Foreigners in Slovakia - The Slovak Spectator

Winemakers parade through Rača during the 2021 vinobranie festival.

Nine years in Slovakia: Why I stayed

I studied media in Ireland, never thought I’d use it in Slovakia — until I found myself in Rača, mic in hand at vinobranie.

Oscar Brophy

Traveling by train is eco-friendly and a modern way to explore the country comfortably and stress-free.

Travel tips (and common misunderstandings) while travelling across Slovakia

Travelling in Slovakia can be smooth and stress-free when you know how to navigate public transport, buy tickets and follow traffic rules.

Compiled by Spectator staff

Rushan Sitaram was born into a Nepali family in the Indian state of Gujarat.

Sometimes the boldest decision is simply to begin again

Rushan Sitaram walked away from accountancy in India, trusting film to lead him. It took him to Cannes, across continents — and into a marriage that defied tradition.

Kristína Paholík Hamárová

Aart van Veen in traditional Zemplín folk costume.

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They sold their flat in Switzerland and moved to eastern Slovakia. Why?

For one Dutchman and his wife, Slovakia’s sense of community outweighs its unreliable services and poor transport.

Elizaveta Blahodarova

Foreigners’ Police Department on Regrútska Street in Bratislava

How to “win the lottery” with the Slovak police as a foreigner

A personal experience dealing with the Foreigners’ Police Department in Bratislava.

Elizaveta Blahodarova

Previous edition of the [fjúžn] festival.

[fjúžn] Festival celebrates 20 years: Courage connects cultures even in uncertain times

The theme of this year’s jubilee edition is Courage.

Compiled by Spectator staff

Police storm Slovak restaurant to detain ‘godfather of Cologne’

Necati Coskun Arabaci was briefly detained while dining with family — and freed hours later to cheers from his crew.

Compiled by Spectator staff

From Venezuela to Bardejov: Darwin González chases his football dream

South Americans are a fixture in Slovakia’s lower leagues. For Venezuelan midfielder González, Partizán Bardejov opened the door to Europe.

Compiled by Spectator staff

FAQ: State citizenship of the Slovak Republic

The Slovak Spectator brings you the set of the most frequently asked questions with regard to acquiring and losing Slovak state citizenship.

Compiled by Spectator staff

A Kiwi friend, me, and my flatmate Rupert

More than a border town: How Lučenec changed my life

The offer of a teaching job in southern Slovakia would prove to be an invitation for an adventure that ultimately made Slovakia my home.

Peter Barrer

Sara Holmes and her father at her wedding.

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It was not her grandparents’ choice to go to the US, but she made her own and came

Slovak American Sara Holmes now lives in Bratislava.

Matúš Beňo

Two American tourists had to be rushed to hospital after collapsing in the middle of the night in the Slovak city of Nitra on 17 August 2025.

Two American tourists rushed to hospital after ‘boozing too hard’, Slovak police say

The pair, aged 27 and 48, were found unconscious on a pavement in Nitra.

Compiled by Spectator staff

Renato Lamanna points to signage stating that the area outside his restaurant is closed.

A car park rises. An Italian’s business is on the line.

For 17 years, Renato Lamanna has run Primo Amore in Bratislava. Now, construction barriers threaten his trade – and other businesses too.

Oscar Brophy

The very first issue of The Slovak Spectator

We were here to watch, be neutral, even in restaurant reviews, says The Slovak Spectator founder

The English newspaper about Slovakia celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Matúš Beňo

Cande Glikin in Argentina - in the beautiful Bariloche (Patagonia) region

When America shut out Slovaks, Argentina welcomed them

When the U.S. closed its doors in 1924, thousands of Slovaks sought opportunity in South America. Their descendants are still finding their way back to Europe.

Zuzana Palovic