ETIAS for the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has blossomed into one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Landlocked in Central Europe, it borders Germany to the West, Slovakia to the East, Poland to the north, and Austria to the south. It has a population of 10.6 million inhabitants, with 1.2 million living in Prague, the capital city.

Prague is the number one tourist destination in the Czech Republic. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires”, It is a fascinating, beautiful city famed for its medieval core of Gothic architecture.

The Czech Republic is not geographically large though it has a rich history and a diverse population. Czechs,Germans, Jews and Slovaks have all inhabited the country and French tradesmen and Italian stonemasons also settled during the middle ages. The nation is blessed with scores of castles, monasteries, and other grand structures which visitors can see.

The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union along with the majority of the countries on the continent. It is part of the single market, the single currency (the euro), and the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Agreement allows people to move freely between all the participating countries without the need for a visa. Travellers going to the Czech Republic from other Schengen countries do not need a Europe travel visa for the Czech Republic.

Visitors coming from outside the Schengen Area fall into 2 categories:

The Czech Republic officially became a member of the European Union in 2004 following a referendum in which 77.3% voted in favour. Since joining, the Czech Republic has worked with its European partners to adapt and develop new initiatives such as ETIAS Europe which will be travel requirement from 2026 .

The European Union’s visa waiver agreement with over 50 countries has made travelling to the Czech Republic —and the rest of the Schengen member nations— easier for international visitors.

EU passport holders can enter the Czech Republic by just presenting their valid identification document.

Non-EU travellers from visa liberalisation countries can enter Europe with a valid passport, ETIAS registration will soon be required.

Once the ETIAS for the Czech Republic launches in 2026 , visiting Europe will become safer than ever.

This added layer of security will only require travellers from eligible countries to fill out a quick online form. It will take no more than 10 minutes to register online for an ETIAS visa waiver prior to their departure to the Czech Republic.

Visitors from third-countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with the Schengen Area will need a Schengen visa to enter the Czech Republic.

IS MEDICAL INSURANCE NECESSARY TO VISIT THE CZECH REPUBLIC?

Certain travellers are required to take out a health insurance policy prior to their departure to the Czech Republic whilst others are not. Whether medical insurance is mandatory or not depends on the citizen’s nationality —which determines whether they are visa-exempt or need a Schengen visa.

Regardless, it is always advisable to have health insurance in case of emergency during a visit to the Czech Republic, or anywhere else in the world, since it brings visitors peace of mind, instead of having hospital bills quickly adding up.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA

In order to obtain a Schengen visa, travellers are required to have all the requirements at hand. Medical insurance is one of the mandatory requirements for a Schengen visa.

Moreover, the medical insurance for a Schengen visa to visit the Czech Republic must cover the visitor during the entire stay, in the Schengen countries for a minimum of 30,000 euros.

Failure to provide the necessary insurance policy at the time of the Schengen visa application may result in a rejected visa.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS CZECH REPUBLIC

From 2026 , travellers from visa liberalisation countries will be able to register online for ETIAS prior to their departure towards the Czech Republic.

Although ETIAS does not ask travellers to obtain health insurance prior to their trip to the Czech Republic, doing so is good practice.

CZECH REPUBLIC BORDER CHECKPOINTS

The Czech Republic is a Schengen member country, and as such, offers visitors borderless travel.

Nevertheless, EU passport holders are advised to carry their identification documents when crossing the border into the Czech Republic.

Non-EU nationals from visa-exempt countries are allowed to enter the country with just their valid passport until ETIAS goes live launched. From then on, travellers from visa-exempt countries will need to have an approved ETIAS associated with their passport at their arrival at the Czech border.

Third-country nationals from visa-required countries must have a valid passport, an approved Schengen visa, health insurance, evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay as well as an onwards ticket.

Visitors carrying over €10,000 in cash are required to declare at customs.

ARRIVING IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC BY PLANE, TRAIN OR ROAD

Most foreign visitors fly into the Czech Republic through one of its airports. The main international Czech airport —Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG / LKPR)— is located in Prague.

Other international airports in the Czech Republic include:

The Czech Republic is also very well connected to several major European cities by train. Some of its most popular international train connections include:

Driving into the Czech Republic is also possible since its highways are generally well maintained —its smaller roads may be in a rougher condition, though. To drive on Czech roads, travellers must have a valid driver’s license as well as abide by local driving regulations. A sticker can be purchased for driving on major motorways.

There are usually no border checks when entering the Czech Republic from another Schengen member state. However, it is advisable to carry a valid identification document, passport, and approved ETIAS or Schengen visa depending on the traveller’s nationality.

The Czech Republic’s mountainous landscapes are dotted with castles, monasteries, and medieval towns. More tourists visit the country each year, though the majority only see Prague.

Prague is the epicentre of Czech culture and one of the most visited cities in Europe. The medieval core of Gothic architecture is incredibly well-preserved and is the city’s main draw.

The iconic Charles Bridge connects the two historic neighbourhoods which are separated by the Vltava River.

Along with Paris and Vienna, Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Some of the highlights include the spires of Saint Vitus Cathedral and the Convent of Saint Agnes.

Prague’s art galleries also contain their fair share of masterpieces. Alfons Mucha has a renowned art nouveau collection and Veletrzni has a magnificent collection of 20th-century modern artists.

For a small country, there is an abundance of interesting things to see in the Czech Republic. Only a short distance from Prague, there are some amazing attractions such as the Karlovy Vary hot springs, the giant Gothic castle of Karlstejn, and the birthplace of Pilsner: Plzen.

Aside from its selection of national beer, which is the best in Europe, the Czech Republic also produces some world-class wines. The Monrovia wine region is the best place to visit to sample some Czech wine.

Outside of Prague, there are numerous medieval towns, spa resorts, and national parks. The Wild Forests of Cesky Krumlov are deservedly a UNESCO world heritage site and provide an enchanting, unforgettable experience. The lively cities of Olomouc and Brno are also worth visiting.

EUROPE'S TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FOR THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The European Union has been working on the implementation of multiple systems to continue improving security within the Schengen Area. One of these systems is the European Information and Authorisation System, also known as the ETIAS.

ETIAS was approved in 2016 and goes live in 2026 . It will then become a mandatory entry requirement for all travellers from eligible countries.

The European visa waiver can be obtained entirely online, by filling out a simple online form and does not require visiting an embassy or consulate.

The ETIAS travel authorisation will grant holders entry into the Czech Republic, the rest of the Schengen member nations, as well as the European microstates.

ETIAS will also be required to visit Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania which are in the process of joining the Schengen Area.

The majority of ETIAS requests will be approved within the first 24 hours. Nevertheless, it is advisable to apply at least 2 to 3 business days prior to the intended date of departure towards the Czech Republic in order to allow sufficient time for the ETIAS application to be processed.

The visa waiver for Europe will be electronically linked to the applicant’s passport once it is approved. ETIAS allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The European travel authorisation for the Czech Republic is suitable for business trips, vacationing in Europe, as well as transit through the Schengen Area. It has a total validity of 3 years as long as the passport used during the application remains valid.