The amended Government ordinance regulating new border entry rules will be in force as of Saturday, 9 January 2021. Here is what is new. PCR tests taken in third countries are accepted as valid and a new exception is in place in the education sector. Also, rapid antigen testing at the border is terminated.

PCR tests taken in third countries now valid; rapid antigen tests valid only if taken in EU MS or Schengen Area state

A coronavirus detection test will be recognised if it is conducted according to the PCR methodology in an EU Member State or a Schengen Area state or in an organisation or individual operator provider that has been approved as appropriate and credible by the Institute of Microbiology and Immunology and the National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food. The list of these institutions and laboratories is available on the website of the National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food. Tests conducted by a laboratory using the rapid antigen test methodology and operating in an EU Member State or Schengen Area state will also be accepted as valid.

This means that, on entry into Slovenia, negative PCR tests taken in third countries will be recognised as acceptable if they are not older than 48 hours from swabbing.

Rapid antigen tests are acceptable if they are taken in an EU Member State or a Schengen Area state.

Rapid antigen testing on border crossing points at the external Schengen border no longer takes place.

Cutting quarantine short again applies to everyone

If you are in home quarantine based on a police order issued upon entry into Slovenia, you may cut your quarantine period short if you test negative for Covid-19 in line with the PCR methodology. Should you choose this option, make sure you do not take the PCR test earlier than the fifth day of your quarantine period. The possibility to reduce quarantine days is available to anyone regardless of nationality.

A new exemption in the education sector and one exemption less for athletes

As of 9 January 2021, travellers arriving into Slovenia from a red-listed country are not required to quarantine or show a negative (PRC or HAG) test if they fall into exempt categories, from now on including also:

• persons crossing the border on a random or daily basis who are participating in education and scientific research in Slovenia or an EU Member State or a Schengen Area state and are able to prove their status with an adequate document of proof. If such a person is a minor or someone who for some reason cannot travel on their own, this person may be accompanied by another person in the function of a driver under the same entry rules. However, the driver has to return across the border immediately after completing such a transfer.

The exemption that applied to athletes was deleted due to the abandonment of rapid antigen testing on the external border.

Red list of countries

Finland was taken off the red list on 9 January 2021, which means that arrivals from this country can enter without having to quarantine or showing a negative test. There have been no changes to the list of third countries.

Related content

For most recent information on changes introduced by the ordinance, entry requirements and updates on red list of countries please go to the government web site Border Crossing