Information about the Czech Republic

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Travel documents
Foreign visitors to the Czech Republic must have a passport valid at least 90 days beyond the time of their planned stay in the Czech Republic. Immigration officers may require a foreign visitor arriving in the Czech Republic to produce a certificate of travel health insurance for the intended time of stay.
Further information is available at: www.mzv.cz
Visas
Citizens of European countries are not required to have a Czech visa with the exception of Albania, Byelorussia, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Bosna-Herzegovina, Moldavia and Macedonia. Regarding non-European states, citizens of the USA, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay, the Korean Republic (South Korea), Malaysia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Israel are not required to have a visa. All other nationalities must have a visa. These can be obtained from the Czech embassy offices abroad, which may require applications to produce other necessary documents, such as invitations, return tickets, vouchers for services, or confirmations of the reservation of spa and other treatment. Every Czech embassy office provides up-to-date information concerning the procurement of visas and conditions of entry to the Czech Republic.
Health insurance and health care for foreing visitors to the Czech Republic
Visitors are recommended to purchase health and travel insurance. Health care is available to foreigners as follows:
- non-cash payments, claims against health insurance
- payment in cash
- free of charge on the basis of valid international reciprocal agreement (the extent of the health care provided is generally limited to necessary treatment; in the case of out-patient treatment, patients are usually required to pay the cost of medicine and medical material (hospital treatment, including medicine and medical material, is always provided free of charge).
Import of duty-free goods
The following non-commercial goods can be brought into the Czech Republic without the payment of customs duty:
1. Tobacco products:
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (cigars up to 3 grams) or
- 50 cigars or 250 g pipe or cigarette tobacco or
- a proportional combination of the quantities stated above.
2. Alcoholic beverages:
- 1 litre of distilled liquor or sparkling or liqueur wine
- 2 litre of table wine.
3. Scents:
- 50 grams or
- 0,25 litre of eau de cologne.
4. Medicines of kind and quantity required for individual use.
5. Other goods with a total value not exceeding 6,000 CZK per person, for persons under 15 years of age the limit is 3,000 CZK per person. These limits are non-compoundable.
In common travel alcoholic beverages can be imported by individuals over 18 years of age, cigarettes and other tobacco products by individuals over 16 years of age.
Exporting goods from the Czech Republic
Any quantity of non-commercial goods can be taken out of the Czech Republic without an export permit with the exception of:
- objects forming part of the national cultural heritage
- when exporting antique and other art objects, it is necessary to have a certificate stating that these are not part of the national cultural heritage.
Transport of domestic animals
Visitors travelling to the Czech Republic with a domestic animal must produce an internationally valid certificate of vaccination against rabies a veterinary certificate of the animal’s examination dated no more than 3 days prior to departure. Municipal veterinary administration in Prague – tel.: +420 2 2252 2126.
Travellers cash
The import or export of foreign currencies, other means of payment, shares and savings books in other currencies than CZK (Kc) is not restricted, with the exception of those gained illegally in the Czech Republic. The import and export of Czech and foreign banknotes and coins, payment certificates and shares with a total value exceeding 350 000 CZK must be declared, as be the import and export of gold.

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By air
Direct and indirect flights are received by Prague-Ruzyne International Airport, located approximately 20 kilometres northwest of the town centre. Transit between the town and the airport is ensured by bus line No. 119, operating daily at regular intervals, from 4.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. The bus connects to the underground network (Dejvicka Station, Line- A).
Important telephone numbers:
Booking of flights and the information on the sale of flight tickets: +420 2 2010 4310
CSA Town Information Centre: +420 2 2010 4111
24-hour information service – Prague Airport: +420 2 2011 3314, +420 2 2011 3321
Internet: www.csa.cz
By train
Located in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is intersected by a number of international railway lines. Railway transport in the Czech Republic is provided by the Czech Railways Company, which operates trains of the EuroCity and InterCity category, ensuring connection with other European countries. The Czech Railways Company offers a range of discounts relating to both the transportation of passengers and goods (for example, children under six years of age are transported free of charge, children under 15 pay a half of the normal fare. Discounts are granted to groups of passengers consisting of at least six persons, with two children counted as one adult. The amount of reduction - 50 % at the maximum - depends on whether a group of young people or adults is involved).
Important telephone numbers:
Information on railway connections in the Czech Republic and international connections: +420 2 2422 4200
(24-hour service, in English and German): +420 2 2461 4030
Internet: www.cdrail.cz
By bus or by car
The Czech Republic can easily be reached by bus or by car. A number of Czech and foreign companies provide international connections with other European countries. The Praha-Florenc Information Centre provides information on connections, timetables and fares.
Important telephone numbers:
Information on the bus connection: +420 2 12999
Internet: : www.jizdnirady.cz

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By air
Domestic air transport is provided by Czech Airlines (CSA), which operates flights between Prague, Ostrava, Brno and Karlovy Vary. Small airplanes can be hired from specialized companies for journeys to different places throughout the country or for observation flights.
By train
Czech Railway Lines offer a network of domestic lines on which trains of various categories operate. The SuperCity trains, which offer the most extensive renge of services, use exclusively modernized first-class wagons and restaurant cars with bar sections. The Express category bears comparison with InterCity trains. They consist of modernized first and second-class wagons and they all provide restaurants services. Czech Railway Lines operate specially modified wagons for handicapped passengers in wheelchairs. Bicycles and sports ships are transported in special wagons.
By bus
Bus transportation between towns and other locations within the Czech Republic is mainly provided by the CSAD companies but also by private operators. The bus network in the country is relatively dense, with the majority of locations accessible by bus.
By car
The Czech Republic is ideal for car transportation, boasting a high-quality network of motorways and roads with easily visible road signs.

