Czech Republic Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. All visitors must hold an onward or return ticket, or proof of sufficient funds to buy a ticket, and all documents required for onward travel. They must also fill in and sign a border-crossing card, and be able to show proof of the following at the request of the Authority of Aliens Police Service: (i) sufficient means of support for the duration of their stay: (a) at least CZK 1,010 per day, if stay does not exceed 30 days, (b) at least CZK 34,300 if stay exceeds more than 30 days (amount increases by CZK 4,640 for each additional month of intended stay), (c) CZK 101,000 if stay is for business purposes and exceeds 90 days; (ii) documents confirming financial security (credit cards, bank statements, etc.); (iii) documents confirming accommodation for the period of stay in the Czech Republic, unless another accommodation arrangement is provided; (iv) valid health insurance, with complete coverage. Requests concerning finances and accommodation can be confirmed by an official invitation verified by the Authority of Aliens Police Service, not longer than 180 days from its verification. Nationals of Switzerland and EEA Member States, as well as holders of diplomatic visas or travel documents, are exempt from these considerations. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months in a half-year period.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom', as well as to holders of emergency passports issued to nationals of the United Kingdom. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen. No visa is required for stays of up to three months in a half-year period for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).

Canadians

Canadians must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months in a half-year period.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months in a half-year period.

South Africans

South Africans require a visa, to be arranged prior to arrival, as well as a passport valid for the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. Note: family members of EU nationals can obtain a short-term visa on arrival (free of charge), provided they are holding reliable proof of this status (e.g. a marriage certificate).

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals must have a passport (or emergency passport) valid for the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. No visa is required.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months in a half-year period.

Healthcare

There are no vaccination requirements for international travelers, and no major health risks are associated with travel to the Czech Republic. A reciprocal health agreement with the UK entitles citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to free emergency health care, however medical insurance is still advised. Visitors to forested areas should seek medical advice about immunization against tick borne encephalitis.

Safety

The majority of visits to the Czech Republic are trouble-free, although the country has a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which it shares with the rest of the world. Petty theft is on the increase, especially in Prague, and visitors should be vigilant about their belongings particularly on public transport and around the main tourist sites.