Czech Republic

EXPLORE CZECH REPUBLIC Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 78,866 square kilometers   Capital: Prague Religion: Historically, the country was predominantly Roman Catholic; however, today, the majority of people identify as non-religious or atheist, while Christianity remains the largest religion.Population: Approximately 10.5 million Languages: Czech (official) and Slovak are also widely understood; English and German are commonly spoken in tourist areas.Currency: Euro (EUR, €) Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–4:30 pm; some banks are open on Saturday mornings in larger cities. Telephone/Communication: The country code is +420. Mobile networks have excellent coverage, including 4G and, increasingly, 5G. Free Wi-Fi is commonly available in hotels, cafes, and public places. Climate: Temperate continental climate. Winters (Dec–Feb) can be cold with snow, temperatures often between -5°C and 3°C (23°F–37°F) Summers (Jun–Aug) are warm, averaging 20°C to 25°C (68°F–77°F) Spring and autumn are mild with variable weather. VAT in the Czech Republic Non-EU residence: If you’re a non-EU resident, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on goods purchased in the Czech Republic under these conditions: Requirements: The total purchase must exceed 2,001 CZK (approx. €80) per receipt per store per day. You must export the goods from the EU within 3 months of purchase. You must get a Tax-Free Form from the store when you purchase. When leaving the EU, present the goods, receipts, passport, and completed form to customs officials to obtain a customs stamp. Claim your refund at the airport or through a VAT refund service (e.g., Global Blue, Planet). Important Notes: VAT refunds are only available for goods, not services (e.g., hotel stays, restaurant meals). The store must be part of a tax-free shopping scheme. Refunds are typically 85–90% of the VAT paid (processing fees may apply). Travel Requirements Entry & Visa Visa-Free Travel: U.S. passport holders can enter the Czech Republic (a Schengen Area country) without a visa for tourism, business, or short-term study for up to 90 days within 180 days. Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from the Schengen Area. Proof of Funds: You may be required to demonstrate sufficient financial means for your stay. Return or Onward Ticket: While not always mandatory, it’s advisable to have a return or onward ticket to show your intent to leave the Schengen Area within the allowed period. Travel Insurance: While not a strict entry requirement, it’s highly recommended to have travel medical insurance that covers potential health issues or accidents during your stay. Some accommodations may request proof of insurance upon check-in. Entry/Exit System (EES) Biometric Data Collection: Starting in October 2025, the EU will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will collect biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition) upon entry and exit. This system aims to enhance border security and streamline the entry process. Future Travel Authorization (ETIAS) Upcoming Requirement: In late 2026, U.S. travelers must obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before entering the Schengen Area. This is not a visa but a pre-screening process to enhance security. The application will be online, cost €7, and be valid for three years or until your passport expires. Getting there from the US Currently, there are no year-round direct flights, but seasonal/direct flights are sometimes available from New York (JFK or EWR) Philadelphia (PHL) via American Airlines (seasonal) Most travelers connect through major European hubs such as Frankfurt (FRA) Amsterdam (AMS) Paris (CDG) London (LHR) Zurich (ZRH) Munich (MUC) Istanbul (IST) (often the best-priced long-haul option) Travel Safety Tips Stay Alert in Crowded Tourist Areas. Places like Prague’s Old Town, Charles Bridge, and major train stations attract pickpockets. Keep wallets, phones, and bags secure, and be mindful of your surroundings. Use Licensed Transport. Always use official taxis or reliable ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber. Public transport (trams, buses, and metro) is safe, clean, and punctual. Watch Your Belongings in Public Transport. Pickpocketing can happen on busy trams or buses. Keep bags zipped and close to your body. Be Careful at Night. Central areas in Prague and other cities are generally safe, but the streets should not be poorly lit or isolated late at night. Respect Local Laws and Customs. Many indoor public places ban smoking. Only those aged 18 and over can receive alcohol service. Emergency Number. Dial 112 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the Czech Republic. Stay Informed About Demonstrations. Political protests sometimes happen in Prague; avoid large crowds or demonstrations to stay safe. Beware of Scams. Exercise caution regarding unofficial tour guides, currency exchange booths with suspiciously high rates, or individuals offering unsolicited assistance. Health and Hygiene. Tap water is safe to drink. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, learn basic Czech phrases to communicate them. Travel Insurance: Always have travel insurance covering theft, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations. As of June 2025, the Czech Republic has lifted all COVID-19-related entry restrictions. Travelers are no longer required to present proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test upon arrival. Additionally, the passenger locator form is no longer necessary for entry. Health Safety Tips Recommended Vaccinations for Travelers While the Czech Republic does not mandate specific vaccinations for entry, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Passport Health recommend the following for travelers: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Ensure you are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine. Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers, mainly if unvaccinated. Hepatitis B: Recommended for travelers exposed to blood or body fluids. Tetanus: Ensure your tetanus vaccination is up-to-date. Tick-borne Encephalitis: Recommended for travelers spending time outdoors in rural or forested areas, particularly from spring to autumn. Rabies: Considered for travelers who may have close contact with animals. Health Insurance Requirements While not a strict entry requirement, comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, is highly recommended. Upon arrival, some travelers have reported receiving requests for proof of insurance, particularly for more extended stays or specific visa types. Animal Bites: Avoid contact with stray animals to reduce