Traffic Regulations
The Czech traffic regulations are almost identical with those in effect in other countries.
Speed limitations
- The maximum allowed speed in built up areas is 50 km/hr. (nights included).
- The maximum allowed speed for cars and buses of up to 3,500 kg is 90 km/hr. On roads and 130 km/hr. On
Motorways
- The maximum allowed speed for motorcycles is 90 km/hr.
- The maximum allowed speed for cars above 3,500 kg on roads is 80 km/hr.
- The consumption of alcohol is not allowed before or during driving.
- The holding of mobil phone in hand is not allowed during driving.
- Seat belts must be fastened during the entire journey.
- Motorcyclists and their pillion passengers must wear a helmet.
- The fee for the use of motorways and roads by motor vehicles in the Czech Republic is paid in the form of the so-called motorway stickers which must be fastened to the inside of the windscreen (the same systém is used in Austria or Switzerland). Stickers (annual – costing CZK 800, monthly – CZK 200 and ten-day – CZK 100 for vehicles up to 3,500 kg) can be purchased at post offices, border crossings and at select petrol stations. Stickers for vehicles of overall weight from 3,500 to 12,000 kg can be purchased for one calendar year – CZK 6,000, one calendar month – CZK 1000, or ten consecutive calendar days – CZK 400.
Petrol Stations
The extensive network of petrol stations in the Czech Republic, constantly being enlarged, offers the following fuels:
- Special 91
- Natural 91
- Natural 95
- SuperPlus 98
- Diesel
Parking
Preference should be given to guarded car parks (available in all large cities and district towns in the Czech Republic). Make sure that the car is locked and do not leave any valuable objects which might draw attention. In Prague, use the services of suburban or fringe area car parks in order to avoid traffic jams in the city centre.
Car Hire
A variety of local and foreign car-hire companies offer their services in the Czech Republic. A range of different categories and types of cars are available for hire, naturally either with or without a driver.
Car Emergency Service
ABA – Autoklub Bohemia Assistance – 24-hour breakdown and towing service available for all broken-down vehicles. Ring 1240 for attendance.
Taxis
Taxi fees, consisting of a fixed rate and a rate for the actual number of kilometres, differ from place to place. Rate per kilometre must be stated both on the taxi’s coachwork and inside. Every taxi driver is obliged to issue on request a receipt of the fare paid. Passengers should require information on fares in advance. Taxis can be booked by telephone 24 hours in advance.
Public transport
Trams, buses and trolley buses are used for public transportation in Czech and Moravian town. Three Metro (underground railway) lines operate in Prague, connecting the city centre and out-lying districts. There are different tariffs in individual towns. Tickets can be obtained at ticket-machines, newsagents and tobacconists. In Prague and several other large towns, tourist tickets are available, valid for a number of journeys. On entering Metro stations, trams and buses passengers are obliged to mark their tickets in the stamping machines. Information on Prague public transport is available at the following telephone numbers:
+420 222 646 350, +420 222 646 055, +420 220 806 790, +420 222 623 777, +420 222 647 450,
+420 220 115 404
Internet: www.dp-praha.cz
Cycling
The Czech Republic offers a variety of tourist destinations reachable by bicycle. Cycling paths exist or are under construction in the major tourist centres and towns, and various types of bicycle, e.g. road and mountains bikes, can be hired there. A number of European cycling paths run through the Czech Republic.

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Lodging and food
Tourist can choose according to their requirements and means from a large number of hotels of various categories, guest house, cheap Bed and Breakfast places and interesting eco-agro farms. Traditional accommodation is also offered in private houses and camp sites. The quality of services provided by these facilities is comparable to that of other European countries. No matter where you decide to stay, you will be satisfied with the services, hospitability and reasonable prices. Information about hotels can be obtained at the majority of travel agencies.
Accommodation
Information centres operate in large towns with opening hours from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Opening hours of shops and services
Shops:
The opening hours of Czech shops vary, but are generally from 9,00 a.m. to 6,00 p.m. on workdays and from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Saturday. Many shops are now open even on Sunday and their number is increasing. Credit cards are accepted in selected shops. E.g. Eurocard/Mastercard, American Express, VISA, Diner’s Club, Japan Credit Bureau, Access and Carte Blanche.
Banks:
As with shops, business hours are mostly from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on workdays. Money can also be changed at foreign tellers in hotels, petrol stations, travel agencies, shopping centres, information centres and numerous small foreign exchange offices.
Pharmacies:
Opening hours are mostly the same as for shops, but there are also pharmacies open 24 hours a day.
Telephone:
Telephone boxes operating on telephone cards or coins can be fond everywhere in the Czech Republic. Telephone cards can be purchased at post offices, newsagents and newspaper stalls.
Calling to the Czech Republic
The dialling code of the Czech Republic is +420, followed by the dialling the number of the telephone station.