Travel to Czech Republic

Czech Republic: entry and exit regulations

Formalities, visas

The Schengen Agreement came into force in the Czech Republic on December 21, 2007. Together with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Malta, from this point on, you can also enter these countries without border controls. For example, a Spaniard can get to Estonia without any controls and a Finn via Estonia to Portugal. As of December 21, 2007, a total of 24 states belong to the Schengen area.

In the Moselle town of Schengen in Luxembourg, it was decided in 1985 to gradually abolish border controls in the participating countries, but to increase controls at the external borders.

Pets (dogs, cats) can be brought to the Czech Republic. However, an EU vaccination card with proof of a valid rabies vaccination must be presented. It is not necessary to adhere to a quarantine. When entering the Czech Republic with your own car, you must present the “green insurance card” (can be applied for from the vehicle insurance company without paying a fee) and a valid motorway vignette. In addition, the international country code must be clearly visible on the car.

Issuing visas in Germany

In cases where a visa is still required, you can obtain it from the Latvian embassy. All questions about entry, residence or working and study conditions are also answered here.

Visa Department of the Embassy of the Czech Republic Wilhelmstr. 44D-10117 BerlinTel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 226 38 – 0Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 229 40 33Email: berlin@embassy.mzv.de www.mfa.cz/berlin

Issuing of visas in Austria and Switzerland

See under Representations of the Czech Republic in Austria and Representations of the Czech Republic in Switzerland. Import and export of foreign currency

  • Local currencyThe import and export of Czech currency is limited to a maximum of CZK 200,000.
  • Foreigncurrencies Foreign currency can be imported and exported without restriction.

Departure fee

There is no fee for leaving the Czech Republic.

Import and export of goods

After the CR joined the EU, no goods controls in the sense of customs controls are carried out outside of the international airports. However, random checks according to current EU regulations must be expected.

The following may be imported into Germany duty-free:

200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos or 10 cigars or 50g smoking tobacco in

addition to the petrol in the car tank, max. 20 liters,

10 liters of spirits, 20 liters of liqueur or vermouth, 90 liters of wine and 110 liters of beer.

In addition, the import of items for personal use and gifts up to a total value of 6,000 CK is duty-free.

The import and export of weapons, ammunition or explosives as well as unauthorized fireworks is strictly prohibited, the import of hunting weapons is possible with a corresponding special permit from the responsible Czech diplomatic mission in Germany. Restrictions and bans also apply to the areas of drugs and narcotics (possession of drugs even in the smallest quantities is punishable), attack dogs, food, unconstitutional literature, counterfeit goods and pornography. In addition, the import and export of plants and animals protected under the Washington Species Protection Act is prohibited. Violation can result in severe penalties.

An export permit is required to export antiques from the Czech Republic.

Entry with pets

The EU Pet

Ordinance of October 1, 2004 applies to entry into the Czech Republic with pets: For entry into the Czech Republic, the owners of the animals in accordance with this ordinance require an EU pet passport. This can be issued by any resident veterinarian. In addition, the pets must be clearly identifiable. This can be guaranteed either by an implanted microchip or by a tattoo. From 2011, however, the animal must be chipped.

All pets must be vaccinated against rabies when they enter the Czech Republic. In order to be vaccinated against rabies, the animals must be at least three months old. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days prior to entry and must not be older than twelve months. However, it is also possible to enter the Czech Republic with animals that are younger than three months and therefore not vaccinated against rabies. For this, an EU pet passport must be carried for the animal, it must have a chip or a tattoo and it must be ensured that the animal has been kept in the same place since its birth where it must not have come into contact with wild animals.

In some cities and towns in the Czech Republic, you are generally required to wear a leash and a muzzle. This can be requested directly from the cities and municipalities. It is recommended to always have a leash and muzzle with you.

