The UK Foreign Office has warned Brits about increased border checks at a European destination amid a serious outbreak. Authorities are on “high alert” after cases of foot and mouth disease were reported in Slovakia.
As a result, travellers can expect to see more thorough checks at the country’s borders. In an update provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), travellers were advised to stay up-to-date with the latest advice before setting off.
The FCDO said: “On 25 March 2025, the Slovak Government introduced a range of emergency measures following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. This had led to increased vehicle inspection measures, especially on freight vehicles, on the Czech, Austrian, Hungarian and Polish borders.
“People are also advised to avoid visiting farms and forests in affected areas and to follow strict hygiene measures to prevent the disease from spreading.”
So far, the Slovak Government has reported three cases of foot and mouth disease (FMD) close to the Slovakian–Hungarian border.
The cases were identified in three separate premises housing cattle. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: “The UK Government had already taken action to prevent the commercial import from Slovakia of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other non- domestic ruminants and porcines such as deer and their untreated products, such as fresh meat and dairy. This will protect farmers and their livestock.
“Since 8 March, travellers to GB have not been able to bring meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and animal by products of pigs and ruminants, or hay or straw, from Hungary and Slovakia after a case on the Hungarian border with Slovakia. “
FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas, and alpacas.
UK chief veterinary officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said: “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.”
Farming minister Daniel Zeichner added: “With disease now confirmed in Slovakia , it is clear the Government’s precautionary approach to ban Slovakian imports was the right one.
“The confirmation of a foot and mouth disease in a third European country is a serious concern, the Government will take whatever action is necessary to prevent the further spread of disease.”
If travelling to Slovakia, you must be aware of other guidelines. For example, Slovakia follows Schengen area rules. This means your passport must:
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Slovakia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You must make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.
