The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area, so the same entry rules apply as in other Schengen countries. EU/EEA citizens can enter with a valid passport or national ID card. Many non-EU travellers, including visitors from the USA, UK, Canada and Australia, can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, counted across all Schengen countries combined. Citizens of other countries need a Schengen short-stay visa, which must be applied for in advance at a Czech embassy or consulate. Your passport should have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Since 10 April 2026, non-EU visitors are registered in the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) at the external border (fingerprints and a photo instead of passport stamps). The new ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-free travellers is not yet in operation. Check the official website, travel-europe.europa.eu/etias, before you travel. We also recommend travel health insurance.
In short: what should non-EU travellers do?
- Check if you need a visa. Visitors from many countries (e.g. USA, UK, Canada, Australia) can enter visa-free. If your country is not on that list, apply for a Schengen visa at a Czech embassy or consulate before you travel.
- Check your passport. It should be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- Keep your stay within 90 days. The limit is 90 days in any 180-day period, counted across all Schengen countries combined.
- Expect a quick registration at the border. Under the EES, you will be photographed and fingerprinted on arrival. No action is needed in advance.
- Keep an eye on ETIAS. This online travel authorisation for visa-free travellers is not yet in operation. Check the official website, travel-europe.europa.eu/etias, shortly before your trip and avoid unofficial websites that charge extra fees.
- Get travel health insurance. It is strongly recommended, and mandatory if you apply for a Schengen visa (minimum coverage €30,000).
Entry rules may change. Please verify the latest requirements before you travel.
