Czech Republic: Current at 27th April 2024

Warnings and insurance

Information on taxis from Prague airport and notice that the Prague public transport information and journey planner is now also available in English ('Safety and security' page).

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks

• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Czech Republic set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Czech Republic Embassy in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the Czech Republic.

Passport validity requirements

To travel to the Czech Republic, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.

To enter the Czech Republic (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early

• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you lived in the Czech Republic before 1 January 2021 and have the relevant documentation, you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. You can enter and exit the Czech Republic with a valid passport and do not need any additional validity.

Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

If you’re a visitor, your passport must be stamped when you enter or leave the Schengen area (which includes the Czech Republic). Border guards will use passport stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for stays in the Schengen area. If your passport was not stamped, border guards will presume you have overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

Read about passport stamping if you live in the Czech Republic.

At the Czech Republic border control, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket

• show you have enough money for your stay

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area (including the Czech Republic) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist

• to visit family or friends

• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events

• for short-term studies or training

If you’re travelling to the Czech Republic and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Czech Republic government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Embassy of the Czech Republic .

If you stay in the Czech Republic with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Czech Republic guide.

Registering with the police

If you do not have a Czech Republic residence permit, you must register your address with the nearest Foreign Police Department within 3 days of arriving. You can also register through your hotel or accommodation service. If you do not register, you could get a fine of up to 3,000 Czech koruna.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of the Czech Republic. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the Czech Republic

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in the Czech Republic, attacks cannot be ruled out.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public places, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Political situation

Protests

Public protests may happen at short notice. These have been peaceful, but take care in crowded places and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Take care of yourself and your belongings in the same way as you would do in the UK. Take precautions against pickpockets and bag snatchers and avoid leaving your belongings, food or drinks unattended.

Petty theft is a problem, especially in major tourist areas in Prague. There is a risk of pickpocketing on busy metro and bus routes from Prague airport to the city centre and trams to popular tourist sites like Prague castle. Keep your passport and valuables with you at all times.

Report any thefts in person to the Czech police within 24 hours, and get a police report crime number. Prague police station (Jungmannovo namesti 9, Prague 1, nearest metro stop is Mustek) is open 24 hours and has English translators. You can also get a police report from the police station at the airport.

Every lamppost in Prague has a 6-digit number posted at eye level. These codes will help you tell the police where you are if you cannot give them an exact address.

Drink spiking

There is a risk of drink spiking in bars and clubs. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers or leaving your drinks unattended.

Scams

Be aware of criminals pretending to be plain clothes policemen who ask to see your foreign currency and passport. Czech Republic police officers do not have the right to do this. Do not show them your money. Instead, offer to go with them to the nearest police station. You can also call 158 or 112 to check their identity.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Carry your passport with you at all times for identification. The police may fine or arrest you if you do not.

Prague safety issues

Prague city police advise visitors to:

• always change money at a currency exchange or bank rather than on the street as this money is often counterfeit

• take care when using cash machines

• avoid contact with sex workers

• be aware of consumption charges in night clubs as they are often high

• be careful with consumption cards, which carry high financial penalties if you lose them before you pay your bill

Drunken and offensive behaviour

Stag groups are not allowed to enter some city centre bars and restaurants. You may be arrested or fined for drunken or offensive behaviour. Police may take you to ‘Sober-up’ facilities for a temporary period and you may be charged for your stay.

Illegal drugs

The possession, sale and distribution of drugs is illegal, and the drugs are often dangerous counterfeits. Penalties for drug offences are severe, convictions carry sentences of up to 18 years. Some shops, particularly in Prague, advertise ‘cannabis products’, which contain trace amounts of THC permissible under Czech law. However, possessing marijuana remains illegal in the Czech Republic.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships and civil partnerships are legal in the Czech Republic but same-sex marriages are not recognised in Czech law. LGBT+ travellers should be aware that showing affection in public could receive unwanted attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Surrogacy

It is illegal to earn money from a surrogacy arrangement.

The police may charge you if you are:

• a surrogate mother

• a British national who plans to take a child born through surrogacy

• an agent organising the handover

FCDO advises against making surrogacy arrangements in the Czech Republic or moving surrogacy arrangements from other countries.

You should get specialist legal advice in the UK and the Czech Republic. Read the information for British nationals on surrogacy arrangements in foreign countries.

Travelling in groups

If you’re travelling in a group, keep a note of your hotel phone number and address in case you are separated. Leave contact details with a friend or relative in the UK.

Transport risks

Cars

If you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Czech Republic guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Czech Republic. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

You need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

In Czech Republic you are not allowed to drive with any alcohol or drugs in your system. The Czech police (‘policie’) can ask any driver to take a breathalyser test on the spot. If they detect any alcohol or drugs, you could face a fine of up to 50,000 Czech koruna, confiscation of your licence and possibly imprisonment.

Taxis

It’s safer to use a major taxi company rather than picking one up in the street. Some taxis charge high prices. Always check the rates on the side of the taxi before getting in.

Be aware of drivers pretending to be taxi services but offering rides in unmarked cars and overcharging for journeys. The Prague Airport official website provides detailed information on how to use UBER, via the app, self-service desks, or service counters. Booking through a kiosk is usually slightly more expensive.

Buses and trams

Prague public transport information and journey planner is available in English at the Prague Public Transport (“MHD”) website.

Be careful near tram tracks and make sure you look both ways as trams cannot stop quickly. Trams have the right of way on zebra crossings.

You may get a fine if you do not cross the roads and tram tracks at pedestrian crossings. You can also get a fine if you cross when the pedestrian crossing light is not green.

You must validate your tickets on public transport in a ticket machine before you start a journey. Tickets bought from the self-service terminals on trams and buses do not need to be validated.

Officials patrol public transport and will issue an on-the-spot fine of 1,000 koruna (around £35) if you do not hold a validated ticket. You should get a receipt, if fined. The police can get involved and the fine could increase to 1,500 koruna if you cannot pay immediately.

The 30 and 90-minute journey adult tickets for bus, tram and Metro are not valid on the Petřín Hill funicular railway in Prague. You need a specific 60-koruna ticket from the vending machines at funicular railway stops, or a 24-hour ticket (or longer).

Health

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need

• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

For more information read guidance on healthcare when travelling in Europe.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Czech Republic guide

• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in the Czech Republic

FCDO has a list of English speaking doctors in the Czech Republic.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in the Czech Republic.

COVID-19 healthcare in the Czech Republic

See advice and information on COVID-19 healthcare on the Czech COVID portal.

Health insurance cards

Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it will still be valid as long as it remains in date.

The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Czech Republic nationals. If you do not have your card with you or you’ve lost it, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team.

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. A GHIC or EHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.

GHIC and EHIC cover state healthcare only, not private treatment. You will be responsible for the cost of any treatment provided by a private doctor or private clinic.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

Getting help

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in the Czech Republic

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider

• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in the Czech Republic

• dealing with a death in the Czech Republic

• being arrested or imprisoned in the Czech Republic

• getting help if you’re a victim of crime

• what to do if you’re in hospital

• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in the Czech Republic and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Prague.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.