Visas & Customs Requirements

General Requirements:

The Czech Republic is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter the Czech Republic for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the periods of stay. Visas are required for stays exceeding 90 days. Furthermore, visas are required for work. The validity of the USA passports or travel document have to be at least 90 days from the date of the departure to the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, U.S. citizens should be insured health wise in order to enter the Czech Republic/Schengen territory.

Medical health/travel insurance that meets the following criteria:

• It is valid throughout the Czech Republic/Schengen territory.


• It is valid during the entire period that you will be in the Czech Republic/Schengen territory.


• The coverage is at least € 30,000 (US $45,000).


• The coverage includes repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical care and/or emergency treatment in a hospital.

Visa for stays exceeding 90 days (up to 365 days) – Applications are processed through a Czech Embassy/Consulate. This type of visa can be extended upon application to the Foreigners Police 120 to 14 days before the visa’s expiration.

The Czech Republic does not grant permits for permanent stays outside of exceptional cases (in cases of family reunification and uninterrupted stays for 5 years). These applications can be processed through the Foreigner’s Police where the applicant resides in the Czech Republic.

Long-term visas are issued to enable the holder to come to the Czech Republic to pick up an approved permit for permanent residence. They remain valid for 180 days after issuance, but only allow the holder to stay in the country for 3 days to pick up the permit.

General Consulates of Czech Republic:

Los Angeles	http://www.mzv.cz/la
Chicago	http://www.mzv.cz/chicago
New York	http://www.mzv.cz/ny
San Francisco	http://www.czechtech.net
Washington	http://www.mzv.cz/washington