any risks to the criminal proceedings or to public safety

There is no fixed scale for bail amounts. Judges decide the amount based on proportionality and human rights standards.

Paying bail

bail is usually paid into the court’s designated bank account
in some cases, the court may allow bail to be paid in cash to the court cashier (pokladňa súdu)
you can pay bail yourself or it can be paid by a family member, a friend, a lawyer or another third party

Conditions of bail

In Slovakia, bail does not automatically require you to surrender your passport. However, courts often impose this as a condition, especially where there is a risk of absconding and in cases involving foreign defendants.

Courts usually impose bail together with other restrictions, rather than on its own. These can include travel bans, reporting requirements, no‑contact orders and supervision. These conditions are often decisive in whether bail is granted.

Bail is treated as a conditional privilege, not a right. If you breach bail conditions, particularly travel bans, reporting requirements or no‑contact orders, this can quickly lead to the loss of bail money, immediate re‑detention and a reduced chance of being released again before trial.

Being unable to support yourself financially while abroad on bail is not illegal. However, if this leads to missed obligations or unauthorised absence, bail is likely to be revoked. What matters most is being open with the authorities and complying with all conditions.

The embassy cannot transfer bail funds for you.

Arriving at prison

You are normally placed in a holding or reception cell, to begin with. This stay is temporary. Staff use this cell for admission, health and security checks. After they complete these checks, they decide on your permanent cell placement.

Staff will search you on arrival. They will inventory and record your belongings. They will fully document your identity and legal status. Medical and security staff will record their assessments.

Staff will ask you for personal details, including your name, date of birth and nationality, home address, medical conditions or allergies, religion, marital status and profession, and the name and address of your next of kin.

You have the right to make phone calls, but not immediately on arrival. You can make calls after registration. You must pay for calls yourself. International calls are possible but restricted. You usually need to pre‑approve phone numbers. Prison staff may monitor calls, except for calls with your lawyer.

In Slovakia, you are responsible for informing your next of kin that you are in custody. The prison will only do this in exceptional situations that require official intervention.

Personal belongings

Staff will take an inventory of your personal belongings and store them securely. You will receive a written receipt. Staff will return your belongings when you are released.

While on remand, you can usually wear your own clothing. Your clothes must be clean and safe, must not resemble prison staff uniforms and must not pose a security risk. If you arrive without suitable clothing, or if staff reject your clothing, they will issue prison clothing to you temporarily.

Your prison cell

People on remand in Slovakia, usually have to share a cell with other detainees, often 2 to 4 people. The legal space standard is 4 square metres per person. Single cells are available but staff reserve them for special situations. Prisons do not face overcrowding all the time, but it remains a recurring problem, particularly in remand units and older prisons.

Detainees usually sleep on proper beds with mattresses, blankets and issued bedding. In shared cells, staff usually provide bunk beds. Cells have natural light, although the amount and quality vary between older and modernised prisons. Sleeping on the floor is not standard, but overcrowding can reduce space and comfort.

Cells include essential facilities such as washbasins, toilets, running water and electricity. Levels of privacy, access to hot water and overall quality vary, especially between older and renovated prisons. Detainees use showers located outside the cell.

The law and normal practice keep remand prisoners and sentenced prisoners separate. Prisons accommodate them in different units under different regimes. This separation reflects the presumption of innocence and international detention standards.

Contacting the British embassy

Tell the prison if you want the British embassy to know you’re in prison.

Medical check-up

When you are on remand in Slovakia, a doctor will medically examine you shortly after you arrive. This usually happens within 3 days, and sooner if needed. You have guaranteed access to a social worker, but you normally need to request this or staff will arrange it if they identify a need. You should not expect to see a social worker automatically on your first day.

You must tell prison staff about any medical conditions and medication you have. You should do this at admission and again during the mandatory medical examination. When you share this information, staff record it officially and arrange access to care. If you do not disclose it, your treatment may be delayed.

Contact the British embassy if you need help getting your medical notes from the UK.

Rights and responsibilities in prison

At the start of your detention, prison authorities must explain the prison rules to you clearly.

Prisons can impose disciplinary sanctions, but the law regulates and limits them. Sanctions include warnings or reprimands, restrictions on privileges, restrictions on leisure activities and placement in a disciplinary cell (solitary confinement).

