Threat level: Low-Medium
Amid the new COVID-19 strain that appeared in the UK, entry to Czech Republic is restricted for UK travellers.
Due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases in Czech Republic, the government has declared a state of emergency on the 5th of October that is still in effect, imposing a curfew between 21:00 and 05:00, banning public gatherings of more than 2 people, closing non-essential businesses including, retail shops, restaurants, clubs and bars and prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public. Since the 1st of March, free movement between municipalities is restricted, except for essential reasons.
Entry to Czech Republic is limited to travel for essential reasons such as for business, a family visit or to a attend a funeral or a wedding. A series of measures are also in effect to control further spread of the virus including the compulsory use of face coverings in all outdoor and indoor public places and in public transport, a ban on gatherings of more than 6 people and the obligation for people to maintain a 2-meter social distancing.
See our healthcare section to find out about preventive measures against coronavirus.
Visits to the Czech Republic are for the most part risk-free, as there is a low threat of terror and a low major crime rate. The current travel advice for the Czech Republic is that tourists should maintain a basic level of caution, particularly as petty theft is still a problem in the Czech Republic, most notably in major tourist areas in the capital, Prague.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak in Europe, Czech Republic has closed its borders to foreign visitors.
Although violent crimes are relatively low, petty thefts are still a common issue in the Czech Republic. Prague is a major tourist area that is particularly known for pick-pocketing, especially on the main rail line. Be aware of this and avoid busy carriages on metro services.
Be aware of thieves impersonating police officers, who will often target foreigners to ask for currency and their passports. The the travel advice for the Czech Republic is that you should avoid giving them any money and request to deal with it at an official police station, as no police officer in the Czech Republic has the right to check your currency or its authenticity.
Know where your valuables are at all times, particularly while at restaurants, bars and night clubs. Use a cloakroom if available, as there has been an increase in theft of phones and other valuables in night clubs.
It is advised to avoid busy carriages on the metro and trams when possible, as they are often prime locations for pick pockets to operate. Pick pocket gangs are also known to operate in the countries airports and often attempt to steal passports and other important valuables from tourists.
Charles Bridge and Old Town Square are both known to have pick pockets operating in their immediate areas. They are both popular tourist attractions, so taking precautions such as not carry lots of cash and keeping your valuables close and out of sight at all times should reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
The Czech Republic has strong international diplomatic relationships. The country is a member of both the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The country has a particularly strong relationship with France and has an embassy in Paris and four honorary consulates.
When travelling by car in an EU country, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.
The law requires all drivers to have their headlights on dipped beam, when driving at any given time in the Czech Republic, even during the hours of daylight. When driving on motorways, you are required to have a special vignette (sticker) on your car. These can be purchased at the Post Office, petrol station, bureau de change or at the border. There is a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Taxis are a good form of transportation in the Czech Republic, however it is advised to call for a taxi rather than hailing one on the street. Taxi drivers often over charge people, especially visitors. In order to avoid being overcharged, ask for a given price in advance and ensure that the taxi driver is using the meter.
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides companies and organisations with Commercial Travel Risk Services designed to mitigate risks of staff when they travel for business. If you are interested in these services, please see: Commercial Travel Risk Services.
Police emergency: 158
Fire and rescue: 150
Medical emergency: 155
Capital: Prague
Official languages: Czech
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
U.S. Embassy
Tržiště 365/15,
118 00 Praha 1-Malá Strana,
Czech Republic
Telephone: +420 257 022 000
Email: HROPrague@state.gov
British Embassy Prague
Hunovská 179/12,
118 00 Praha,
Czech Republic
Telephone: +420 257 40 2111
Email: ukinczechrepublic@fco.gov.uk
EU tourist visitors do not require a visa to visit the Czech Republic, as it is part of the European Union. Check in advance with your nearest embassy before travel or visit: The Czech Republic Visa Application Requirements.
As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Czech Republic whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.
If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Czech Republic. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in Czech Republic. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.
COVID-19 cases have been reported in Czech Republic. There is no vaccination against the disease, protection against the disease is through preventive measures such as applying good hygiene practices, self-isolating, maintaining social distance, avoiding unnecessary travel and public gatherings.
It is advised that visitors to Czech Republic are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations. You may also want to consider vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Tick-borne Encephalitis. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.
Medical health care in Czech Republic is of a good standard that is adequate to most health facilities in Western countries that will have English-speaking doctors and dentists.
Tick born Encephalitis is a disease spread mainly through the bite of an infected tick. Risk is higher during the warmer months, for those exposed outside in forests, woods, and grassy areas, should take this risk into consideration. Regular checking of skin is advised and immediate removal of tick in appropriate manner essential. As with any overseas journey, it is advisable to have travel and medical insurance.
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