Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇨🇿 Bílá
🇸🇰 Klokočov
Coordinates
49.45°N, 18.65°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~1500 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Slovak/Czech
Currency Exchange
Limited near Klokočov (EUR, CZK)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Bílá & Klokočov
A Quiet Crossing in the Beskid Mountains
The border crossing connecting the Slovak village of Klokočov with Bílá in the Czech Republic is a journey into the quiet, forested heart of the Beskid Mountains. This is a secondary road crossing, a more local and less-traveled alternative to the main pass at Makov-Bumbálka. Since both Slovakia and the Czech Republic are members of the European Union and the Schengen Area, there are no permanent border controls. To cross here is to take a peaceful, scenic route through a landscape of deep valleys and wooded hillsides, a seamless passage between the Kysuce region of Slovakia and the Moravian-Silesian region of the Czech Republic.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Slovakia’s Žilina Region with the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. It is a regional road, open 24/7, and used by local traffic and tourists seeking a more tranquil journey. The former border posts are now abandoned or repurposed. Traffic flows freely, and the only signs of the border are the standard blue EU signs. The road follows a picturesque valley, making it a pleasant drive, especially in the summer and autumn months.
Before Crossing
Crossing borders gets messy sometimes, think political flare-ups or gates shutting fast. Good travel insurance is a must for handling doctor visits, trip disruptions, or security scares. Don’t get caught unprepared. To find a policy that’s got your back, check out reliable plans today for peace of mind.
A History of the Velvet Divorce
The history of this crossing is the history of Czechoslovakia. For 75 years, this was an internal administrative line. The mountain ridge was a boundary between the Slovak and Czech parts of a single country. This changed on January 1, 1993, with the “Velvet Divorce.” The Klokočov-Bílá crossing was instantly transformed into a full-fledged international border. For over a decade, it was a place of passports, customs checks, and queues. This all changed again in 2007 when both countries joined the Schengen Area, and the physical border controls were dismantled overnight, restoring the easy passage that local communities had known for generations.
The Seamless Border Procedure
Today, there is no border procedure for travelers. You simply drive through the valley. There are no passport checks and no customs inspections. This is the reality of the Schengen Area. However, it is important to remember that both Czech and Slovak police and customs authorities can and do perform random checks on vehicles anywhere in their territory, including near the former border. You are still required to carry a valid passport or national ID card with you at all times.
The Surrounding Region: Slovakia Side
On the Slovak side, the crossing is in the Kysuce region. The village of Klokočov is a small, scattered mountain settlement. The area is known for a geological curiosity: the Klokočov scree, an area with naturally occurring rock balls. The nearby city of Čadca is the main administrative and economic center of the region. The area is a gateway to the stunning mountains of the Malá Fatra and Veľká Fatra National Parks, which are popular for hiking and skiing.
The Surrounding Region: Czech Side
On the Czech side, the crossing is in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids, a mountain range known for its traditional Wallachian culture. The village of Bílá is one of the most important ski resorts in the region. The area is known for its unique dialect and folklore, its wooden architecture, and its beautiful natural scenery. The nearby town of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm is home to the Wallachian Open Air Museum, a magnificent collection of traditional folk buildings. The sacred mountain of Radhošť, with its chapel and statue of the pagan god Radegast, is a popular pilgrimage and hiking destination.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is very simple. The most important thing is to have the required motorway vignettes if your journey involves motorways in either country. Both Slovakia and the Czech Republic use an electronic vignette system (`elektronická diaľničná známka`), which must be purchased online in advance. The official currencies are the Euro (EUR) in Slovakia and the Czech Koruna (CZK) in the Czech Republic. Services are available in the towns on both sides of the border. The mountain roads are well-maintained but can be challenging in winter, with heavy snow. It is essential to have appropriate winter tires and to check the weather and road conditions before you travel.
Final Considerations
The Klokočov–Bílá border crossing is a scenic and peaceful route through the heart of the Beskid mountains. It offers a beautiful journey through a region rich in nature and folklore. It is a border that you might not even notice you have crossed, a testament to the success of the Schengen project in this stunning mountain landscape. For those looking to escape the main highways and enjoy a more relaxed drive, it is an excellent choice.