In Slovakia, staff treat insulting, abusive or confrontational behaviour towards prison staff as particularly serious on remand. They expect you to behave in a calm, respectful and compliant way, even if you feel frustrated or disagree with decisions.

For foreign detainees in particular, understanding and adapting to local cultural expectations can make a real difference to daily life on remand and help you avoid unnecessary disciplinary action.

Slovakia has a structured system that allows remand detainees to benefit from good behaviour. Prison staff apply this system discreetly and with a strong focus on security. The main benefit is placement in a mitigated regime, which brings modest but meaningful improvements to daily conditions.

Good behaviour does not reduce the length of your detention, but it can significantly improve your quality of life while you are on remand.

Visits from family or friends

Remand prisoners

While you are remand in Slovakia, close family members and other personal contacts can usually visit you, but prisons tightly control visits, especially if they think visits could affect the investigation.

Lawyers can always visit you, even when prisons restrict family or personal visits. Although the law sets the same rules nationwide, prisons apply visiting arrangements differently in practice.

You, your family or your friends can ask your lawyer or the prison directly about the visiting rules.

How many visits you’re allowed

Typically, you can have 1 visit per month, with up to 5 visitors, during weekday hours, lasting up to 2 hours Prisons may impose stricter controls at an early stage of the proceedings or if they place you in collusive custody (when you are kept in custody to stop you from influencing witnesses or interfering with the investigation). Practical arrangements vary by prison, so you should check the rules with the specific prison once it approves the visit.

Arranging visits

Visits must be approved in advance, booked ahead of time and are supervised by prison staff. Prisons may sometimes allow additional or longer visits for family members travelling from abroad, but a judge or the prison decides this on a case‑by‑case basis.

Even when a visit is confirmed, it may start late or change for operational reasons, so you should be prepared to be flexible.

Sentenced prisoners

For sentenced prisoners in Slovakia, visits are usually more frequent and predictable, and they are generally contact visits. The prison sets the frequency and length of visits based on your security regime and behaviour.

Although local practice varies, the system is more flexible than for remand detention and aims to maintain family ties and support rehabilitation.

Slovakia does not allow intimate (conjugal) visits for either remand or sentenced prisoners.

During the visit

Visitors to Slovak prisons must bring ID, undergo screening, and expect visits to be supervised in purpose‑built rooms.

Remand visits are more restrictive, often behind glass and potentially monitored, while sentenced‑prisoner visits are more relaxed, usually contact‑based and only visually supervised. Visits by your lawyer are confidential.

What visitors can take with them

Visitors cannot hand anything to you directly during a visit. Visitors must not bring food, drinks, money or personal items into the visiting area. They must send money through official prison accounts.

Visitors should arrive with photo ID. They should expect security searches and must use official prison channels to give you any permitted items. Following these rules helps prevent cancelled visits and protects both you and your visitors. Prisons enforce these rules strictly and consistently.

Visits from British embassy staff

If you choose for the British Embassy to be informed of your detention, we will aim to arrange a phone call – or, if a call is not possible, a visit – to check on your welfare, ask some basic questions, and provide information.

If a visit is arranged, the prison authorities will inform you of the date and time.

We cannot discuss or comment on your trial or other legal matters. We are focused on your health and welfare.

You can write to us at any time about issues you’re concerned about. Our address is

British Embassy Bratislava
Consular section
Panská 16
811 01 Bratislava

You can also contact us by phone (our telephone number is +421 259 982 000), which can be requested via your prison social worker.

If it is urgent, it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

Money

The British embassy or consulate does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Money transfers from family or friends

Families can send money to prisoners in Slovakia only through official, traceable channels. They must use a bank transfer to the prisoner’s prison account. Prisons do not accept cash handovers or informal payment methods and will refuse them.

Prison accounts

All prisoners receive a prison account. You can only spend money on approved items available inside the prison. People on remand face tighter spending limits and fewer options. Sentenced prisoners have more flexibility, especially if they show good behaviour.

How to make a complaint about mistreatment

The British embassy can help if you have been mistreated or abused – it will take all complaints seriously. Tell us first if you decide to make a complaint. We will ask your permission before taking any action.

