Visa 'Grace Period'

The Ministry of the Interior informed the Embassy that they have established a grace period for Americans and other nationals of non-Schengen states awaiting long-term visas.  The grace period applies only to citizens of visa-free countries, who during their legal stay (i.e. within the first 3 months beginning Dec. 21, 2007) applied for a long term visa, but have not received their visa due to the length of the procedure.

The police will be instructed not to take steps leading to expulsion of people falling under the grace period, which lasts until June 30, 2008.

However, if you are here beyond the 3-month allowable time and that is discovered during a spot check, the police are obliged (pursuant to the Aliens Act) to issue an exit order.  An exit order is not the same as expulsion.  It legalizes the stay of an overstayer for a set period which can be up to 60 days. This additional period should be sufficient for getting a long term visa (if applied for in time).

The Ministry of Interior notes that the grace period will not apply to anyone who is out of status if the immigration violation is discovered as the result of another crime.  In addition, the grace period is only recognized in the Czech Republic, not in the other Schengen states.

Sincerely,