Do I need a visa for the Czech Republic?

Citizens of EU/EEA, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and many others are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. Other nationalities need a Schengen Type C visa from a Czech embassy.

How do I get a Czech trade license (Živnostenský list)?

EU/EEA citizens can obtain a trade license (Živnostenský list) directly from the Trade Licensing Office (Živnostenský úřad). Non-EU nationals need to first obtain a Long-term Visa or Residence Permit for Business. The trade license costs around CZK 1,000 and is issued within 5 working days.

What is the Employee Card in Czech Republic?

The Employee Card (Zaměstnanecká karta) is a combined work and residence permit for non-EU workers. Your employer must have the position listed on the Central Register of Vacancies and demonstrate the role cannot be filled by an EU/Czech national. Processing typically takes 2–3 months.

Is Prague affordable for tourists?

Prague is generally more affordable than Western European capitals. Expect to spend €40–80/day on accommodation, meals, and transport. Czech beer (pivo) is famous for its quality and low price. Budget travelers can manage on €30–50/day.

Can I extend my Schengen stay in Czech Republic?

No. The 90/180-day Schengen rule cannot be extended within the Schengen Area. To stay longer, you must apply for a long-term visa (D-Visa) before your Schengen allowance expires, or leave the Schengen Area and re-enter with a new allowance.

Czech Republic eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Key Facts — Czech Republic
Schengen Zone	Yes
Visa-free stay	90 days in any 180-day period
Schengen Visa Fee	€80 (adults), €40 (children 6–12)
Processing Time	Up to 15 calendar days
Passport Validity	At least 3 months beyond intended departure
Currency	Czech Koruna (CZK)

Introduction

The Czech Republic (Czechia) is a Central European country known for its stunning capital Prague, medieval castles, beer culture and affordable prices relative to Western Europe. Main international airports include Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) and Brno (BRQ). The Czech Republic is a Schengen member; the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy (OAMP) handles immigration.

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and many others — including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea — visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities must apply for a Schengen C visa at a Czech embassy or consulate. The Czech Republic also offers a Long-term Visa and several residence permit categories for longer stays.

Tourist & Short Stay

Visa-free travelers need: valid passport (3 months validity beyond departure), proof of sufficient funds (approx. CZK 1,500/day or €60/day), return or onward ticket, accommodation proof, and Schengen-wide travel insurance (€30,000+). From 2025, ETIAS pre-registration is required for visa-exempt non-EU/EEA nationals.

Business Visa

Short business travel uses the Schengen C visa. For longer assignments, a long-term work visa or employee card (Zaměstnanecká karta) is required — applied for by the employer at the Ministry of the Interior. The employer must first obtain permission from the Employment Office (ÚP).

Work & Long-Stay

Employee Card (Zaměstnanecká karta) — combined work and residence permit for non-EU workers; tied to a specific employer and position on the Central Register of Job Vacancies.
Blue Card (Modrá karta) — for highly qualified workers (university degree) with a job offer above 1.5× average salary.
Intracompany Transfer Card (ICT Card) — for employees transferred within a multinational group.
Freelancer/Trade License (Živnostenský list) — popular path for self-employed professionals; obtain a trade license and then apply for a long-term visa or residence permit.

Student Visa

Non-EU students staying more than 90 days need a Long-Term Visa for Study, then a Long-Term Residence Permit after 1 year. Required: university acceptance letter, proof of financial means (approx. CZK 4,100/month), health insurance, accommodation, and a clear criminal record. Apply at the Czech embassy well in advance.

Airport Transit

Most travelers can transit through Prague Airport without an ATV. Nationals of certain countries require an Airport Transit Visa. Check the list at mzv.cz.

Required Documents (Schengen C Visa)

Completed Schengen visa application form (signed)
Valid passport (2+ blank pages)
Two passport photos (35×45 mm)
Return or onward flight bookings
Accommodation proof
Travel insurance (€30,000+, Schengen-wide)
Bank statements (3 months)
Employment, student, or business documentation
Visa fee payment

Visa Fees

Category	Fee
Adult (13+ years)	€80
Child (6–12 years)	€40
Child under 6	Free
Long-term visa (D)	CZK 2,500 (~€100)

How to Apply

Check requirements at mzv.cz
Complete the Schengen application form
Book appointment at Czech consulate or authorised centre
Submit documents and biometrics; pay fee
Collect passport with visa sticker

Official Links

Who Is Visa-Exempt?

EU/EEA citizens plus nationals of USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others are visa-exempt for short stays. Full list at mzv.cz.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

Editorial Team — eVisa-Card.com

This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.

Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Czech Republic immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.