Czech Republic Visa Requirements
For ๐บ๐ธ United States passport holders
Great news! United States passport holders can enter Czech Republic without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
US citizens can visit Czech Republic and Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. ETIAS required from 2025.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport for 3+ months beyond stay. Proof of accommodation, return ticket, sufficient funds.
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Vaccinations
Routine vaccines (MMR, Tetanus, COVID-19). Tick-borne encephalitis for rural areas.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Safety Tips
The Czech Republic is very safe. Petty crime like pickpocketing occurs in Prague's tourist areas - watch belongings on Charles Bridge and the astronomical clock square. Be wary of taxi scams - use apps or negotiate price first. ATM skimming has been reported - use machines inside banks.
Money & Costs
Daily Budget (USD)
Cards & ATMs
Cards widely accepted. Cash useful for smaller places.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up or leave 10% in restaurants. Tell the server what you want to pay rather than leaving money on the table. In pubs, round up to the nearest 10 crowns. Hotel porters appreciate 20-50 CZK.
Practical Info
Emergency Numbers
Emergency: 112
Police: 158
Ambulance: 155
Fire: 150
Getting There
Main Airports
- Prague PRG
Airport Transfers
Prague Vรกclav Havel (PRG): Bus 119 to Veleslavรญn metro station (40 CZK, 15 minutes) then metro to center (15 minutes). Airport Express bus to Main Station (100 CZK, 35 minutes). Taxi CZK 600-800 (30 minutes). Uber available.
Local Transport
Prague has excellent trams, metro, and buses - buy a travel pass. RegioJet and Czech Railways connect cities cheaply. Student Agency buses are popular for budget travel. Trains to Vienna, Berlin, and other European cities are easy. Uber and Bolt work in Prague and larger cities.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
May-September for warm weather. December for Christmas markets. Fewer crowds spring/fall.
Cultural Notes
Czechs can seem reserved initially but warm up over beer. Personal space is valued, and small talk with strangers is uncommon. Toast with eye contact or risk seven years of bad luck. Beer culture is serious - this is the birthplace of Pilsner. Czechs are generally irreligious but proud of their cultural heritage and independence.
Insider Tips
Czech beer is legendary and cheaper than water - enjoy responsibly. Book popular attractions like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge sunrise walks in advance. Watch out for tourist traps in Prague's Old Town - venture slightly off the main squares for better value. Learn basic Czech words - locals appreciate the effort even though many speak English. Don't call it Czechoslovakia.
Dress Code
Casual dress fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Czech Republic?
No, US citizens can visit Czech Republic and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Starting in 2025, travelers will need ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization, which costs โฌ7 and is valid for 3 years. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Czech Republic is a full Schengen member, so days spent in any Schengen country count toward your 90-day limit.
What should I know before visiting Prague?
Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities with stunning medieval architecture largely untouched by WWII. Key attractions include Prague Castle (the world's largest ancient castle complex), Charles Bridge (arrive early morning to avoid crowds), Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock, and the Jewish Quarter. The city is walkable but uneven cobblestones require comfortable shoes. Czech koruna (CZK) is the currency, though some tourist spots accept euros at poor rates, so withdraw korunas from ATMs. Prague is generally very safe. Beware of tourist traps and exchange offices with bad rates; use ATMs instead. Czech beer is world-famous and often cheaper than water in restaurants.
Is English widely spoken in Czech Republic?
In Prague and major tourist areas, English is widely spoken, especially by younger people and those in the tourism industry. Outside Prague and in rural areas, English proficiency decreases significantly. Learning a few Czech phrases is appreciated; basic greetings like "Dobrรฝ den" (good day), "Dฤkuji" (thank you), and "Prosรญm" (please) go a long way. German is often a second language for older generations. Restaurant menus in tourist areas typically have English translations, and major attractions have English signage and tours. Google Translate can help with signs and menus. Czechs are reserved but warm up once you make an effort.