Covid-19 travel: Czech map unchanged, EU countries ease restrictions

Conditions for entering the Czech Republic will remain unchanged from Monday as nearly all European states remain high-risk red-or very high-risk dark red on the latest Covid-19 travel map, released by the Foreign Ministry yesterday.

Tightened entry restrictions for foreigners without a Czech residence permit remain in effect. Outside of the Czech Republic, however, numerous EU countries are beginning to ease their entry requirements.

The Czech Health Ministry updates its travel map every week based on new data published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

The Vatican is still the only European state to be listed as low-risk green on the Czech map. Non-European states including Bahrain, Chile, Indonesia, South Korea, Qatar, Colombia, Kuwait, Macao, New Zealand, Peru, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, and Uruguay are also listed as low-risk green.

Czech residents without proof of vaccination or recovery coming to the Czech Republic from green countries must take a Covid-19 test within five days following their arrival.

No countries are listed as moderate-risk orange or low-risk red in the latest Czech map, with all countries not mentioned above considered very high-risk dark red.

In Europe, those states includes Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary and Balearic Islands.

Czech residents without proof of vaccination or recovery coming to the Czech Republic from a dark-red country must take a PCR test between 5-14 days after their return, and wear a respirator outside their home pending the test result. Those using public transport (such as airlines) must also provide a test before entering the Czech Republic from a dark red country.

Czech residents with complete vaccination or proof of recovery from Covid-19 within the past six months are exempt from the above entry conditions.

Upon entering the Czech Republic from all countries, all travelers must submit a passenger locator form unless coming by personal transport such as a car.

Foreign nationals who do not have a Czech residence permit must produce a negative PCR test upon arrival in the Czech Republic, even from green countries. Foreigners with complete vaccination and a booster dose, and children aged 12-18 with complete vaccination (no booster needed), are exempt from this requirement.

Foreign nationals who have not been vaccinated must take another PCR test 5-7 days after their arrival in the Czech Republic, and wear a respirator when outside their residence until the result is known.

The Health Ministry continues to recommend that people avoid non-necessary travel amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Complete details on entry requirements when traveling to the Czech Republic can be found from the Czech Ministry of the Interior.

Yesterday, the United Kingdom eased entry requirements, no longer requiring a Covid test from vaccinated travelers. Heading into next week, a number of other countries have followed suit.

Note that while some countries are easing their restrictions to enter their territory, airlines may have different requirements to travel. Confirm with your airline before booking a flight or heading out to the airport.

Further information on foreign travel, and entry conditions for all countries worldwide, can be found at the website of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.