GoCzech Republic Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa Notice

Chinese citizens holding Chinese passports (including official passports, official ordinary passports, and ordinary passports) entering the Czech Republic must hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by the Czech Republic or other Schengen member states. Chinese diplomatic passport holders who travel within EU member states (including the Czech Republic) and stay for a maximum of 90 days per 180 days are exempt from visa requirements. Chinese citizens holding passports of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, Macao Special Administrative Region of China and Taiwan, China Region of China can be exempted from visa application if they enter the Czech Republic and stay for a maximum of 90 days every 180 days. Czech airports do not process landing visas, and short-term visa extensions applied for within the Czech Republic are usually not approved.

Czech visas are divided into two categories: short-term visas (stay period not exceeding 90 days) and long-term visas (stay period exceeding 90 days). Applicants need to prepare corresponding application materials based on the true purpose of visiting the Czech Republic. For specific requirements for applying for a Czech visa, please refer to the website of the Czech Embassy in China https://www.mzv.cz/beijing/zh/ Czech Consulate General in Shanghai https://www.mzv.cz/shanghai Or the website of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs https://www.mzv.cz/en .

2、 Entry and Exit Notice

The Czech Republic is a member of the Schengen Agreement and can enter the country with a valid visa or residence permit issued by the Czech Republic or other Schengen member states. Those without the aforementioned valid documents will be denied entry.

The internal borders between the Czech Republic and Schengen member states are open, and there is no border inspection procedure for entering the Czech Republic from other Schengen member states or traveling from the Czech Republic to other Schengen countries (except for temporary control situations). Entering the Czech Republic from a non Schengen member state or traveling from the Czech Republic to a non Schengen member state requires passing border checks at the airport, including passport, visa, insurance, and security information checks. Sometimes, invitation letters or travel plans may be required.

3、 Special Reminder

（1） Holding a valid visa or residence permit issued by the Czech Republic or other Schengen member states does not guarantee admission to the Czech Republic. The Czech border police have the right to inquire about incoming personnel, request proof materials, or make decisions to refuse entry in accordance with the law. When entering the country, one should patiently cooperate with border inspections, answer truthfully, and sign carefully. If the language is not clear or the problem cannot be understood correctly, the other party can provide a Chinese translation.

（2） According to the Czech Law on the Administration of Foreigners, foreigners in the Czech Republic must carry with them the original passport or the original Czech residence card (not photocopies or photos), otherwise they may be taken by the Czech police to the police station to verify their identity and be punished.

（3） Chinese citizens who come to the Czech Republic in the short term should register at the local foreign affairs police station within three working days after entering the Czech Republic. If they check into a hotel, the hotel will automatically handle the registration procedures on their behalf. Chinese citizens who lose their passports in the Czech Republic in the short term should immediately report the loss to the nearest police station, contact the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic to apply for a travel permit, and apply for a departure visa at the Foreign Affairs Police Station before leaving the Czech Republic.

Address of Prague Foreign Affairs Police Station: Kaplanova 2055/4，148 00 Praha 4。 Contact phone number:+ 420-974887400.

Please refer to the website for the addresses and contact information of foreign affairs police stations in various parts of the Czech Republic: https://www.policie.cz/clanek/oddeleni-pobytovych-agend.aspx .

（4） Chinese citizens holding Schengen visas must be familiar with and comply with the relevant regulations of Schengen visas, such as the total number of days allowed to stay in the Schengen area as stated on the Schengen visa, rather than the number of days allowed to stay in each Schengen country separately; Stay within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days every 180 days.

Customs entry

（1） When passengers enter or leave the Czech Republic, if the total amount of cash, traveler's checks, gold bars, coins (with a gold content of over 95%), drafts, etc. exceeds 10000 euros, they must declare to Czech customs.

（2） Passengers over the age of 17 are eligible to bring the following items into the country duty-free:

200 cigarettes; Or 100 small cigars weighing less than 3 grams; Or 50 cigars; Or 250 grams of tobacco.

Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of no more than 1 liter and exceeding 22%; Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of no more than 2 liters and less than (or equal to) 22%; Or no more than 4 liters of non carbonated wine; Or no more than 16 liters of beer.

（3） Passengers are prohibited from bringing meat, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, etc. into the country.

（4） If purchasing antiques, cultural relics, etc. within the Czech Republic, it is necessary to inquire with the seller whether relevant exit procedures are required. Some antiques, especially cultural relics, need to be evaluated by experts and approved by the Czech Ministry of Culture before they can be exported.

（5） When passengers bring valuable items, jewelry, etc. into the country, it is recommended to declare them to Czech customs to avoid trouble when exiting.

（6） Passengers are only allowed to bring in the necessary Western medicine for their personal journey, and the dosage must correspond to the duration of their stay outside. Due to the complex composition of traditional Chinese medicine, if you bring it into the country, you must pay attention to the ingredients of the medicine and not bring Chinese medicine containing prohibited ingredients into the country. Specific information can be found on the Czech Customs website.

If there is any ambiguity regarding Czech customs regulations or uncertainty about whether the intended items are in violation, you can check the official English website of Czech Customs: www.celnisprava.cz/en。

Residency and Naturalization

1、 Residence Policy

Foreign citizens who come to the Czech Republic in the short term are responsible for declaring their residence address, extending their short-term visa, applying for a departure visa, and other related matters within the prescribed time limit by the Czech Foreign Affairs Police.

The extension of long-term visas, application and extension of long-term residence permits, application and extension of permanent residence permits, application and extension of EU family member residence cards, and declaration of changes in residence addresses are the specific responsibilities of the Czech Ministry of Internal Affairs' Asylum and Immigration Policy Office.

For detailed information on Czech residency policies, please refer to the website of the Czech Ministry of Internal Affairs: https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/ .

2、 Immigration and Citizenship Policies

The current Czech nationality law came into effect on January 1, 2014, with the following main contents:

1. Recognize dual nationality.

2. Newborns whose parents are Czech citizens automatically acquire Czech citizenship at birth.

3. A foreigner who marries a Czech citizen cannot automatically acquire Czech nationality.

For detailed information on Czech immigration and citizenship policies, please refer to the website of the Czech Ministry of Internal Affairs: https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/ .

Czech risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

The overall security situation in the Czech Republic is good, making it one of the safest countries in the world. On the other hand, as a popular tourist country, the Czech Republic attracts a large number of foreign tourists, and there are also many cases of pickpocketing against foreign tourists.

matters needing attention:

（1） When traveling or traveling in the Czech Republic, please do not carry large amounts of cash with you, and pay attention to keeping personal valuables and carry on bags; Visiting and shopping should be done in groups and avoid traveling at night. When going out alone, one should bring less money and belongings; Passports and other identification documents should be stored separately from property, and copies should be kept.

（2） Do not talk to strangers and be careful to prevent theft, fraud, and robbery through begging, asking for directions, checking documents, helping with photography, and other means.

（3） When the police check the documents, they should present their passport after confirming their identity and keep their belongings safe.

（4） Strictly prevent telecommunications fraud. If you receive a phone call claiming to be from a "domestic public security, procuratorial and judicial department" or an "embassy official", be sure to verify the authenticity repeatedly and do not disclose personal information over the phone.

（5） Be careful of 'black spots'. The "0 handling fee" sign at some currency exchange offices is often misleading. It is recommended that you exchange currency at regular banks and exchange offices, otherwise you may lose high handling fees.

（6） When swiping cards for consumption in restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, and other places, pay attention to protecting passwords to prevent them from being copied and stolen. Refusing to actively provide or persuade services.

Notice of Accidents:

（1） If unfortunately stolen, one should immediately report to the local police station and request a detailed proof of loss for use by the police or border inspection, or when applying for replacement travel documents or insurance claims.

（2） When personal safety is threatened or injured, one should immediately report to the local police and contact the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic if necessary.

（3） If civil disputes such as economic and labor disputes occur in the Czech Republic, one should promptly protect their legitimate rights and interests through legal means.

