Tourist travel to the Czech Republic now prohibited, confirms Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The increasingly strict lockdown measures that have taken effect in the Czech Republic over the past two weeks would seem to rule out the possibility of general tourist travel to the country, or at least greatly restrict it.

Czech cinemas, museums, and galleries, as well as restaurants, pubs, and clubs, are currently closed through November 3. New from Thursday, shops and services have also been closed.

Hotels have also been prohibited from accepting travel for tourist purposes, though they may still accommodate business travelers. The new measures have made it unlikely tourists would have much to do in the Czech Republic, but did not specifically address travel into the country.

Yesterday, however, the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially confirmed that tourist travel to the Czech Republic was currently prohibited via Twitter.

"As a result of the crisis measures issued by the government, it is not possible to travel to Czechia for the purposes of tourism or visiting friends," the Ministry tweeted.

Czech borders are not closed, nor are authorities conducting border controls at any locations. Travelers entering the country by plane may encounter trouble when asked the purpose of their visit, however.

Travel into the Czech Republic is currently permitted for the purposes of work or business, essential family visits, attending weddings or funerals, and visiting healthcare facilities, according to an infographic posted by the ministry.

In addition, the ministry directs visitors to see exceptions to the current ban on free movement under government resolution #1078, though this resolution only addresses travel within the Czech Republic, not travel into the country.

The ban on free movement, and presumably the restriction on tourist travel into the Czech Republic, is in effect through the end of the current Czech state of emergency on November 3.

On October 30, the Czech government will decide on a possible extension of the state of emergency, which would enable the country to also extend the current restrictions.