Traveling to the Czech Republic: What You Need to Know About Tourism

Personal safety rules while vacationing in the Czech Republic

On December 22, 2007, the Czech Republic joined the Schengen Agreement.

Now holders of a Schengen visa from any country can enter the Czech Republic without an additional Czech visa. Accordingly, having a Czech Schengen visa, after visiting the Czech Republic, you can visit any European countries in the Schengen area.

To enter the Czech Republic, you need:

• a passport (not older than 10 years, valid for at least 6 months from the date of planned return from the Czech Republic);
• a Schengen visa;
• sufficient funds;
• health insurance.

Welcome to the Czech Republic – the land of legends and tales!

Few places in the world offer so much beauty in such a small space. History has left its marks in the country in the heart of Europe, in many beautiful medieval cities, proud castles, elegant and charming folk architecture. All this is embraced by the diverse nature of harmonious fields and flowering meadows, thousands of lakes, dense forests, and bordering mountains. Come to discover some fascinating stories of a country that takes pride in its historical heritage. You just need to come and enjoy it with all your senses.

The historical lands of the Czech Republic, Moravia, and Silesia have been a cultural crossroads between the West and the East for over a thousand years. Their history, intertwined with that of Europe, tells of a period of economic and cultural boom and decline, brutal wars, revolutions, and national awakening. All this has been reflected in the image of the country and has left a significant mark on it. Today, the Czech Republic is a developed country providing its visitors with everything needed for an unforgettable vacation in a country where there is always something to discover.

The true crown of the Czech land is undoubtedly the capital city of Prague. The hundred-spired city, which has been admired by the most famous figures in world history for centuries, is literally a living textbook of architecture. You will find here mysterious Romanesque rotundas, magnificent Gothic cathedrals, luxurious Baroque palaces, beautiful Renaissance gardens, and treasures of modern architecture in the style of cubism or functionalism. When you walk across Charles Bridge and the silhouette of Prague Castle is silhouetted against the setting sun, you will understand why Prague is called the most beautiful historical city in the world. Prague, however, does not live only in the past. The city also offers you a modern dynamic look of a present-day world metropolis with famous museums of modern art and a lively nightlife.

It would be a pity to visit only magical Prague. Go to other regions as well, which hide countless riches of history. 12 of them have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You are unlikely to find such a large number in such a small area anywhere else in the world. Visit, for example, the fabulous Český Krumlov with its well-preserved historical center, which makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The real greatness of the Gothic can be experienced in Kutná Hora, a city that boasts two cathedrals at once. The town of Telč pleases the soul, whose magical square looks like an ideal backdrop for Andersen's fairy tales. Perfect harmony of fine architecture and nature can be admired in the gardens of the city of Kroměříž or in the Lednice–Valtice complex, which is called the garden of Europe because of its magnificence. The unique mysticism of the city can be experienced in the Church of St. John of Nepomuk on the Green Mountain, which is steeped in many legends. Don't miss one of the most beautiful Czech villages, Holašovice, the pearl of modern architecture, Villa Tugendhat in Brno, the monumental Column of the Holy Trinity in historic Olomouc, the beautiful castle in Litomyšl, or the Třebíč Ghetto, a unique Jewish monument registered in a prestigious list outside Israel.

There's never a dull moment in the Czech Republic!

Do you prefer a more active holiday? Then the Czech Republic will be the perfect place for you. The local diverse nature is protected in national parks and protected areas. You can hike along the marked trails of the mountain ridges of Krkonoše, Šumava or Jeseníky, experience the adrenaline of rock climbing in the Adršpach Rocks, try yachting on the Lipno Reservoir, or explore the beauties of Vysokina on hundreds of kilometers of equestrian routes. A tired body and mind can rest in one of the 37 spa towns scattered throughout the country, among which the world-famous spa triangle formed by the cities of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně stands out above all.

Come for inspiration

What kind of vacation is it without great food and drinks? The exploration of historical masterpieces and unique moments spent in the Czech nature can be complemented by one of the local specialties, among which Czech beer with the reputation of the best in the world stands out above all. Enjoy the perfect holiday in a country that has inspired many personalities of the world, led by Albert Einstein, Franz Kafka and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and live your own unforgettable story here.

Travel by road

Basic rules that help maintain order on Czech roads.

As in the entire European continent, in the Czech Republic, traffic keeps to the right. Each vehicle's low beam must be on around the clock throughout the year. There is a strict prohibition on alcohol consumption; even during any police stop, every driver must undergo a breath alcohol test. If you are traveling with a child weighing less than 36 kg and under 150 cm tall, do not forget to bring a child car seat to avoid potential problems. Weather conditions in the Czech Republic can be quite changeable in winter, so from November 1 to March 31, do not take any chances and make sure your vehicle is equipped with suitable winter tires. Talking on the phone without a hands-free kit is prohibited.

Driving in a built-up area

The speed limit in a built-up area is up to 50 km/h. In large cities, you will certainly encounter trams; if one travels parallel to your route and turns left or right, always give way to it. The driver is also obliged to stop and ensure the safe crossing of pedestrians who cross the road at the designated place. However, this rule does not apply to tram drivers!

Driving outside built-up areas

The speed limit is up to 90 km/h.

Driving on highways

On highways and expressways, it is allowed to drive a vehicle at a speed of up to 130 km/h.

In case of an emergency

A traffic accident must be reported to the police whenever there are injuries or death, damage to third-party property, or material damage to one of the vehicles involved in the accident, which appears to exceed the amount of 100,000 crowns. If there is no obligation to report the accident to the police, the accident participants must jointly draw up a notice of the traffic accident - it is recommended to use the so-called European form.

In case of an accident or forced stop on highways, kilometer signs indicating the distance from the beginning of the road are placed every 500 meters. The arrows on them indicate the direction to the nearest emergency phone.

Traveling with pets

To travel to the Czech Republic with dogs, cats, and ferrets, you must have:

A pet passport, i.e., a document common to the entire EU, issued by a veterinarian.

The condition for issuing an animal's passport should be the identification of the animal - a tattoo (legible); since 2011, electronic chip marking by a veterinarian has been mandatory.

The animal must be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the legislation of the European Union, the first vaccination should be carried out after the third month of life.

Emergency service phone numbers:

Emergency call (SOS): 112
Police: 158
Fire service: 150
Ambulance: 155