ETIAS Czech Republic for British
The Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a visa waiver that will soon become available to citizens of third countries that are currently able to travel to the Schengen Area without the need for a visa. Visitors, including UK nationals, will be able to apply for the ETIAS online and receive it via email in a few days.
The ETIAS will be introduced to strengthen border controls and increase the safety of nationals of the Schengen Area member states and foreign visitors. The ETIAS will not replace a visa, which may still be necessary for certain citizens and specific travel purposes.
Czech Republic Entry Requirements from the UK
At present, the only entry requirement to visit the Czech Republic from the UK is having a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.
Soon, these requirements may change. UK travellers will need to have the following to enter the Czech Republic:
- A passport valid for at least three months that has been issued no earlier than 10 years before the trip
- A valid ETIAS visa waiver
With the ETIAS, UK visitors will be allowed to stay for a maximum of 90 within every 180 days in the Czech Republic. Travel will be allowed for transit, tourism, business, and study for the short term.
When will ETIAS be necessary to travel from the UK to the Czech Republic?
ETIAS for UK travellers visiting the Czech Republic will likely be necessary starting from November 2023, although there is no exact launch date. Travellers are invited to stay up to date with the latest news to find out when the ETIAS will become mandatory.
When it will become available, the ETIAS will have a validity of three years from the issuance date or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. The ETIAS is a multiple-entry visa waiver.
How to apply for ETIAS Czech Republic?
UK travellers applying for the ETIAS for the Czech Republic will need to fill in an online application form that will only take a few minutes. Additionally, they will be required to pay the ETIAS processing fee via credit or debit card.
The ETIAS application form has to be completed entirely with the following personal and passport details:
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Nationality
- Passport details (number, issuing country, issuance and expiry date)
- Contact details (home address, phone number)
- Email address
Applicants will also be asked to answer a few security and health questions in the application form. Once the form has been filled in, making sure there are no inaccuracies or spelling mistakes, applicants can send their application or review.
The processing of the ETIAS will take between 24 and 48 hours. However, travellers should allow up to 72 hours to receive their ETIAS. If the application contains mistakes or is incomplete, the process may take longer.
Travel to the Czech Republic after Brexit
After Brexit, there have been a few changes for UK travellers visiting the Czech Republic. Aside from the ETIAS that will soon become mandatory, British visitors must be aware of the following changes:
- The UK passport no longer allows travellers to enter the Czech Republic through EU dedicated border gates
- British visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months (three with the ETIAS) and not older than 10 years on the date of arrival in the Czech Republic
- UK visitors who wish to work or study for longer than three months in the Czech Republic will need a visa
- British citizens may need to show proof of return or onward ticket when entering the Czech Republic.
- UK travellers may need to provide proof of sufficient funds for their stay.
Czech Republic Information
A Central European country surrounded by Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland, the Czech Republic is mainly famous for its capital city, Praga, and its small medieval towns, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Czech Republic has seen incremental growth in tourism since 2011, with over 36 million international visitors in 2018. Every year, over 300 thousand British visitors travel to the Czech Republic.
Recommended Insurances to Travel to the Czech Republic
After Brexit, the UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will no longer be valid. UK citizens who still have a valid EHIC may use it until its expiry date, after which they will need to apply for the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
While these insurances allow British travellers to receive state healthcare in the Czech Republic at a reduced cost or free, they do not replace travel insurance. UK visitors are encouraged to get travel insurance alongside their EHIC or GHIC.
British Representation in the Czech Republic
The UK only holds one diplomatic mission in the Czech Republic. The UK Embassy is located at the following address:
The UK only holds one diplomatic mission in the Czech Republic. The UK Embassy is located at the following address:
Czech Republic Representation in the UK
The Czech Republic has an embassy and four consulates in the UK, at the following addresses:
The Czech Republic has an embassy and four consulates in the UK, at the following addresses:
Most Important Airports in the Czech Republic
UK visitors can travel to the Czech Republic via air or land. The main airport is situated just outside of the capital city, Prague, but there are other airports in the country. These are the main ones:
UK visitors can travel to the Czech Republic via air or land. The main airport is situated just outside of the capital city, Prague, but there are other airports in the country. These are the main ones: