Calling all British nationals in Czechia: Mark this important date in your diary

Are you a British national living in the Czech Republic? And have you been living in the Czech Republic since before 1 January 2021? If your answer to both of these questions is “yes”, then pay attention, because you need to exchange your residence documents for a new biometric card by 31 August this year. 

If you've lived in the Czech Republic since before 1 January 2021, the rights of you and your family are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU.

However, you should now request a biometric residence card showing that you have the rights defined in the Withdrawal Agreement. It will also serve as confirmation of your right to enter the Czech Republic, exempting you from visa requirements and the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Even if you already have a Czech residence permit (Potvrzení o přechodném/trvalém pobytu) you must exchange these paper documents for the new biometric card before 31 August 2022. You can also apply for the biometric card without having a residence permit. You will need to prove you have been living in the Czech Republic since before 1 January 2021 and that you continue to do so.

“I would strongly encourage all Britons who are eligible to exchange their residence documents as soon as possible. We’ve had feedback from Britons who have recently gone through the process, and they confirm that it’s smooth and easy,” said Nick Archer, British Ambassador to the Czech Republic.

You must apply for a biometric card through the Czech Ministry of Interior. You have to call the Ministry and then attend two appointments. First, you need to phone the Ministry of Interior (Odbor azylové a migrační politiky) on +420 974 801 801 to make an appointment so that you can provide your biometric data. There is an option to speak to them in English.

You will need to provide your name, passport number and date of birth. You will be given an appointment at which you will be asked to prove you have been living in the Czech Republic since before Jan. 1, 2021, and to provide your biometric data. You will then be given a second appointment to collect your new biometric card.

Your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement will not be affected if you do not meet the deadline. However, it's recommended that you obtain your new biometric card as soon as possible. If you do not have a biometric card to prove your rights, you may experience delays in, or be refused, government services. Travel within and to the Schengen area will also be more difficult.

“The British Embassy is in regular contact with the Czech authorities and we know that the Czech system is processing these applications efficiently even amid the current refugee situation, so please apply as soon as you can,” adds Ambassador Nick Archer.

The close family members of Brits will continue to be able to join them and settle in the Czech Republic at any time in the future. They must travel to the Czech Republic and then apply for a residence card as your family member. Nationals of certain non-EU countries may need a visa before travel. The Czech authorities should issue family reunion visas free of charge.