Czech Republic: arrival and transport

How do you get to the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic has a satisfactory tourist infrastructure, with well-developed transport routes. The direct proximity to Germany and the low gasoline prices make traveling by car lucrative, especially since since December 21, 2007, there have been no more regular controls at the borders in accordance with the Schengen Agreement. If you decide to drive your own car, however, the following points must be observed:

  • Take the green insurance card with you.
  • You have to drive with lights on during the day too
  • At least one reflective protective vest must be carried in the car
  • An international license plate should be attached to the car.
  • The motorway toll sticker (“dalnicni znamka”) should be attached to the windscreen. It is available at border crossing points, most petrol stations and post offices

The international airport is located about 20 km outside of Prague. There are good rail connections from Germany to the Czech Republic with the Euro/ Intercity from Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, Nuremberg and Munich. The train takes around 4.5 hours for the Berlin-Prague route. Eurolines buses also go to the Czech Republic.

Travel in the country

Air connections The Czech airline is the Cesk Aeroline (CSA). It connects Prague with the cities of Ostrava, Brno, Karlovy Vary and Pardubice.

Railway

The Czech railway (Cesk Drahy) connects Prague with all major cities in the country. The fares are relatively cheap, there are surcharges for express trains. On some routes it is worth reserving seats in good time.

Bus

All places that are not connected to the railway network can be reached by bus.

Roads

The roads and especially highways are usually well developed.

Car traffic in the Czech Republic is rapid, the speed limits are often exceeded and it is common to drive close to the motorway. Although the number of car thefts has decreased slightly, it is advisable to park the car in a garage or in a guarded parking lot if you are staying for a longer period of time.

Rental

cars Rental cars can be booked from all major car rental companies, on site or from Germany.

Taxis

Taxi driving is relatively cheap. There is a surcharge at night. But attention should be paid to the fare. In Prague in particular, tourists repeatedly complain about extremely inflated prices.

Ferry connections

Excursion boats operate on the Elbe and Vltava. For example, Prague, Hrensko, Litomerice, Usti nad Labem and Decin are served.

Traffic rules

To avoid trouble with the police or even the courts, drivers should strictly adhere to the traffic regulations in force in the country. Regardless of the information given here, it is advisable to obtain more detailed information from ADAC, AvD or the Czech Republic’s traffic clubs. The police control the speeds especially on the motorways. Overruns can be quite expensive.

Top speeds

  • Urban: In built-up areas there is a speed limit of 50 km/h.
  • Country roads: There is a speed limit of 90 km/h on country roads.
  • Motorways: The speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h.

In addition, it is of course necessary to pay attention to the current local speed limits, which are indicated by traffic signs.

Special regulations

In the Czech Republic, seatbelts are compulsory for drivers and passengers. Cars and motorcycles must also drive with dipped headlights during the day. Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system while driving. Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists and their passengers.

Blood alcohol limit

The official blood alcohol limit in the Czech Republic for drivers of motor vehicles is 0.0.

Emergency

In case of an accident or other problems with the car or motorbike to reach information and assistance at the following numbers:

Tel.: 261 10 43 51

Mobile: 0042-02 – 61 10 43 51

The ADAC can be reached 24 hours in Munich under the following number:

0049 – (0) 89 – 22 22 22

International license plate

According to Abbreviationfinder, the international license plate of the Czech Republic is:

CZ

Tourist office

Czech National Tourist Board in Germany

Grosse Friedberger Str. 6

60313 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: 0049 – (0) 69 – 21 99 85 87

Fax: 0049 – (0) 69 – 21 99 85 88

E-Mail: roncak@czechtourism.com

Web: www.CzechTourism.com

Information center

Wilhelmstrasse 44

10117 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 204 47 70

E-Mail: info1-de@czechtourism.com

Czech Agency for Tourism in Austria

Herrengasse 17

1010 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 533 219 33

Fax: 0043 – (0) 1 – 533 219 34

E-Mail: info-at@czechtourism.com

Web: www.CzechTourism.com

Czech National Tourist Board in Switzerland

Wildenstr. 9

8049 Zurich

Email: info-ch@czechtourism.com

Web: www.czechtourism.com

Czech Republic: travel medicine, risks

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases that do not also occur in Germany, Austria or Switzerland are not to be expected in the Czech Republic. However, you should be particularly careful:

  • rabies
  • Lyme disease is transmitted through tick bites
  • Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is transmitted through tick bites

Vaccination recommendations When traveling to the Czech Republic, the same vaccinations are recommended as in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Compulsory vaccination

Vaccination regulations

There are no vaccination regulations when entering or staying in the Czech Republic.

Hazards/current warning notices

Foreign Office (AA) of the Federal Republic of Germany

Citizens’ Service

Telephone: 0049 – (0) 30 – 5000 – 2000

Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 5000 – 51000

Current warning notices from the AA:

www.auswaertiges-amt.de

Currency, shopping and exchange rate

The national currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (CZK) = 100 Heller.

The following banknotes are valid and in circulation in the country:

  • 100
  • 200
  • 500
  • 1000
  • 2000
  • 5000 CZK

We strongly advise against street currency exchanges, which are offered to travelers at seemingly cheaper rates. It is not uncommon for the allegedly Czech banknotes to be obsolete Bulgarian or Polish currency.

Banks and hotels accept all trading currencies, traveler checks and the following credit cards:

Visa, Europe/Master Card, American Express.

Bank opening times

The ATMs, which work the same way as in Germany, are available around the clock and can also be operated in German. You can find them in all major shopping centers and in most banks. Travelers only need a bank or credit card with a valid PIN and immediately receive the Czech currency and a receipt for the payment.

The opening times of the banks vary – in larger cities they are usually open longer, in smaller cities there are often no banks at all.

  • Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: closed

Shop

Shop opening times

Most shops in the Czech Republic have the following opening hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Sunday: closed

As in many other areas, Prague is an exception when it comes to shop opening times. Most shops in Prague are open Monday to Friday from 9 or 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the city center even until 10 p.m. In the tourist center of Prague you hardly notice whether it is a work day or a weekend. In fact, many shops here are open on Saturday and Sunday, some until noon, others all day. Large supermarkets (Kaufland, Interspar, Carfour) are open until midnight, the largest (e.g. Tesco in Letnany) even around the clock (including public holidays and Sundays).

The Czech post office is open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The main post office in Prague is located on Jindrisska street. 14 and is open around the clock, but with limited service at certain times.

Cheap or country-specific goods, souvenirs

The Czech Republic is known for glass – especially high-quality crystal glass – and porcelain. Probably the most beautiful glass and porcelain shop is the Moser shop in the “Na Prikopech” street below Wenceslas Square in Prague, and its interior is worth a visit. Certain goods here cost as much as a small German car.

The world-famous jewelry shop (Jymbolx) is also one of the popular souvenirs from the Czech Republic. Leather goods from Czech manufacturers, especially shoes and bags (e.g. the “Bata” store chain with its flag store at the foot of Wenceslas Square), are cheaper than the products available in Germany, but of comparable quality. The handmade paper from the Zerotin paper mill is considered a Czech treasure and is mainly used worldwide for state representational purposes.

Czech Republic: embassies, consulates

Visit Countryaah for a full list of Czech Republic embassies and consulates in each country around the world.

Representations of the Czech Republic in Germany

The embassy of the Czech Republic on Wilhelmstrasse and Mohrenstrasse – near Leipziger Strasse – dates back to the times of the former GDR.

The monumental-looking building consists of brown glass, steel and concrete and was built between 1974 and 1978 in the style of French brutalism by the Czech-Slovak architect couple Věra and Vladimír Machonin and the German Klaus Pätzmann and his GDR collective. Incidentally, today’s Wilhelmstrasse was called Otto-Grotewohl-Strasse at the time. The building has hardly been changed until today and is increasingly attracting the interest of people interested in architecture.

Embassy of the Czech Republic in Berlin

Wilhelmstr. 44

10117 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 22 63 80

Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 22 94 033

Email: berlin@embassy.mzv.cz

www.mzv.cz/berlin or www.czech.cz

Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Dresden

Erna Berger Str. 1

012097 Dresden

Tel: 0049 – (0) 351 – 65 567- 0

Fax: 0049 – (0) 351 – 803 25 00

Email: dresden@embassy.mzv.de

Web: www.mfa.cz/dresden

Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Munich

Libellenstr. 1

80939 Munich

Tel: 0049 – (0) 89 – 958 37 232

Fax: 0049 – (0) 89 – 950 36 88

Email: munich@embassy.mzv.de

Web: www.mfa.cz/munich

You can find further honorary consulates in:

Dortmund, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Nuremberg, Rostock and Stuttgart.