In Slovakia, prisoners have several legally protected ways to complain about mistreatment. These start within the prison and extend to independent oversight bodies and the courts. The system allows complaints to escalate if staff do not deal with them properly. Independent bodies can investigate serious allegations.

Complaining to the prison governor

You can submit a complaint in 2 ways:

in writing
verbally (to be formally written down and recorded by staff)

It should be addressed to the Director (Governor) of the prison

The complaint should include:

what happened
when and where
who was involved (if known)
*how it affected you

The prison must examine the complaint and respond. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may appeal to the Directorate‑General of the Prison and Court Guard Service

Complaining to the Public Prosecutor’s Office

The Public Prosecutor supervises the legality of detention and prison conduct.

You may submit a complaint directly to the Public Prosecutor’s Office if:

the issue is serious
the prison’s response is inadequate
you believe the conduct was unlawful

The prosecutor can:

inspect the prison
order corrective measures
require explanations from prison authorities

Complaining to the Public Defender of Rights (Ombudsman)

You can file a complaint with the Public Defender of Rights (Ombudsman) if you believe your fundamental rights were violated by:

the prison
prison staff
other public authorities involved in detention

This option is:

open to Slovak citizens and foreign nationals
available in your own language (the state pays for interpretation)

Complaints can be submitted:

The Ombudsman can:

investigate
make findings of rights violations
recommend corrective action (though it cannot overturn court decisions)

Complaining to the Bureau of the Inspection Service (Ministry of Interior)

If you reasonably suspect that a prison guard committed a criminal offence (for example, assault, abuse of power), you can file a complaint or criminal report with the Bureau of the Inspection Service. The Bureau independently investigates members of the armed services, including prison guards.

Complaints must be:

specific
signed
clearly describe the alleged conduct

Investigations normally take up to 60 days.

Court action and compensation

If the mistreatment resulted in:

injury
serious rights violations
unlawful detention conditions

You can also seek compensation through the Slovak courts.

These steps usually require legal assistance and come after you have gone through the other ways of making a complaint.

Your investigation and trial in Slovakia

Slovakia has more than one level of court and criminal trials are led by judges. There are no jury trials.

Slovakia uses an inquisitorial civil law system. This means that judges play an active role in finding the facts of a case.

If you appeal, your case moves up through the same national court system.

Slovakia does not use formal plea options like “guilty”, “not guilty”, or “no contest”. Defendants may deny guilt, admit guilt, or remain silent.

Slovakia does not use formal plea options such as “guilty”, “not guilty” or “no contest”.

You can:

deny guilt
admit guilt
remain silent

A criminal case in Slovakia progresses through the following stages (timescales are typical examples, only):

investigation (months to several years)
indictment to first trial (6 months to 2+ years)
trial (months to years)
verdict (the same day or shortly after the end of the trial)
sentence (usually at the same time as the verdict)
appeal (6 to 18 months, or longer)

Delays of months or years are common, especially in serious cases. Verdicts and sentences are usually delivered promptly once trial ends.

Appeals significantly extend overall case duration. Appeals for people who are in custody are prioritised but still not always fast.

The British embassy cannot interfere with the Slovak judicial system. It cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

Choice of court

The type of court your case is heard in usually depends on how serious the alleged offence is.

Slovakia has 4 main levels of court involved in criminal cases. These are:

District Court (first instance, most ordinary crimes)
Specialised Criminal Court (first instance, corruption, organised crime, terrorism, serious economic crime)
Regional Court (appellate, appeals from district courts)
Supreme Court (final appellate instance, serious legal issues, uniformity of law).

Criminal proceedings are divided into 2 main phases:

Pre‑trial stage (prípravné konanie) – investigation and charging
Trial stage (konanie pred súdom) – court proceedings

If your case will go to trial you will be given a ‘bill of indictment’ (obžaloba). It will say what you’re accused of, which laws may have been broken and what the evidence is.

Taking evidence

This is usually the longest part of the trial and may include witness testimonies, expert opinions, material evidence…

Verdict

The judge will read the verdict (conviction, acquittal or referral to another authority) and it will include the reasons and information on appeal rights.