（4） If a family member goes missing in the Czech Republic, they should immediately report to the Czech police and, if necessary, notify the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic for assistance.

natural disaster

The Czech Republic is located in central Europe and belongs to the northern temperate zone. It has a typical temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. The average temperature in summer is about 18.5 degrees Celsius, and the average temperature in winter is about minus 3 degrees Celsius. The climate is humid, with an average annual precipitation of 683 millimeters and few major natural disasters.

FDA

Czech Republic has strict control over food hygiene, and food hygiene and safety issues are not prominent. However, in 2012, there were multiple cases of alcohol poisoning and death in the Czech Republic. The Czech government took emergency measures and reminded its citizens and foreign tourists to purchase alcohol through legitimate channels such as shopping malls and supermarkets, and to avoid buying and drinking cheap strong alcoholic beverages such as rum and vodka on the streets and in small restaurants.

Urgent Help

Czech police hotline:+ 420-158，+ 420-156.

Czech emergency hotline:+ 420-155.

Czech Fire and Rescue Help Hotline:+ 420-150.

EU General Police Telephone:+ 420-112.

Czech Fire Telephone:+ 420-150.

Consular Protection and Assistance Hotline of the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic:+ 420-728939951.

The Global Consular Protection and Services Emergency Call Center of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has phone numbers:+86-10-12308,+86-10-59913991.

air traffic

The Czech capital Prague Airport has flight connections to major cities in Europe.

The Czech capital Prague Airport, also known as Vaclav Havel Airport, is divided into two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 handles flights to non Schengen countries, while Terminal 2 handles flights to Schengen countries. The phone number for the airport information center is+420-220111888, and the website is: https://www.prg.aero .

There are direct buses between Prague Airport and Prague Central Station. From the airport, you can also take bus 119 to NADRAZI VELESLAVIN subway station or bus 100 to ZLICIN subway station and then transfer to other parts of the city.

land transport

1、 Land transportation

Czech Republic is located in Central Europe and is connected to neighboring countries by highways. In Czech Republic, besides choosing road transportation, taking the well connected train is also a good choice for travel. Czech railways are connected to various European countries, and major cities in Europe can be reached by train.

2、 Self driving precautions

International and EU driver's licenses can be used in the Czech Republic, but Chinese driver's licenses cannot be used in the Czech Republic. The Czech side does not recognize the translation of the Chinese driver's license. Driving within the Czech Republic with only a Chinese driver's license is illegal and will result in high fines or other penalties.

Czech vehicles drive on the right side, and traffic regulations require that the front lights must be turned on throughout the entire journey. Both the driver and passengers must wear seat belts, and mobile phones cannot be held while driving; There is a distinction between a main road and a secondary road, and vehicles on the secondary road must avoid vehicles on the main road; At intersections without traffic signals and primary/secondary road signs, vehicles on the right side have priority passage; If a police car, fire truck, or ambulance honks and passes by, the vehicle must actively avoid it; When pedestrians pass through pedestrian crossings, vehicles must yield; Use winter anti-skid tires between November and April of the following year; Tickets are required for driving on highways (ticket purchasing website: https://edalnice.cz/en/index.html#/validation ）.

water communication

Czech Republic is a landlocked country with no water transportation except for sightseeing boats on the Vltava River.

Urban transportation

In the Czech capital Prague, taking the efficient urban transportation network consisting of subways, buses, trams, and taxis can reach any corner of the city. Buses, trams, and subways use unified tickets, which are divided into several levels based on the allowed travel time, area, and whether there is a transfer. The ticket prices for different levels vary, and passengers should purchase according to their actual needs. There are no ticket sellers on public transportation, and tickets must be purchased in advance before boarding or entering the station. Tickets can usually be purchased at the station's automatic ticket vending machines, newsstands, or small shops. Don't forget to insert your ticket into the ticket machine (indicating the time of travel) when entering the subway station or boarding the bus. Please note that each ticket can only be used for the first time and cannot be used repeatedly. Failure to use or expired tickets will be considered as fare evasion. Each large piece of luggage requires the purchase of an additional bus ticket. Local residents often use monthly or annual tickets for transportation, and there is no need to clock in when taking the bus, which can easily create the illusion for foreign tourists that they do not need to purchase or take tickets when taking the bus. In order to prevent ticket evasion, the Prague Public Transport Company has a plainclothes ticket checker to check tickets at random. Without a ticket or without a ticket (whether intentional or unintentional), you will usually be fined 1000-1500 kroner, and both domestic and foreign tourists will be strictly enforced. Prague Bus Company website: https://www.dpp.cz/en .

To take a taxi, you need to make a phone reservation in advance. The commonly used taxi reservation phone numbers in the Czech Republic are 14014 or 222333222. You can usually take a taxi directly at airports, train stations, restaurants, and other places. Try not to randomly hail a taxi on the street to avoid getting into a black taxi.

Vehicles in Czech cities travel at a fast speed, so pedestrians must take the sidewalk when crossing the road and avoid taking shortcuts to avoid danger. Pedestrians who cross the road illegally will also be fined.

major city

1、 Capital Prague (Praha)

Prague is the political, economic, and cultural center of the Czech Republic, located in the center of the European continent and situated on seven hills, with the Vltava River meandering through it. The population is approximately 1.366 million (as of March 2023), with an area of 496 square kilometers and a total of 22 districts in the city. The average altitude is 235 meters, which is a typical continental climate. The average temperature in July is about 19.5 degrees Celsius, and the average temperature in January is about minus 0.9 degrees Celsius. Prague was founded in the 9th century AD and has a long history with well preserved cultural relics and historical sites. It has various styles of architecture from different periods and is known as the "Museum of Architectural Art". The main attractions in Prague include Prague Castle (Presidential Palace), Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Jewish Tomb, and Vischerad Castle. In 1992, the historic center of Prague was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

2、 Brno

Brno is the capital of the South Moravian Oblast in the Czech Republic and the second largest city in the country. It is located 220 kilometers southeast of Prague and has a population of approximately 396000 (as of January 2023). As an important industrial center and transportation hub in the Czech Republic, the mechanical industry is well-developed, and the Brno International Machinery Industry Expo is held regularly. Several railway and highway trunk lines intersect here. There are Masaryk University, Petroleum Industry Institute, scientific research institutions, and museums built in the city. The city has a long history and many precious cultural relics.

3、 Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, also known as Charlemagne Spring City, is located 120 kilometers northwest of Prague and has a population of approximately 49000 people (as of January 2023). Known for its hot springs, it is the second largest tourist destination in the Czech Republic outside of Prague and also the host of the annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

4、 Czech Krumlov

Krumlov, Czech Republic, is commonly referred to as CK town by Chinese tourists. It is located 180 kilometers south of Prague and has a population of approximately 12000 (as of January 2023). The city was founded in the 14th century AD and boasts numerous Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. It is a well preserved and unique medieval ancient city. In 1992, the historical center of the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Commodity prices

1、 Main products

The main industrial products of Czech Republic include automobiles, electricity, steel, machinery and equipment, glass products, chemical products, etc; The main agricultural products include: wheat, barley, potatoes, hops, etc; Featured products include crystal chandeliers, crystal vessels, artistic glass products, ceramics, beer, leather shoes, etc.

2、 Price situation

Czech prices are slightly lower compared to Western European countries, but luxury goods are more expensive.

3、 Currency and exchange rate

The Czech Republic is not part of the Eurozone and its national currency is the Czech Krona.

The Chinese yuan cannot be directly exchanged for the Czech koruna, while currencies such as euros, US dollars, and pounds can be freely exchanged at Czech banks or currency exchange shops. At present, the exchange rate between the Czech Republic Krona and the Euro is approximately 24 Krona per Euro.

4、 Payment method

Major hotels, inns, and large shopping malls in the Czech Republic accept credit cards and cash payments, and some shops in tourist areas also accept foreign currency cash such as euros and US dollars.

Insurance Medical

The Czech healthcare system is sound, with well-equipped facilities and high-quality medical personnel. All major cities have general or specialized hospitals. Czech healthcare implements a hierarchical system of community clinics, district hospitals, and comprehensive hospitals for medical treatment. Except for emergency treatment, appointments are required for medical treatment.

Czech citizens and foreign citizens who reside in the Czech Republic for a long time must join the national healthcare insurance system, with the majority of medical expenses borne by insurance companies. Individuals pay for registration fees, prescription fees, and a certain percentage of hospitalization expenses. People without medical insurance need to pay for medical treatment at their own expense, and the medical expenses are relatively high, usually requiring a deposit. Chinese citizens applying for a Czech short-term visa must purchase travel medical insurance that can be used in Schengen area countries, and the insurance coverage must cover the entire journey.

There are no epidemics or large-scale infectious diseases in the Czech Republic. Before coming to the Czech Republic, there is no need to receive vaccination, but one should be cautious of tick diseases.

The Czech medical emergency number is 155, or you can call the SOS number 112 for help, which is available in English, German, and Czech.

The main hospitals in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, have outpatient departments for foreigners, and most doctors can speak English. The drugs in Czech pharmacies are divided into prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs, and purchasing prescription drugs requires a prescription issued by a doctor.

Contact information for major hospitals in Prague:

Homolce Hospital: Nemocnice na Homolce

Address: Nemocnice Na Homolce Roentgenova 37/2, 150 00 Praha-Motol 。

Phone:+ 420-25727111.

website: https://www.homolka.cz/en/

Motol Hospital: Fakultn í nemocnice v Motole

Address: V ú valu 84, 150 06 Praha 5.

Phone:+ 420-22443111.

website: https://www.fnmotol.cz/en/

Central Army Hospital: Urs st ř edn í vojensk á nemocnice Praha

Address: U vojensk é nemocnice 1200/1, 162 00 Praha-B ř evnov.

Phone:+ 420-973208333.

website: https://www.uvn.cz/en/

Customs taboos

The main statutory holidays in the Czech Republic include: New Year's Day (January 1), Easter (the first Sunday and Monday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox each year), International Labour Day (May 1), Victory Day in the Anti Fascist War (May 8), Constantine and Metoje Missionary Day (July 5), Jan Hus Passion Day (July 6), Czech National Day (September 28), Czech National Day (October 28), Day for Freedom and Democracy Struggle (November 17), and Christmas Day (December 24-26). If the above holidays fall on weekends, there will be no compensatory leave.

Czechs have a higher level of education, especially in terms of musical literacy. In external communication and social activities, there is a great emphasis on etiquette, dress code, and identity balance. Do not make loud noises in public places, queue politely when shopping, and pay attention to order. Most people avoid the number 13 and do not like others to know their personal privacy, especially when it comes to inquiring about salary and female age. Czechs do not like willow trees and willow products. Pay attention to red and white celebrations, especially celebrating the 50th birthday. Generally, crystal glass products are given to foreign guests, and the number of branches of flowers given is odd. White symbolizes purity, and red symbolizes enthusiasm. The diet of the Czech people is mainly pork. The traditional ethnic dishes are roast pork elbow, pickled Chinese cabbage and Mantou slices. Czech cuisine tends to have a salty taste and greasy dishes. Czechs enjoy drinking beer, with an average annual beer consumption of 160 liters per person, ranking among the top in the world.

Communications Power

1、 Power supply voltage

The Czech standard voltage is 220/230V, using a three pole European standard (German standard) power interface. Chinese citizens are required to bring their own power adapter before traveling to the Czech Republic.

2、 Communication Network

Czech Republic has complete infrastructure such as fixed telephones and mobile phones, making communication convenient. Local mobile phone answering is free, and there are no roaming or long-distance charges for making domestic calls to the Czech Republic. Dialing Czech phone numbers from China can directly dial 00420+9-digit phone numbers, while dialing Chinese phone numbers from Czech can directly dial 0086+mobile phone numbers or 0086+area code+phone numbers. Chinese mobile phones that enable international roaming can be used in the Czech Republic.

Most public places in Czech Republic, such as hotel rooms, airports, and large shopping centers, have wireless internet coverage.

contact information