Discover the Enchanting Beauty and Culture of the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is an historic gem at the heart of Europe. Though small, its inheritance of grand castles, medieval villages, elegant spa resorts and striking national parks makes it a bucket-list candidate.
The capital, Prague, is a walkable destination, and a well-preserved record of more than 600 years of leading European architecture. Much of it is in the UNESCO-listed historic district. Other stand-out attractions include renowned architect, Frank Gehry’s, Dancing Houseand Old Town Square. They’re linked by the Charles Bridge, which is the most-photographed landmark in the city. Prague also has an unusually vibrant nightlife.
Spellbound visitors may not want to leave one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. That said, the country’s allure extends beyond Prague to medieval towns that seem to have ignored the passing of time. These include the impossibly picturesque Holasovice and Cesky Krumlov. Visitors may also want to experience each of the country’s two regions. In the west, Bohemia is famous for its castles, rolling hills, forests and 19th-century spa towns. The eastern region of Moravia was once a popular destination for wealthy families of the Astro-Hungarian Empire. Unlike Bohemia, the region favours wine over the country’s esteemed beer.
The Czech Republic is a thrilling place to visit for culture lovers and party animals alike. It is, without question, an unforgettable Central European holiday destination.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Czech is the official language but English and German are also widely spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Each of these countries issues a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of the other Schengen countries. All visitors must hold either an onward or return ticket, or proof of sufficient funds to buy a ticket, plus all documents required for onward travel. They must also fill in and sign a border-crossing card, and be able to show proof of the following at the request of the Authority of Aliens Police Service: (i) sufficient means of support for the duration of their stay; (ii) documents confirming financial security (credit cards, bank statements, etc.); (iii) documents confirming accommodation for their period of stay in the Czech Republic, or proof of another accommodation arrangement; (iv) valid health insurance, with complete coverage. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports remain valid for at least six months beyond their arrival dates. Visitors should also bear in mind that immigration officials often apply different rules to the ones travel agents and official sources state.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Czech crown, locally known as the koruna (CZK), which is divided into 100 haler. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants and ATMs are widely available. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels; commission is highest in hotels. Banks are closed on weekends.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs with a hole for a grounding pin are standard. Most sockets also take the standard European two-pin plugs.
Overview
Sightseers in the Czech Republic will enjoy the very best of classical Europe, as well as a country bursting with charm. Most visitors spend their time almost exclusively in Prague, enjoying the beauty of the medieval buildings and evocative scenery of the river-front location, while sampling the cultural delights of the dynamic live music and theatre scenes. Attractions in this beautiful city include Charles Bridge (the most photographed feature of the city), the Old Town Square, St Vitus Cathedral and numerous incredible buildings in the Castle District on the hill above Prague.
Visitors shouldn’t neglect the host of delights outside of Prague, though. These include world-class attractions such as picturesque Cesky Krumlov, the fascinating Ossuary of Kutna Hora, and Karlsbad Vary: the pride of the Czech Republic’s many spa resort towns. The country also boasts some wonderful hiking trails and scenic areas, making it the ideal destination for adventurers. The countryside is dotted with numerous castles, keeps and medieval villages.
The most popular time to visit is over the peak summer months of July and August, although Prague in particular can get very crowded. Spring has mild weather and warm days and is an ideal time to visit.
Climate in Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a typically European continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm (sometimes wet) summers. Winters (November to February) can get very chilly; January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures far below zero and strong, cold winds. Snowfall can be heavy; in the low-lying areas the yearly average of snow days is less than 40; in the mountainous areas it reaches 120. Summer temperatures average between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C) but often reach as high as 86°F (30°C). There is plenty of sun in summer but there are also frequent thunderstorms. The capital, Prague, experiences average temperatures ranging from 25°F (-4°C) during winter, to 73°F (23°C) during summer.
The best time to visit the Czech Republic is from May to September when days are warm and nights cool. The European summer (June to September) is the tourist high season, but spring and autumn can also be rewarding times to visit, particularly if travellers prefer to avoid the tourist crowds. Although the winters are cold, the Czech landscapes do look strikingly beautiful when it is snowy, so every season has its advantages for tourists.