Sentences

If you’re found guilty, you’ll be given a sentence. Your sentence will depend on how serious the crime is. Your lawyer can tell you what or how long your sentence might be. Criminal penalties in Slovakia are governed by the Criminal Code (Trestný zákon). The system follows European human‑rights standards and focuses on punishment, prevention, and rehabilitation.

Prison sentences – imprisonment (odňatie slobody)

Prison sentences may be:

unconditional (custodial sentence)
suspended (conditional sentence with probation)

Duration:

generally from 3 months up to life imprisonment
life imprisonment is reserved for the most serious crimes (e.g. murder under aggravated circumstances, terrorism)

Sentences vary in security level and can be minimum, medium or maximum security

Early release may be possible after serving part of the sentence

Making an appeal

You have the right to appeal in criminal cases. An appeal allowing review of facts, law, procedure, and sentencing. Both the defence and the prosecution can appeal. Prosecution appeals – especially against acquittals or lenient sentences – are an established and normal part of the system.

When you can appeal

You can appeal within 15 days from the delivery (service) of the written judgment to the defendant or their defence counsel.

How to appeal

Who can appeal:

the defendant
the defence lawyer on the defendant’s behalf

The appeal must indicate:

that the judgment is being appealed
which parts are challenged (guilt, sentence, compensation, etc.)

The appeal is filed with the court that issued the judgment (court of first instance), which then forwards it to the appellate court.

What happens when you appeal

The prosecutor may oppose the appeal, support it or file their own appeal.

Formal review by the first‑instance court

The trial court checks whether the appeal was filed on time, whether it was filed by an authorised person and whether it is procedurally admissible

The trial court either admits the appeal and forwards the case to the appellate court or rejects it.

Preliminary review by the appellate court

The appellate court decides whether a public appellate hearing will take place or the case is decided without a hearing.

Substantive review of the judgment

The appellate court reviews:

lawfulness of the proceedings
correctness of fact‑finding
application of substantive criminal law
proportionality of the sentence
compliance with fair‑trial standards

Decision of the appellate court

The appellate court may uphold the judgment, amend it, quash it or acquit the defendant.

At the end of the appeal

When ordinary appeals are exhausted, only extraordinary remedies remain, such as:

appeal on points of law (dovolanie)
re-opening of proceedings
constitutional complaint

Prison conditions in Slovakia

Prison conditions in Slovakia are generally adequate.

Slovakia runs a closed-regime prison system, with different levels of security and control.

Prisons are used for people who are:

on remand (awaiting trial)
serving a sentence
held in mixed regimes

Security and living conditions vary between prisons and units.

Some lower security units operate in ways similar to open conditions. These are usually for people assessed as lower risk or approved to work. Access to facilities, such as television rooms, depends on the regime the person is held under.

Libraries

All prisons must provide access to reading materials. Slovak law also gives people the right to:

borrow books
use table games
receive study materials

Outdoor exercise

Slovak law guarantees at least 1 hour of outdoor exercise per day, for all detainees (including those in solitary confinement).

Courses, study and education

Educational materials are permitted, and libraries hold language and self‑education books.

Study, hobby, and sports activities must be provided, depending on resources available in the prison.

Work opportunities

Prisoners are allowed to work, usually dependent on their security classification and availability of work programs.

Letters and packages

People in prison in Slovakia can receive parcels, but restrictions apply.

Rules vary between prisons, as each institution sets its own limits on what parcels are allowed. Anyone sending a parcel must make sure the contents follow prison rules on prohibited items. These rules usually ban items such as electronics, weapons and drugs.

Items sent from outside Slovakia are also subject to Slovak customs rules. Some goods may need an import permit, and others may be restricted or refused.

Some prisons limit how many care parcels a person can receive each month or year.

Letters are usually easier to send than parcels. However, all mail is inspected and must follow prison security rules.

People sending mail to an inmate should:

include the prisoner’s full name and ID/prisoner number as a reference
provide accurate shipping information so that prisons can identify the inmate
include sender’s full return address

You should not pay guards or officials to receive mail or parcels. All incoming mail must go through official inspection and delivery procedures.

Stamps and stationery

You must pay for stamps. You usually have to buy them from the prison shop, also known as the commissary. The commissary usually also sells writing paper and envelopes.

