Military action is underway in Ukraine. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until it’s safe to depart.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile and is deteriorating rapidly. Heavy fighting, including bombardments, explosions and missile launches, is ongoing throughout Ukraine, including in major cities. Infrastructure and military facilities have been struck by rocket attacks. There have been many civilian casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted, including in areas not directly affected by fighting. Do not travel to Ukraine, there is a real risk to life. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until you judge it’s safe to depart. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller and reputable local and international media. Where it is safe to do so, you should leave Ukraine.
Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel.
The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.
Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Information may change and will be updated as details become available. You should also read the travel advice of the destination you’re travelling to - entry requirements may differ when entering by road, rail or air. Before leaving Ukraine, verify if the local authorities of your destination have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation.
Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel. Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities.
In most cases, Australians departing Ukraine must present a valid Australian passport.
Read our advice about Ukraine border regions.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Czech Republic due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Czech Republic due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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.
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 your European Union ID document or a copy of your Australian passport.
To stay safe in the Czech Republic:
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 suspect you're dealing with a criminal posing as a police officer, either:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
To stay safe during periods of unrest:
More information:
While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in the Czech Republic, they can still happen.
Attacks have occurred in some European cities.
Terrorist targets include:
European security services have disrupted some planned attacks.
If you're visiting the Czech Republic:
If there is a terrorist attack:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Flooding happens, especially in spring, from March to May.
Other natural disasters are rare.
If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.
More information:
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in the Czech Republic.
For information on the Czech Republic's COVID-19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health website (in Czech). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Measles cases can routinely occur in Czech Republic, with the country currently experiencing an increase in measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.
More information:
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).
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.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and may include long jail terms
More information:
Surrogacy
Czech Republic has no specific surrogacy laws in place. Seek independent legal advice.
The Australian Embassy can't provide:
More information:
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:
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.
The Czech Republic is a part of the Schengen area, along with many other European states. 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.
All COVID-19 restrictions to enter the Czech Republic have been suspended. See the Czech Ministry of Interior Coronavirus information page.
If you're staying in the Czech Republic:
The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.
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.
You must have travel insurance with health cover to enter the Czech Republic.
Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic for more information.
If you're staying in private accommodation for more than three days, you must register with the local Foreigner's Police Branch.
To register, take your:
Check if registration is part of the check-in process at your paid accommodation.
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. Travellers can 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.
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:
The currency of the Czech Republic is the Koruna (CZK).
Only change money at banks or exchange bureaus. Avoid money changers on the street.
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.
Since 2015, the movement of asylum seekers has put pressures on border controls in Europe.
Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.
To stay up to date on border conditions:
You need to be at least 18 years old to drive.
To drive, you'll need either:
Check if your licence is valid with the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.
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 on 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:
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.
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.
Keep your ticket until the end of your journey. Show it to the inspector if asked.
More information:
You need to book Super City trains. If you board without a reservation, you may be fined.
All international rail currently ceases at the Czech border.
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112.
Call 112.
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.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
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 essential consular and passport services by appointment.
Unit 6/3
Solitaire Office Building
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
Rondo ONZ 1
8th floor
00-124 Warsaw, Poland
Phone: +48 22 521 3444
Fax: +48 22 627 3500
Website: poland.embassy.gov.au
Email: ambasada.australia@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Poland, Czech Republic and Lithuania
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.