Health Notes when travelling to Czech Republic
There are no major health risks associated with travel to the Czech Republic, and there are no vaccination requirements for international travellers. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and long-term visitors to forested areas may want to seek medical advice about immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities are good in Prague, but may be more limited in rural areas. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Czech Republic
Most visits to the Czech Republic are trouble-free, though the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks is a factor throughout Europe. Petty theft is a concern, especially on public transport and around the main tourist sites in Prague, so visitors should be mindful of their belongings. Violent crime is rare.
Customs in Czech Republic
Drunken behaviour and drinking in public is punishable by law in the Czech Republic, and some bars and restaurants in Prague will not allow entry for stag parties. While same-sex relationships are legal, same-sex marriages aren’t recognized; public displays of affection may be frowned on or draw unwanted attention.
Duty Free in Czech Republic
Travellers from non-EU countries who are over the age of 17 don’t have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco. The same applies to one litre of spirits over 22-percent volume, two litres of spirits less than 22-percent volume, four litres of wine, and 16 litres of beer.
Doing Business in Czech Republic
Punctuality is expected in the Czech business world and dress should be smart and conservative. Initial greetings are usually formal to the point that titles and surnames are used unless otherwise indicated. Firm handshakes signal strength, and direct eye contact shows integrity.
German is the most common foreign language used in the Czech Republic but English is widely spoken by younger generations. Translators are available and any attempts at speaking Czech will be appreciated when doing business. There is generally some polite small talk to establish rapport at the beginning of meetings.
Deals can take a long time to complete due to significant bureaucratic red tape, so it’s important to be patient. Business hours usually run from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Czech Republic
The international access code for the Czech Republic is +420. Purchasing a local prepaid SIM card is a good way to keep calling costs down, as international roaming can be expensive and international calls from hotels involve high surcharges. Many cafes, restaurants, hotels and shopping centres offer free WiFi.
Tipping in Czech Republic
Though tipping in restaurants is optional and generally no service charge is added to bills, gratuities of about 10 percent are expected for good service. Taxi drivers are tipped by rounding up the fare at the end of the journey.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Each of these countries issues a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of the other Schengen countries. All visitors must hold either an onward or return ticket, or proof of sufficient funds to buy a ticket, plus all documents required for onward travel. They must also fill in and sign a border-crossing card, and be able to show proof of the following at the request of the Authority of Aliens Police Service: (i) sufficient means of support for the duration of their stay; (ii) documents confirming financial security (credit cards, bank statements, etc.); (iii) documents confirming accommodation for their period of stay in the Czech Republic, or proof of another accommodation arrangement; (iv) valid health insurance, with complete coverage. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports remain valid for at least six months beyond their arrival dates. Visitors should also bear in mind that immigration officials often apply different rules to the ones travel agents and official sources state.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of arrival in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports must be valid at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a six-month period. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a passport, or emergency passport. Irish nationals are allowed to enter the Czech Republic with an expired passport. No visa is required. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A visa is not required for a maximum of 90 days stay. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Czech Republic. A Schengen ‘C’ type visa must be valid for the visited Schengen Member State. Entry requirements for the Czech Republic are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
Tourist Offices
Czech Tourist Authority: http://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US
Czech Republic Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of the Czech Republic, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 274 9100.
- In Canada:
Embassy of the Czech Republic, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 562 3875.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of the Czech Republic, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7243 7908.
- In Australia:
Embassy of the Czech Republic, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6290 1386.
- In Ireland:
Embassy of the Czech Republic, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 668 1135.
- In New Zealand:
Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 9 306 5883.
- In South Africa:
Embassy of the Czech Republic, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 431 2380.
Foreign Embassies in Czech Republic
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Prague: +420 257 022 000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Prague: +420 272 101 800.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Prague: +420 257 402 111.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Consulate, Prague: +420 221 729 260.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Prague: +420 257 011 280.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Berlin, Germany (also responsible for Czech Republic): +49 30 206 210.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Prague: +420 267 311 114.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