Prisons normally do not allow stamps or stationery to be sent through the post. Families and friends can put money in your prison account so they can buy them inside the prison.

Checks on your mail

All mail is screened for banned items, threats or coded messages.

Incoming mail is usually opened and checked.

Mail from your lawyer is treated differently, but it may still be opened in the your presence to check for banned items.

Outgoing mail is also usually inspected, unless it is legal correspondence.

Security checks can delay delivery, usually by a few days, depending on staff workload and security requirements.

Telephone calls

You have the right to make phone calls. International numbers are usually allowed, but you must get these approved and registered in advance.

There is no need to apply for each individual call. However, all phone numbers must be approved before they can be used.

You are entitled to at least 2 phone calls per month, with each call lasting at least 20 minutes. This is a minimum entitlement. Some prisons allow more frequent calls, depending on security level, regime and local prison rules.

Calls with your lawyer are treated separately. you can usually call your defence lawyer once a week, and more often if needed.

Phone calls are paid for using your prison phone or commissary account, or through prepaid accounts funded by family or friends.

Telephone calls on remand and when sentenced

Remand prisoners especially those held under collusion custody, may face strict limitations or even total restrictions on non‑legal phone calls, while having enhanced protected access to their lawyer.

Sentenced prisoners have relatively stable, predictable calling entitlements.

Video calls

If the prison has the technical facilities, video calls may be available.

Medical and dental treatment

Your basic medical needs must be met while you’re detained in Slovakia. The prison doctor is responsible for your health and wellbeing.

Treatment for a new illness or condition

Speak to the prison guards or your social worker if you need medical or dental treatment.

The doctor might not visit every day in smaller prisons, so submit the request as soon as possible.

Prison doctors are often similar to UK GPs (general practitioners). So, if you have an unusual or complex condition you might be referred to a specialist outside the prison.

Existing conditions

The British embassy can try to make sure the prison knows about any medical or dental issues you have, if you want us to. We can also talk to your UK GP to help get your medical records sent to the prison.

You might be transferred to a hospital with a police guard if your condition cannot be treated in prison.

Drug and alcohol addiction

There are no dedicated in‑prison rehab institutions. You can receive medical addiction treatment internally and may be transferred or referred to specialised external rehabilitation facilities outside prison when legally or medically appropriate. Discuss this with the prison doctor.

Mental health care

Slovak prisons provide psychological examinations and ongoing psychological services. Every person entering prison must undergo an initial psychological assessment to identify needs and potential risks (including suicide risk). Prisoners can receive consultations with qualified specialists, either upon request or when staff identify a need.

Mental‑health care in prison is usually voluntary, In exceptional circumstances – for example, severe mental‑health deterioration – someone may be involuntarily placed in an external mental‑health care institution. This indicates that psychiatric hospital care is accessible when necessary and legally justified.

Mental health is recognised as an important health issue, but stigma remains significant and negative attitudes still influence whether individuals seek treatment.

Talk to the prison psychologist or doctor as soon as possible if you feel you need treatment for your mental health. For example, you have depression or anxiety.

Emergency trips outside prison

Emergency trips outside prison are possible, but only in exceptional cases and only for sentenced prisoners (not for people on remand).
Emergency leave can be granted for urgent personal situations such as a funeral of a next of kin or similar critical events. This is allowed solely at the discretion of the prison director.

Decisions typically depend on:

your security classification
behaviour and risk assessment
the urgency and legitimacy of the situation (e.g. proof of death/illness)

You must submit a request to the prison authorities, usually via your assigned social worker (“sociálny pracovník”).

Food and diet

You will get 3 meals per day. The meals are designed to be nutritionally adequate to provide a balanced diet and drinking water is available.

You can supplement your diet by buying additional food from the prison shop.

Special diets

Special diets (medical or religious) are possible with approval from the prison doctor.

Prison shop

There are prison shops in prisons, where you can typically buy:

extra food (snacks, packaged food, supplementary items)
toiletries (items beyond the basic ones provided)
stationery
stamps
books, magazines, newspapers

Showers and hygiene

You can generally shower twice a week. If you work inside the prison, you may be allowed to shower more frequently. Some cells have showers, but typically, there are shared showers. Toilets are separate within each cell.

