The Czech Republic Visa Application and Requirements
Last Updated : Sep 4, 2023
Atlys in the news
Ever heard of Prague? Probably one of the best cities in the Czech Republic. Before the pandemic, millions of visitors flocked to this great city to experience its rich culture, art, and history.
Even if you don't plan to visit Prague (which I highly recommend), the Czech Republic offers other unique destinations such as Lednice and Valtice, Telč, and Harrachov, just to name a few.
It's safe to say the Czech Republic will leave you wanting more.
Now for your next question:
"How do I get there!"
Well, to visit the Czech Republic, you need a Schengen Visa, more commonly known as the Czech Republic Tourist Visa.
Luckily, I just returned from my trip to the Czech Republic and will discuss everything you need to know to enter the country.
Let's start:
How To Get Your Czech Republic Visa Right Now
Who Needs To Apply For The Czech Republic Visa?
The Czech Republic Visa - What You Need To Know
What Are The Required Documents For The Czech Republic Schengen Visa?
How To Apply For The Czech Republic Schengen Visa?
How To Get Your Czech Republic Visa Right Now
I've spent countless hours applying for visas, and sadly, the process is just as tedious as the first. Personally, applying for a visa takes all the fun out of planning an exciting trip.
"So, how do I apply for my Visa right now - without the stress?"
Introducing Atlys, my go-to travel companion!
With Atlys, you can apply for your next Tourist Visa within minutes. All you need to do is enter your travel dates, scan your passport, and enter your personal details. Afterward, Atlys does the rest. Everything from proof of accommodation to appointments, Atlys has you covered.
Don't believe me? Try for yourself.
Who Needs To Apply For The Czech Republic Visa?
The first question you need to ask yourself:
"Do I need a visa to travel to the Czech Republic?"
You might learn that you don't actually need a visa. The best way to find out is through Atlys. Otherwise, I'll quickly help you determine if you need one.
US passport holders and citizens
US citizens don't need a visa when traveling to the Czech Republic (for 90 days). Instead, you enjoy something called visa-free travel to the country. Basically, all this means is that you can travel to the Republic without applying for a Schengen/Tourist Visa. You can read this guide that explains what US citizens need when traveling to the Schengen Area visa-free.
US Green Card holders (like myself) may need to apply for a visa to visit the Czech Republic. But, this is not always the case. It all depends on your country of origin. For example, if your home country enjoys visa-free travel to the Republic, you don't need to apply for a visa. But, on the other hand, if you don't enjoy such benefits, you must apply for a Schengen/Tourist Visa to visit the Czech Republic.
Citizens from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and the Schengen Area.
If you fall under this category, you don't need to apply for any type of visa to travel to the Schengen Area (including the Czech Republic).
Third-country nationals
A third-country national is defined as someone who lives in a country outside the EU. If your country doesn't enjoy any visa-free travel, you must apply for a Schengen Visa to visit the Republic.
Quick tip: Check here to see if your country falls under the visa-free regime.
The Czech Republic Visa - What You Need To Know
If you've never applied for a Schengen Visa, you probably have a few questions. I know I had. Anyway, I'll quickly answer the most frequent questions travelers have.
If this isn't your first rodeo, feel free to fast forward to the required documents and application process.
What Is The Czech Republic Schengen Visa?
Where Do I Apply For The Czech Republic Schengen Visa?
How Much Are The Czech Republic Schengen Visa Fees?
What Are The Minimum Financial Requirements For The Czech Republic Schengen Visa?
What Is The Czech Republic Schengen Visa Processing Time?
What Is The Czech Republic Schengen Visa?
Before starting your application, you first need to understand what you're actually applying for.
The Czech Republic Schengen Visa is a travel authorization/document that allows you entry into the country for tourism or short business trips. Without one, you won't be able to travel to the Czech Republic. Unless, of course, you enjoy visa-free travel.
With your Czech Republic Tourist Visa, you'll be able to visit the country for a maximum of 90 days within every 180 days.
I bet you didn't know this:
Once you've received your Schengen Visa, you're allowed to travel to any of the beautiful countries within the Schengen Area.
"What Schengen Countries Can I Travel To?"
You can travel to any one of the following European Countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Quick note: If you plan to visit the other Schengen States, you need to indicate where you plan to travel and the purpose thereof within your Schengen application.
Where Do I Apply For The Czech Republic Schengen Visa?
When applying for your Czech Republic Visa, you have 3 options:
Apply through Atlys from the comfort of your couch.
Apply at your local Czech Republic Embassy or Consulate.
Apply at an authorized Visa Application Centre.
Before you continue:
Unfortunately, not all countries have a Czech Republic Embassy or Consulate. If this is the case, you'll need to apply at a Visa Application Centre responsible for issuing a Czech Republic Schengen Visa in your state.
Sometimes, there might not be an Application Center or Embassy in your country. Suppose you don't have a Czech Republic representative in your country. In that case, you'll need to apply to another Schengen State that represents the Czech Republic.
How Much Are The Czech Republic Schengen Visa Fees?
When applying for the Czech Republic Schengen Visa, you'll need to pay a standard fee of $89 (USD). Furthermore, children under the age of 6 do not need to pay any visa fees.
What Are The Minimum Financial Requirements For The Czech Republic Schengen Visa?
When visiting the Czech Republic, you'll need to prove you can support yourself financially for your entire stay. The amounts are as follow:
According to the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the minimum amount required for a Czech short-term visa (Schengen Visa) is 1,100 CZK/day, equivalent to €42,50/day.
If you plan to stay longer than 30 calendar days, you must present a total of 33,000 CZK or €1,274. Furthermore, you must show an additional 4,400 CZK equivalent to €170 by the end of each month of stay.
What Is The Czech Republic Schengen Visa Processing Time?
The average visa processing time for a Czech Republic Schengen Visa is around 15 business days. However, I've learned that it's always better to apply for your visa at least a month before traveling. Applying early leaves enough time should any unforeseen events occur.
For example, sometimes, authorities request additional documents. This can extend the visa processing time to 30 days. Therefore it's best to apply asap!
What Are The Required Documents For The Czech Republic Schengen Visa?
Like all visa applications, you'll need to submit a list of documents alongside your visa application form.
Unfortunately, this is where things get frustrating.
Luckily, Atlys can help you get everything you need! However, if you plan to apply the traditional way, you may need to read this guide which gives a detailed explanation of each required document.
When applying for a Czech Republic Schengen Visa, you must provide the following documents:
A valid passport or official travel document and copies thereof. It must be valid for 3 months after your trip.
A return flight ticket (use Atlys's handy tool to get it for free).
Proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic (use Atlys's handy tool to get it for free)
Proof of sufficient funds
A cover letter that outlines the purpose of your trip (a complete itinerary, accommodation, etc.)
An employment letter stating continued employment and includes your income statements. If you're self-employed, you'll need to provide your business license and a tax certificate.
Travel/medical insurance that covers a minimum of €30,000 for the duration of your trip.
COVID-19 Entry Requirements
Because covid requirements change without notice, I won't be able to give you the exact requirements. Nevertheless, you can check the latest entry requirements on Atlys or the government's official website).
Basic requirements include:
A completed Passenger Locator Form (PLF)
A vaccination certificate against COVID-19
A COVID-19 recovery certificate
A negative COVID-19 test result (PCR test)
Again, these entry requirements can change at any moment. Be sure to check the requirements consistently just in case anything changes.
How To Apply For The Czech Republic Schengen Visa?
"So, how do I apply for my Czech Republic Schengen Visa?"
It's simple, really. Just follow these 6 steps:
1 - Gather All The Required Documents
2 - Fill Out Your Application Form
3 - Schedule A Schengen Visa Appointment At The Embassy or Consulate
4 - Attend Your Visa Appointment
5 - Wait For Your Visa To Be Processed
6 - Get Your New Czech Republic Schengen Visa
Quick note: I highly recommend checking this quick guide on the application mistakes you should avoid when applying for a Schengen Visa.
1 - Gather All The Required Documents
Gathering all the required documents can take some time. Therefore, I recommend doing this first. This leaves you enough time to get everything ready before submitting your application.
Also, it's best to create a checklist while collecting your documents. This allows you to track what you have and what you still need to get.
Quick tip: Make copies! Should you lose something, you have a backup copy. Also, store your documents in a flip file and put them somewhere safe.
2 - Fill Out Your Application Form
This is pretty self-explanatory. However, did you know that most visa applications get denied due to an incorrect or incomplete application form? Therefore, it's important to double-check the information you provide. Always use your passport as a reference (where possible).
3 - Schedule A Schengen Visa Appointment At The Embassy or Consulate
Part of the Schengen Visa application is the visa appointment. This is where you'll submit your required documents and attend an in-person interview with an Embassy/Consular staff member.
You can schedule your appointment in a few different ways:
Use Atlys's appointment tool found on the top of this post
Contact the Embassy via email or phone call
Go to the Embassy directly to schedule your appointment
One thing you need to know:
You might not be able to get an appointment that suits your schedule. In most cases, you'll need to settle for a later date than you planned. Nonetheless, you may be lucky and get an appointment date you actually want.
4 - Attend Your Visa Appointment
Ok, so you've scheduled your appointment. Now you need to attend it. As I mentioned, you'll need to submit your required documents and attend an in-person interview.
If you're stressed, don't be. It's just standard protocol and not an interrogation.
Be sure to answer all questions as truthfully and honestly as possible. Remember, you can always use your supporting documents when answering questions.
For example, if the interviewer asks:
"Do you plan to return to your home country after your trip?"
You can say yes, and show your return flight ticket.
If you're still a bit nervous,learn how to ace your interview here.
After completing your interview, authorities will collect your biometric information. This is not required if you've been to the Schengen Area in the past 59 months.
Quick note: Your biometric information consists of your digital photograph and fingerprints.
5 - Wait For Your Visa To Be Processed
After you've attended your interview and submitted your required documents, all you need to do is wait for your visa to be processed. This usually takes around 15 business days. In rare cases, it can take up to 30 days. A few reasons for a delayed processing time include:
A sudden demand in visa applications
Visa policy changes
An incorrect application
Missing documents
For this reason, I recommend starting your visa application at least 1 month before your intended trip.
6 - Get Your New Czech Republic Schengen Visa
Once you receive approval (I'm confident that you will), you need to travel back to the Embassy to get your passport.
"But what about my visa?"
Your new Czech Republic Schengen/Tourist Visa will be attached to your passport. So now all you need to do is...
Celebrate!
Congratulations, you've successfully applied for your Czech Republic Schengen Visa! The neat part about the Schengen Visa is that the application mostly stays the same when visiting the other Schengen Member States. So, next time you visit the Schengen Area, the visa application process will be easy peasy!
With that said, if you've read through this entire guide, you're well equipped to successfully apply for your Czech Republic Visa.
Now it's time to relax, pack your bags, and get excited about your next unforgettable trip to the Czech Republic.
If you've got any more questions, feel free to take a look at our FAQ section, which provides some valuable information
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You're not allowed to work in a country with a Schengen Visa. Instead, you'll need to apply for a National Visa (long-term visa) that allows such purposes.
Suppose your trip includes other purposes such as study, residency, etc. In that case, you'll need to apply for a visa that allows such purposes (Student Visa, Work Visa, and so on.)