German representations in the Czech Republic

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Prague

Vlašská 19, Malá Strana

Prague 1

Tel: 00420 – 2 – 57 11 31 11

Fax: 00420 – 2 – 57 53 40 56

Email: info@prag.diplo.de

Web: www.prag.diplo. de

Austrian representations in the Czech Republic

Austrian Embassy in Prague

Viktora Huga 10

15115 Prague

Tel: 00420 – (0) 257 – 09 05 11

Fax: 00420 – (0) 257 – 31 60 45

Email: prag-ob@bmaa.gv.at

Web: www.aussenministerium. at/prague

Austrian Honorary Consulate

Botanicka 834/56

602 00 Brno

Tel: 00420 – (0) 541 – 55 42 40

Fax: 00420 – (0) 541 – 55 42 09

E-Mail: rakousky.konzulat@poyry.com

Austrian Honorary Consulate named

Premysla Otakara II c. 13

370 63 Ceske Budejovice

Tel: 00420 – (0) 38 – 63 50 318

Fax: 00420 – (0) 38 – 6 707 463

E-Mail: oest.kons.budweis@seznam.cz

Representations of the Czech Republic in Austria

Embassy of the Czech Republic

Penzingerstrasse 11-13

1140 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 899 580

Fax: 0043 – (0) 1 – 894 12 00

E-Mail: vienna@embassy.mzv.cz

Web: www.mzv. cz/vienna

Consulates

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic Bahnhofgürtel

59

8020 Graz

Tel: 0043 – (0) 316 – 6070 – 200

Fax: 0043 – (0) 316 – 6070 – 202

E-Mail: cz.konsulat@pewag.com

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic

Bergerbräuhofstraße 27

5021 Salzburg

Tel: 0043 – (0) 662 – 87 96 24

Fax: 0043 – (0) 662 – 889 80 30

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic

Universitätsstrasse 7; Hotel Grauer Bär

6020 Innsbruck

Tel: 0043 – (0) 664 – 141 92 88

Fax: 0043 – (0) 512 – 574 535

E-Mail: innsbruck@konzulat.at

Web: www.konzulat.at

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic

Europaplatz 1a

4021 Linz

Tel: 0043 – (0) 732 – 659 6 – 0

Fax: 0043 – (0) 732 – 6596 – 3111

E-mail: linz@honorar4.mzv.cz

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic

Pierlstrasse 33

9020 Klagenfurt

Tel: 0043 – (0) 463 – 574 80

Fax: 0043 – (0) 463 – 553 65

E-Mail: gert.seeber@aon.at

Swiss representations in the Czech Republic

Swiss Embassy in Prague

Pevnostní 7

162 01 Prague 6

Tel: 00420 – (0) 220 – 40 06 11

Fax: 00420 – (0) 224 – 31 13 12

E-Mail: pra.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Web: www.eda.admin.ch/prague

Representations of the Czech Republic in Switzerland

Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bern

Muristrasse 53

3000 Bern 31

Tel: 0041 – (0) 31 – 350 40 74

Fax: 0041 – (0) 31 – 350 40 98

Email: bern@embassy.mzv.cz

Consulates

Consulate of the Czech Republic

Gerbergasse 1

4001 Basel

Tel: 0041 – (0) 61 – 269 50 70

Fax: 0041 – (0) 61 – 269 50 50

Consulate of the Czech Republic

Via Luigi Canonica 8

6901 Lugano

Tel: 0041 – (0) 91 – 922 85 75

Fax: 0041 – (0) 91 – 922 85 76

Consulate of the Czech Republic

Dufourstrasse 22

8024 Zurich

Tel: 0041 – (0) 1 – 256 73 98

Fax: 0041 – (0) 1 – 256 73 99

Email: zurich@honorary.mzv.cz

Web: www.tschechien-schweiz.ch

Travel to Czech Republic