Czech Republic Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for the Czech Republic

Traveling to the Czech Republic? You may need a visa – find out if you do, which type, and how to apply so you can get the paperwork out of the way and focus on your trip.

What's a Czech Republic Schengen Visa, and who's it for?

Who's the Czech Republic Schengen Visa for? Travelers from over 100 eligible countries can apply for a Czech Republic Schengen Visa.

Who's not eligible for a Czech Republic Schengen Visa? Residents of the European Union and nationals of Schengen countries can travel visa-free within the Schengen Zone​.

What's the purpose of the Czech Republic Schengen Visa?

Enter and travel within 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area for the following purposes:

• Tourism and visiting family or friends.

• Attending business meetings, conferences, or other business activities.

• Participating in short recreational courses or sports.

How long can you stay with a Czech Republic Schengen Visa?

The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days Per Entry within 180 days in the Schengen Area. Its validity ranges from 180 days to 5 years, depending on your personal circumstances as determined by the embassy.

Learn more about the Czech Republic Schengen Visa

What's a Czech Republic ETIAS, and who's it for?

Who's the Czech Republic ETIAS for? The Czech Republic ETIAS is for travelers from countries that don't need a visa to visit the Czech Republic and other participating countries.

Citizens from over 60 visa-exempt countries must apply for ETIAS authorization. This includes citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, and Singapore.

Who's not eligible for the Czech Republic ETIAS?

• Citizens from countries requiring a visa to enter the Schengen Area.

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens as they enjoy freedom of movement within the Schengen Area and don't need any visa or authorization.

• Individuals with an outstanding entry ban or alert in the Schengen Information System.

• Travelers who don't meet the security and entry criteria the ETIAS system determines.

What's the purpose of the Czech Republic ETIAS?

To pre-check travelers from visa-exempt countries before they enter participating countries, including the Czech Republic, for security reasons and to make the entry process quicker and easier.

How long can you stay with a Czech Republic ETIAS?

The ETIAS authorization allows for short-term visits, typically up to 90 days within 180 days. It's valid for multiple entries within 3 years or until the end of the validity of the passport registered during the application, whichever comes first.

We'll update this page as soon as ETIAS is implemented in 2025.

What are the Czech Republic's long-term visa options?

The Czech Republic offers several long-term visa options for various purposes, such as employment, study, business, and residence. At iVisa, we currently don't offer these, but you can find out more on the official Czech government website.

Staying healthy in the Czech Republic: Here's what you need to know

The Czech Republic boasts a high standard of medical care, comparable to other European countries. Here's what travelers should know.

Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines

• Ensure you're up-to-date with routine vaccinations. These include Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Varicella (chickenpox), Polio, and Influenza (flu shot).

• Keep updated with the Czech Republic's COVID-19 requirements, such as quarantine, testing, or vaccine certificates, through your airline or the Czech government website.

Medical facilities

• Health facilities are well-equipped and staffed by medical professionals generally fluent in English, especially in Prague and other major cities.

• English-speaking medical staff are commonly found in private clinics and hospitals, especially in tourist areas.

Health insurance

We always recommend taking out health insurance before traveling to any destination.

All the major cities in the Czech Republic will have private medical care, but it can be expensive. You should choose travel insurance with high coverage limits.

Contact your insurance provider before traveling to ensure you have the right level of coverage.

Other things to consider:

• Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption benefits.

• Medical expenses and medical evacuation benefits.

• Baggage coverage.

Things to be aware of when visiting the Czech Republic

Keep an extra eye on the following to keep healthy and safe during your trip to the Czech Republic:

Tick-borne diseases: If you're venturing into the Czech countryside, be vigilant about ticks, as they can transmit Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. Use repellent and check your body after being in wooded or grassy areas.

Medication for personal use

Follow these tips to bring into the Czech Republic some over-the-counter medicines:

• Declare all medications: Report all medications for personal use to customs authorities.

• Original packaging: Always keep medicines in their original containers and transparent bags in your hand luggage.

• Prescription or doctor's letter: Present the medical prescription issued by your doctor or other competent authority in English.

• Check for restrictions: Call the Czech Republic embassy to verify that all your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.

• Quantity aligned with itinerary: Bring only a reasonable quantity that aligns with the duration of your stay to avoid complications.

Need embassy support?

For other consular needs for the Czech Republic, your first point of contact is the Czech Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Need assistance while traveling in the Czech Republic? Your home country's embassy or consulate is your go-to place for support. Check our useful Embassies Finder to locate the nearest one.