Czech Republic Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit the Czech Republic visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Prague is one of Europe's most architecturally stunning cities and a favourite among NZ backpackers.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter Czech Republic without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) is the main entry point. Days in Czech Republic count toward the shared Schengen 90-day limit. ETIAS will apply in the future. Prague city centre is compact and walkable; the metro (3 lines) and trams cover the broader city efficiently.
Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules โ
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay and at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Czech Republic, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Czech Republic.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Czech Republic.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for Schengen travel. Some countries may require it. Should cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Czech Republic: What You Need to Know
The Czech Republic is a Schengen member and a top destination for NZ travellers in Central Europe. Prague is renowned for its extraordinarily preserved medieval old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and its legendary beer culture. Czech beer (Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, Budvar) is among the world's finest. Beyond Prague, Cesky Krumlov is a fairy-tale castle town, and Karlovy Vary is a spa resort famous for its film festival.
How to Get There
Prague is easily reached from Vienna (4h by train), Berlin (4h), or Budapest (7h). Day trips from Prague: Kutna Hora ossuary (1h by train), Karlstejn Castle (45 min), Cesky Krumlov (3h by bus). Prague is often combined with Vienna and Budapest on a Central European circuit.
Money & Banking
The Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the Euro. Currently around 16-18 CZK per NZD. Prague is excellent value by Western European standards. A half-liter of excellent Czech beer costs CZK 30-60. A hearty goulash with bread dumplings costs CZK 150-250. Mid-range accommodation in Prague is affordable. Card payments accepted widely, but have some CZK cash for smaller establishments.
Practical Tips
Buy a Prague public transport pass for unlimited metro, tram, and bus travel (24h CZK 120 or 72h CZK 330). Prague Card includes transport and entry to major attractions. Avoid restaurant areas directly on Old Town Square; walk a few blocks for dramatically better value. Prague is very walkable: the Old Town, Mala Strana, and Castle District are all within walking distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for the Czech Republic?
No. The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area and NZ citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Note: the Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the Euro.
Is Prague safe for NZ tourists?
Prague is generally very safe for tourists. The main concerns are tourist scams: unlicensed taxis (use Bolt or Uber instead), overcharging at tourist restaurants near Old Town Square, and currency exchange offices with unfavorable rates (use ATMs instead). Keep bags secure in crowded areas. The Prague metro and trams are safe.
How much does Czech beer cost and what should I try?
Czech beer (pivo) is world-class and very affordable. A half-liter (pul litru) of excellent draft Czech lager costs CZK 35-60 (approximately NZD 2-4). Must-try: Pilsner Urquell (the original Pilsner, from Plzen), Kozel (a dark beer), Budvar (Budweiser Budvar, the Czech original), Staropramen, and Rohozec. Czech pub culture involves unlimited refills as long as you do not cover your glass.
What are the best restaurants and food experiences in Prague?
Try svickova (beef sirloin in cream sauce with bread dumplings and cranberries) at a traditional Czech restaurant. Trdlo (chimney cake) is a tourist snack but genuinely made fresh on charcoal. Lokรกl restaurant chain serves excellent Czech food and Pilsner Urquell in Prague. Prague has a growing international food scene. Avoid tourist trap restaurants on Old Town Square: prices are 2-3x higher than restaurants a few streets away.
What is Cesky Krumlov and should NZ visitors go?
Cesky Krumlov is a fairy-tale UNESCO town in South Bohemia, 3 hours by bus from Prague. The town is built on a peninsula in the Vltava River, dominated by a large medieval castle. It is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in Europe. It is very small (can be seen in a day) and very popular with tour groups: stay overnight to experience it in the quiet evenings. Best April-October.
How do I use Prague's public transport as a NZ visitor?
Prague has an excellent metro (3 lines), tram network, and buses. Buy 30-minute (CZK 30) or 90-minute (CZK 40) single-ride tickets at yellow machines in metro stations or at tram stops. Validate your ticket in the yellow machines before boarding. Day passes (24h: CZK 120, 72h: CZK 330, 24h Prague Card) offer better value for multi-ride days.
What are the must-see sights in Prague beyond the Old Town?
Prague Castle complex (largest castle complex in the world: St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane), Charles Bridge (arrive at dawn for fewer people), the Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj), Josefov (the Jewish Quarter with synagogues and cemetery), the Dancing House (Gehry-designed building), Vysehrad fortress, and the Kafka Museum for literary fans.