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.

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:

• 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

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 suspect 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

Demonstrations and protests

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

To stay safe 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.

Attacks have occurred in some European cities.

Terrorist targets include:

• public transport

• transport hubs

• places popular with tourists

European security services have disrupted some planned attacks.

If you're visiting the Czech Republic:

• ​be alert, especially in places known to be possible terrorist targets

• report any suspicious activity or items to police

• check the media for possible threats

• take official warnings seriously

If there is a terrorist attack:

• follow the instructions of local authorities

• leave the affected area as soon as it's safe

• stay away from the area in case of secondary attacks

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Flooding happens, 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.

** This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians. **

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.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health (World Health Organization)

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

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

There is an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 across Europe, including in the Czech Republic. If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical care.

You're required to wear facemasks or alternative face coverings in public (unless under 2 years old or a lone driver). Comply with any additional screening measures. For details visit the Czech Ministry of Health website, or in the case of an emergency call 112. Monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Prague Radio (English)
• Czech Ministry of Health 
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Measles

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:

• Measles Outbreak 2019 (Department of Health)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health)

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

Medical facilties 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

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

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

** The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place. **

Visitor visas

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.

To restrict the spread of COVID-19, the Czech Interior Ministry has stopped issuing all visas until further 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.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a temporary ban on entry into the Czech Republic is enforced for all tourists.

If you wish to return to Australia, you should do so as soon as possible by commercial means while they still operate. Options are quickly diminishing. Act fast or you may miss a window of opportunity. Future scheduled flights may be cancelled at short notice. Contact your travel provider.

If you can't or don't want to leave, monitor the media, follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe and well. If you need urgent consular assistance call +61 2 6261 3305.

Movement in public is restricted to essential tasks only, such as grocery shopping or attending work. You'll be required to wear disposable gloves in grocery stores. Public gatherings of more than 2 people aren't permitted and a social distance of 2 metres must be maintained.

Large scale events have been cancelled. Schools, tourist markets, cinemas and public pools have been closed. Restaurants and pubs are also closed but grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open.

** 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.

Registering accommodation

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: 

• 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 six 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 six 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.

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:

• 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 the Interior of the Czech Republic.

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 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:

• 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 need to book Super City trains. If you board without a reservation, you may be fined.

From 13 March, all international rail will cease at the Czech border.

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.

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.

​Australian Consulate, Prague

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/local-sites/czech-republic/consulate-english

Email: prague@austrade.gov.au

Australian Embassy, Warsaw, Poland

3rd Floor

Nautilus Building

ul. Nowogrodzka 11

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.

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