Showers follow strict hygiene rules, and basic cleaning and sanitising products are provided.

Prisons provide basic toiletries twice a month, including:

soap
toilet paper
sanitary napkins (for female prisoners)

You have to request any additional hygiene products in writing.

You can buy extra hygiene products in the prison shop.

Work and study

Prisoners can work, but work cannot be guaranteed for everyone because there are not enough jobs for all prisoners. Work is not compulsory.

Typical prison work includes:

internal prison jobs (cleaning, kitchen help, laundry, maintenance)
prison‑based production or workshops (depending on the facility)

Because jobs are limited, you may have to wait before a suitable job becomes available.

Speaking Slovak is not always a requirement, but for some jobs you must speak Slovak, specifically for roles where language is necessary for health and safety reasons, other jobs may not require language skills.

Prisoners are insured under the Slovak social security scheme when working and information on the amount of wage is given to the prisoner prior to commencing the work –Slovak prisons typically pay modest wages.

The length of the working day usually depends on the prison’s internal regime and the type of work assignment.

Books, languages, activities and study

Contact with other prisoners is not punished; it is part of normal prison life.

However, how much contact you have depends on:

security level (minimum, medium, maximum)
internal rules of each prison
type of accommodation (open units vs. more restricted units)

For example, prisoners in open units have more freedom of movement, while those in higher security levels have more restrictions. The prison system explicitly states different regimes with differing freedoms of movement and social interaction. Pre‑trial detainees may face tighter restrictions (e.g. risk of influencing witnesses).

The prison generally allows foreigners of the same nationality, speaking the same or similar language to be accommodated together.

The prison guards do not usually speak English. However, prisons normally assign an English‑speaking social worker if available.

Slovak language lessons/courses are usually not offered. Prisoners may study independently using books from the library or books ordered from outside.

Prisoners can use the prison phone at least twice a month for 20 minutes, to up to five approved contacts, after submitting a written application.

Prisoners have the right to write and receive letters. They may request writing materials or buy some through the prison system.

Internet access is limited and highly controlled. Some prisons offer restricted internet access to approved websites (e.g., legal information, authorities). There is no open, general internet browsing.

Prisoners may use their own TV or radio at their own expense, with prior approval and inspection of the device.

There is a prison library, and prisoners may borrow books from it. English‑language materials may be available depending on the facility.

Prisoners can:

receive books, newspapers, magazines ordered at their own expense
request materials via mail, including English books and language learning resources

Restrictions apply only to extremist, violent, or otherwise prohibited content.

Prisoners Abroad might be able to send some reading material, language textbooks and dictionaries.

Prisons offer educational, leisure, and sports activities, which prisoners are encouraged to participate in. Participation is generally seen as positive, as it:

demonstrates cooperation, engagement, and good behaviour
may support rehabilitation and personal development

Clothing

Prisoners are issued standard prison clothing upon arrival. Prison clothing typically includes tops, trousers, underwear and weather‑appropriate outerwear.

Weather appropriate clothing is provided by prison. Slovakia has cold winters, so warm clothing is supplied when needed. Pre‑trial detainees may use their own clothes if they meet hygiene requirements and they can maintain them at their own expense. This exception does not apply to sentenced prisoners.

Religion

Prisoners are entitled to take part in religious services provided by the prison. Ministers of faith of the church, or the religious group officially registered in Slovakia, can visit prisoners.

Most of the facilities are staffed by religious ministers.

Prisoners may borrow books from the prison library, order books, magazines, and newspapers at their own expense and receive reading materials by post – this includes religious texts, if they comply with general prison content restrictions.

Mobile phones

Prisoners in Slovakia are not permitted to possess mobile phones under any circumstances.

Possession of a mobile phone is considered serious contraband and typically results in:

Internal disciplinary punishment, such as:
- loss of privileges (visits, phone access, shop access)
- solitary confinement / disciplinary cell
- transfer to a higher‑security unit
possible criminal charges – possession of a contraband mobile phone can lead to additional criminal charges for introducing or possessing prohibited items in a prison.

Transferring to another prison

You may be able to apply to transfer to a prison in the UK to serve the remainder of your sentence.

your sentence must be final (no appeals pending), you must have at least 6 months left to serve at the time of application.

The offence must be a crime in both Slovakia and the UK and both countries must consent to the transfer.

You can also request to be transferred to another prison in Slovakia if you have good reasons. You’ll have to make a request with the prison.

Early release

Slovakia has a mechanism for early release from prison. Conditional suspension (a type of probation) is available under Slovak Criminal Code.

Prisoners are formally told which release mechanisms they may qualify for at the start of their sentence. Consult your lawyer for more information.

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Reducing a sentence is conditional release (parole), which is:

not automatic
granted by a court
based on behaviour, rehabilitation efforts, and risk assessment, but not calculated through fixed good‑behaviour credits

Clemency or pardon

Slovakia has a constitutional clemency system, exercised by the President of the Slovak Republic.

Presidential clemency includes:

individual pardons
amnesties (broader, category‑based acts)

These powers allow the President to:

remit or reduce a final sentence
expunge a conviction
suspend execution of a punishment
interrupt or defer a sentence pending clemency consideration

A pardon is granted based on a request. The request comes from you or another initiating party (for example your lawyer or family).

How the application is processed:

a written request is submitted (the President’s Office provides the form and instructions on its website)
the Minister of Justice prepares supporting documents, including:
- the applicant’s file
- background on the conviction
- assessment of circumstances
the President decides, exercising full discretion
if approved, the President issues a decree granting the pardon
for amnesties, a countersignature is required

The presidential clemency decisions are subject to review. Since 2017, the Slovak Parliament has the power to annul presidential pardons or amnesties if they violate democratic or rule‑of‑law principles. Such an annulment must then be reviewed by the Constitutional Court within 60 days. If the Court does not strike the annulment down, the pardon/amnesty is abolished.

Release and deportation

You can contact the British embassy if you need help when you’re released. You will usually be deported.

Deportation

Deportation is not automatic, foreign offenders are routinely reviewed for expulsion once their prison term ends.

If a deportation order is issued and cannot be carried out immediately, you can be detained in an immigration detention centre.: Immigration detention centres are restrictive and prison‑like.

You can appeal administrative deportation decision through the court.

You can be deported, if you pose a risk to public order, even if you are a long‑term resident.

As a long‑term resident, you might be allowed to stay after your sentence, depending on length and legality of residence, seriousness of the offence, personal and family ties and risk assessment.

Removal must be proportionate and legally justified. Criminal activity is a key factor that may override residence history.

Flights to the UK

Deportation flights are arranged by the Slovak state. Since the state carries out the removal and ensures the process is completed, inability to pay cannot legally prevent expulsion.

Foreigners may be held in immigration detention centres while removal is being organised.

Getting a passport

Make sure your British passport is still in date. Contact the British embassy before you’re released if you need an emergency passport for your journey home.

Useful Slovak words and phrases

Important phrases

I would like to see a doctor / Potrebujem lekára
I would like to visit a social worker / Potrebujem sociálného pracovníka
I would like to contact the embassy / Potrebujem kontaktovať ambasádu
I would like to contact my lawyer / Potrebujem kontaktovať môjho právnika

Useful terms

police	polícia
officer	príslušník
detention/arrest	zadržanie
cell	cela
preliminary detention cell	cela predbežného zadržania
lawyer	právnik, advokát
court	súd
judge	sudca
sentence	trest
plea	priznanie
guilty	vinný
innocent	nevinný
remand/collusion custody	vyšetrovacia, kolúzna väzba
prosecutor	prokurátor
witness	svedok (male), svedkyňa (female)
legal proceedings	právne konanie
criminal proceedings	trestné konanie
trial	súdny proces
court hearing	súdne pojednávanie
indictment	obžaloba
convicted	usvedčený
acquitted	oslobodený
prison	väzenie, väzba
guard	stražca, dozorca
prison Governor	riaditeľ väzenia
visit	návšteva
phone	telefón
phone call	telefonát
money, funds	peniaze
contact	kontakt
family	rodina
friends	priatelia
embassy, consulate	ambasáda, konzulát
month	mesiac
day	deň
hour	hodina
date	dátum