The Czech Republic is an EU member state but, it does not have an open-border policy with neighboring EU countries. To enter the Czech Republic ,even if you have the valid visa, you must have a passport with at least 6 months validity i.e. if you arrive on January 1st, your passport must not expire before June 1st of that year. If you have children aged 15 or over they must have their own passport. To find out if you need a visa click here.
Schengen zone
At midnight on the 20th of December 2007, the Czech Republic became a member of the so-called Schengen zone. The border posts which divided the country from its neighbours are now a thing of the past and travel in Europe just got that bit easier.
From that date Czech Republic abolished passport checks at its land borders, and at international airports for traveller from the Schengen zone.
Passengers arriving from or travelling to countries outside the Schengen zone will go through passport checks. At the international airports at Prague-Ruzyně, Brno-Tuřany, Ostrava-Mošnov, Pardubice and Carlsbad building work has been carried out which divides passengers from Schengen countries from those from outside the zone.
Visa free countries:
Citizens of Andorra (3m), Argentina (90d), Australia (3m), Bolivia (3m), Brazil (3m), Bulgaria (3m), Chile (90d), China (only for Hong Kong and Macao passport holders, 3m), Croatia (90d), Guatemala (3m), Honduras (3m), Israel (90d), Japan (3m), Canada (3m), Costa Rica (90d), Malaysia (90d), Mexico (90d), Monaco (3m), Nicaragua (3m), New Zealand (3m), Panama (90d), Paraguay (3m), Romania (3m), El Salvador (3m), San Marino (3m), Singapore (30d), South Korea (90d), Brunei (3m), Uruguay (90d), USA (3m), Vatican (3m) and Venezuela (3m) do not need a tourist visa (90d or 3m - means for a maximum stay of 90days or 3months).
Other nationalities probably need to apply for a visa at their nearest Czech embassy or consulate.
This can takes up to 3 weeks, so apply well ahead. There is no visa upon arrival, so if you require a visa and don’t have one, you’ll be refused entry. Visa can be extended for another 90 days at Cizinecka Policie a pasove sluzby (Olsanska 2, Zizkov). Applications take a few days to process. You have to pay a 1000 CZK fee.
Passport validity and registration requirements for EU/EEA citizens and other nationals
Nationals from European Union countries and European Economic Area (EEA):
As from the 1st of May 2004 nationals from European Union countries and European Economic Area can travel to the Czech Republic with a passport or ID card which is valid for the entire duration of their stay.
EU and EEA citizens whose stay in the Czech Republic will exceed 30 days are obliged to register within 30 days on their arrival in the Czech Republic with the Alien and Border Police.
In case you stay in a hotel or similar institution the provider of the accommodation should arrange this registration for you.
All other nationals who do not require visas:
The passport must be valid for a period of at least 90 days beyond the expected length of stay in the Czech Republic, counted from the date of entering the Czech Republic.
Foreign nationals whose stay in the Czech Republic will exceed 30 days are obliged to register within 30 days on their arrival in the Czech Republic with the Alien and Border Police.
In case you stay in a hotel or similar institution the provider of the accommodation should arrange this registration for you.
Nationals who do require visas:
The passport has to be valid for at least 90 days beyond the requested length of the visa.
Foreign nationals are obliged to register with the Alien and Border Police within 3 weekdays of their arrival in the Czech Republic.
In case you stay in a hotel or similar institution the provider of the accommodation should arrange this registration for you.
Children inscribed in parent's passport:
Children inscribed in their parents´ passports are allowed to travel with their parents up to the age of 15. Once the child has reached the age of 15, a separate passport is necessary.
Note for British Passport holders.
Note that British Passport holders who are NOT British Citizens should contact the nearest Czech Consulate for details on Restrictions. EU Citizens have an unrestricted stay, no visa required. Canadian, USA, Australian and NZ citizens no longer require a visa.
Embassy of the Czech Republic in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, 26 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QY
Tel.: (+44) 20 7243 1115
Fax: (+44) 20 7727 9654