FAQs: What to know about traveling to and from the Czech Republic this summer

As anti-coronavirus measures are lifted in the Czech Republic and traveling to and from the country once again becomes feasible, a lot of questions about what exactly that might mean remain unclear. We spoke with Petr Sezemský from Expat Zone to help us get a better idea of the current regulations.

Who can come to the Czech Republic, and from where?

At this time, travel to the Czech Republic is still highly restricted, but not impossible if you satisfy the right conditions. Rules for entry are divided into two main categories for newcomers and holders of a Czech [residence] permit.

All of them will need to have a doctor’s confirmation of having negative results for SARS-CoV-2 presence using an RT-PCR test (either via a form from the Czech Ministry of Interior, or a different confirmation containing the same information). The results cannot be older than four days. In some cases, the test can be undertaken within the Czech Republic.

What is the current status of the freedom of movement restrictions?

People who lived in the Czech Republic before the state of emergency (specifically EU citizens who lived here for over 90 days before March 12, 2020, or non-EU citizens who hold a long-term/permanent residence permit issued before March 12, 2020) are generally allowed to enter regardless of their purpose, but they will need to have the same doctor’s confirmation and restrict movement for 14 days.

Can Czech citizens and foreigners in the Czech Republic travel abroad?

Which travel routes are currently open and which reasons for travel are acceptable?

It is possible to use any means to travel abroad (e.g. plane, car, train, etc.). Nonetheless, due to the differences in foreign policies, it is necessary to use given routes. Their up-to-date list can be found here; you’ll also find a map of ground routes.

Can friends and family visit us from other countries?

Long-term family visits are allowed upon undertaking the 14-day movement restriction and bringing a fresh negative SARS-CoV-2 test (described in detail above). EU citizens can be visited by their children younger than 21 years old and parents of such children, spouses, and grandparents, parents, or children dependent on the financial or other care of an EU family member residing in the Czech Republic. Non-EU citizens can be visited by spouses and their children younger than 18 years old.

Can we go on vacation or fly abroad yet?

Presuming the destination country allows tourist stay and you will satisfy conditions for return, yes. Some flights out of Prague airport have already resumed and you can find more details about air travel and which flights have resumed in the Czech Republic here.

What about visa applications that were interrupted during the crisis?

Applications that have to be submitted abroad (therefore mainly first applications of non-EU citizens) are still limited to selected fields connected to the current crisis. However, the government promises a gradual re-opening of the Czech consulates after the end of the state of emergency depending on the local situation in a given country.

This is advantageous for people who can apply from any Czech consulate as they will be among the first ones eligible to apply. It is possible to track the current situation regarding the possibility to apply at this website. Applications that have been submitted outside of the Czech Republic for other purposes are now being processed again. However, the possibility to pick up the permits is dependent on current entry measures in a given country. Alternatively, the visa can be picked up based on a power of attorney.

What about travel for residents with permits-in-process? Are bridge visas being issued?

Do you have additional questions about travel restrictions? Ask them in the comments below or leave a comment on our Facebook page. You can also visit the Ministry of the Interior’s webpages for the most up-to-date information.