Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Violent crime is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common.

Organized groups of pickpockets often use distraction techniques and are particularly active in:

• main cities, including Prague
• public transportation hubs, including Prague main railway station (Praha hlavní nádraží)
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants, patios and outdoor cafés
• tourist attractions

Car thefts and break-ins are common, particularly in major cities.

Gangs of thieves may use jostling and swarming techniques to rob your belongings. They often target subway stations, particularly:

• Malostranská
• Můstek
• Muzeum
• Staromĕstská

They also target tram routes, such as:

• tram 22, which runs to and from Prague Castle
• the tourist trams 41, 42 and 43

Robberies also occur on overnight trains.

While in the Czech Republic:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash
• carry a photocopy or digital copy of your passport identification page, driver’s license, train or airline tickets and credit cards
• don’t leave luggage unattended at airport check-in or ticket counters, car rental desks or hotel lobbies
• don’t leave luggage or valuables in a vehicle, and always park your vehicle in secure facilities
• be cautious when travelling on public transportation and overnight trains

Reporting a crime

If you are a victim of a crime, you should go to the nearest police station to report it. In Prague, a 24-hour police station dedicated to assistance to foreign victims of crime is located at Jungmannovo náměstí 9, near the Můstek metro station.

Keep a copy of your report, as you may need to make a claim to your insurance provider.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Fraud

Scams

Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers may ask to see your foreign currency and passports. Politely decline to cooperate, but offer to go to the nearest police station.

Some bars, restaurants and nightclubs may try to charge exorbitant prices or overcharge you.

• Be cautious of unsolicited requests from strangers
• Always confirm prices before consuming
• Check your bill to make sure it’s exact
• Avoid running a tab or leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transaction on your account statements

More about overseas fraud

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Roads in rural or mountainous areas may be uneven, narrow, under construction or poorly marked.

Drivers often drive at excessive speeds.

Public transportation

Tramways

Trams have priority over all types of transport and pedestrians.

Always be alert when walking, driving or cycling near tram rails.

Trains

The Czech Republic has an extensive passenger train system. Rail accidents occur.

Taxis

In Prague, you can get a taxi at the stands. They are regulated by the city government.

To avoid being overcharged:

• avoid hailing taxis on the street
• negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter
• use only officially marked taxis, reputable taxi companies or a trusted ride-sharing app

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Czech authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Schengen area

The Czech Republic is a Schengen area country Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

• Schengen area
• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Business visa: required
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Work visa: required

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Registration

If you plan to stay in private accommodations for more than 3 days, you must register at the nearest Department of Foreign Police office within 3 working days of your arrival. Commercial accommodations will generally complete the registration on your behalf.

Make sure they do so.

Useful links

• Registration and application forms - Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic
• List of foreign police department offices - Police of the Czech Republic (in Czech)

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Eastern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Eastern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Eastern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in Eastern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Good medical care is widely available. Care providers may require upfront payment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons

Canada and the Czech Republic are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the Czech Republic to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Czech authorities. This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

Local police may ask for your identification at any time.

• Carry your passport at all times
• Keep a photocopy or a digital copy in a safe place, in case it is lost or stolen

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Useful links

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the Czech Republic.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the Czech Republic, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Czech Republic.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Czech Republic, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Czech court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Czech Republic to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

You must be at least 18 years old to drive in the Czech Republic. You must carry an international driving permit.

Headlights must be on at all times. Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to March 31.

All vehicles must have:

• a first-aid kit
• a warning triangle
• high-visibility vests, to be carried in the passenger compartment rather than in the trunk, for the driver and any passenger who leaves the vehicle in case of breakdown

An electronic vignette is required to travel on all major highways. You can buy this permit for a 10-day, 1-month or 1-year period:

• online
• at highway gas stations
• at border crossings

Failure to display this permit may result in fines. All rental vehicles are provided with valid motorway permits.

Regulations can change from one municipality to another. Always check signage and be on the lookout for zone-specific regulations.

There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Penalties are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences.

Useful links

• International Driving Permit
• Driving in the Czech Republic - European Commission
• Electronic vignette - State Fund for Transport Infrastructure

Pedestrian traffic laws

Local authorities may fine pedestrians for violations such as jaywalking, crossing the street on a red light, or crossing the roadway at a non-designated location, particularly in Prague’s city centre.

Trams have the right of way over pedestrians, including at pedestrian crossings.

Public transportation

Before using public transportation, you must validate your ticket by using machines located on board or in the station.

You will receive a fine requiring immediate payment if an inspector carries out an inspection and:

• you don’t have a ticket
• your ticket has not been validated
• your ticket has expired

Money

The currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK).

Non-official currency exchange is illegal. Plus, you are at risk of receiving counterfeit bills.

• Never exchange money with vendors on the street
• Use official exchange offices or banks only

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Natural disasters and climate

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains, particularly during spring and summer, can cause flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Exercise caution, particularly in areas around major rivers
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Flood forecasting service - Czech Hydrometeorological Institute

Tornadoes

Although rare, tornadoes may occur during summer. In June 2021, a powerful tornado caused widespread damage in South Moravia.

Wildfires

Forest fires may occur. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a significant fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
• follow the advice of local authorities