Czech Republic

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to the Czech Republic. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free of charge which entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.ie for further details. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EU citizens do not require a visa to travel to the Czech Republic.  Children aged 15 and above must have their own passports. Those travelling on a parent’s passport will be refused entry to the Czech Republic.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Children of 15 years and upwards are required to have their own passport. Children under 15 years will be admitted on their parent's passport, if it was issued prior to 1 October 2004.

SAFETY & SECURITY

The Czech Republic shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets.

CRIME

The Czech Republic has a relatively low crime rate.  However petty theft is a problem, particularly in Prague.  Pickpocketing is common at the main tourist attractions, at the main railway station, and on public transport, particularly those routes to and from Prague Castle and other major tourist sites. There have also been cases of theft from hotel rooms and even safes.

You should always exchange currency at a currency exchange office or a bank.  Do not change money with vendors on the street as this money is often counterfeit.  You should also take care when using cash machines.

The sale and distribution of drugs is illegal in the Czech Republic.  You are advised not to buy drugs on the street as such drugs are often hazardous counterfeits.

The police in the Czech Republic do not have the right to check your money or its authenticity.  Beware of bogus plain-clothes policemen, who may ask to see your foreign currency and passport.  If approached, decline to show your money, but offer instead to go with them to the nearest police station. If you suspect that you are dealing with a bogus police officer, you can call 158 or 112 to check their identity.

Avoid contact with women acting as street prostitutes as they are often pickpockets.

Never leave drinks or food unattended, or accept drinks from strangers.

Theft of property should be reported in person to the Czech police within 24 hours to obtain a Police Report Crime Number. It is not possible to obtain this later, especially after you have left the Czech Republic.

LOCAL TRAVEL

For reasons of safety and economy, you are advised to use major taxi companies, such as AAA (23311 3311) or Profitaxi (26131 4151). These companies are usually able to tell you the type, number and colour of the car in advance. Smaller, or independent, operators often over-charge foreigners. 

Public transport tickets must be purchased before travelling. Tickets must be validated at the start of the journey.  You can be fined on the spot if you are travelling with an invalid ticket.

ROAD SAFETY

If you are planning to drive to the Czech Republic, you may like to consult a local motoring hotline, available in Czech and English on (tel: 1230).

Since 1 January 2005, it is a requirement under Czech law that all private cars, including those of foreign visitors, carry the following items:

1 x Fluorescent Green High Visibility Safety Jacket

1 x First Aid Kit

1 x Spare pair of prescription glasses (if necessary) – kept in the glove compartment

1 x Warning triangle

1 x Complete set of spare bulbs

The Czech Republic has a relatively high accident and fatality rate, compared to other EU states.

HEALTH

Avian Influenza

The Czech authorities have confirmed that there have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in domestic poultry.  No reported human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk of avian flu to Irish nationals visiting affected countries is believed to be low.  There are no specific restrictions for travellers to any of the countries affected by avian influenza as the risk is believed to be low.  For further information and advice, please visit the Avian Influenza section of this website.

Other

If you are planning to visit forested areas, you are advised to seek medical advice before you travel about inoculations for tick borne encephalitis.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS IN CZECH REPUBLIC 

If you intend to stay in the Czech Republic for an extended period of time, you are encouraged to register your presence with the Irish Embassy in Prague. Contact details for all Irish Missions (including Honorary Consuls) in the Czech Republic are available here. (Opens in new window)