Czech Republic

Petty crime

Pickpocketing is common in Prague. It happens on the road to Prague Castle, at tourist sites and on public transport.

Passport and car theft is also common, particularly during the summer, from June to August.

Travellers have been robbed in nightclubs, bars and restaurants. This includes fast-food shops in the centre of Prague.

Be careful of strangers who offer help. Travellers have had bags stolen at Prague's main railway station. Do not leave your bags unattended while on public transport. 

Travellers have been robbed or assaulted after drinking a spiked drink.

Only use ATMs in secure places, such as banks, shops and shopping centres.

Always carry ID, for example, a copy of your Australian passport.

To stay safe in the Czech Republic:

• keep an eye on your food and drink - never accept them from strangers
• stay with people you trust in bars and nightclubs
• be wary of strangers who offer to help you
• keep your bags, wallets and passports safe

Report any thefts in person to the Czech police within 24 hours and get a police report crime number. Prague police station (Jungmannovo namesti 9, Prague 1, nearest metro stop is Mustek) is open 24 hours and has English translators. You can also get a police report from the police station at the airport.

Every lamppost in Prague has a 6-digit number posted at eye level. These codes will help you tell the police where you are if you can't give an exact address.

Scams and fraud

Criminals using fake police ID may ask to check the authenticity of your foreign currency and passport. These criminals often operate near ATMs. However real police officers can ask for ID at any time.

If you think you're dealing with a criminal posing as a police officer, either:

• offer to go with them to the nearest police station
• call the police on 112 to confirm their identity

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor local media and other sources
• avoid crowds, protests and demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in the Czech Republic, they can still happen.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Attacks have occurred in some European cities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Flooding can happen, especially in spring, from March to May.

Other natural disasters are rare.

​If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• ​​​​follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and other local sources

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the Czech Republic. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Ticks are common in country areas. They're active from spring to autumn.

If you're in forest or country areas, you're at risk of tick-borne diseases, such as tick-borne encephalitis (World Health Organization).

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• COVID-19

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are of Western standards. The quality of care in the Czech Republic is generally good, with private facilities usually being of a higher standard than public ones.

Healthcare providers often request payment in advance for services, including emergency care.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and may include long jail terms

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Surrogacy 

It is a criminal offence in the Czech Republic to place a child into the hands of another for profit or gain. Seek independent legal advice. 

The Australian Embassy can't provide:

• legal advice about surrogacy
• information on clinics

More information:

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt a child

Other laws

It's illegal to photograph some buildings, including indoor shopping centres.

These buildings usually have signs banning photos.

If in doubt, ask local authorities before you take a photo.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

The Czech Republic recognises dual nationals.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visitor visas

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.

The Czech Republic is a part of the Schengen Area, along with many other European countries. This may allow you to enter the Czech Republic without a visa in some situations, such as short tourism stays.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

See the Ministry of the Interior Immigration Portal for information on entering and staying in the Czech Republic. 

More information

• Immigration portal (Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic)

Children travelling alone must have a letter of consent from a parent. If a child is travelling with one of their parents, a letter of consent isn't needed.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic for more information.

Registering accommodation

If you're staying in private accommodation for more than 3 days, you must register with the local Foreigner's Police Branch. If you don't register, you could be fined.

To register, take your: 

• passport
• evidence of your health insurance
• completed Registration of Accommodation form (Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic)

Check if registration is part of the check-in process at your paid accommodation.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. You could receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

The currency of the Czech Republic is the Koruna (CZK). Payments by card are common and accepted in most places.

Change money at official marked exchange offices such as banks and exchange bureaus.

Declare any foreign currency valued at 10,000 euros or more if you're travelling between the Czech Republic and any non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare, or if you give wrong information, authorities will fine you.

You should check with local authorities in the countries you are leaving, entering or passing through whether you must declare higher amounts of currency.

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen Area.

To stay up to date on border conditions:

• check local media
• ask transport providers

Driving permit

You need to be at least 18 years old to drive.

To drive, you'll need either:

• a local or EU driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Check if your licence is valid with the Ministry of Transportation (Czech).

Road travel

Speed is the main cause of road accidents and road deaths.

Roads in rural areas may be poorly maintained.

Always keep car headlights on.

You need a motorway sticker (vignette) for your car to travel on major highways. You can buy the sticker at petrol stations.

The Czech Republic has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Always wear a helmet.

Only use a motorbike if you have a motorcycle licence.

Check with your travel insurer to see if your policy covers motorcycles.

Taxis

Some taxi drivers refuse to use taxi meters and can overcharge.

Don't hail taxis on the street.

Use a Fair Place Taxi stand or call for an official taxi. Confirm with the driver that the taxi meter is running.

Public transport

Keep your ticket until the end of your journey. Show it to the inspector if asked.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Rail travel

You must buy a ticket that is valid for your whole journey. Tickets can be purchased online or at the stations. If you board without a ticket, you may be fined.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check the Czech Republic's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Emergency operators will often speak English and other languages.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in the Czech Republic, headed by an Honorary Consul. The consulate provides consular and passport services by appointment.

Australian Consulate, Prague

Klimentska 10
110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic
Phone: (+420) 221 729 260
Fax: (+420) 296 578 352
Website: austrade.gov.au/czech-page/consulate-english 
Email: prague@austrade.gov.au

Australian Embassy, Warsaw, Poland

Rondo ONZ 1
8th floor
00-124 Warsaw, Poland
Phone: +48 22 521 3443
Fax: +48 22 627 3500
Website: poland.embassy.gov.au
Email: ambasada.australia@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Poland, Czech Republic and Lithuania 
Twitter: @AusAmbPoland

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia