Brno Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
The Czech Republic, as a Schengen Area member, follows unified visa policies for short-term stays. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay.
Citizens of these countries can enter the Czech Republic without a visa for tourism, business, or family visits
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure date from Schengen Area. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just the Czech Republic. Visitors cannot work on visa-free entry.
Starting in 2025, visa-exempt nationals will need pre-travel authorization
Cost: €7 (approximately $7-8 USD). Free for applicants under 18 or over 70.
ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization. Implementation expected in 2025 - check official EU sources for exact launch date. Does not guarantee entry; final decision at border control.
Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a Schengen visa before travel
Cost: €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply at visa centers.
Required documents include valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of accommodation, flight reservations, proof of financial means, and cover letter explaining purpose of visit. Biometric data (fingerprints) required for most applicants.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in the Czech Republic, all travelers must pass through immigration control. If arriving from another Schengen country by land, there are typically no border checks, but you should still carry your passport. For arrivals from non-Schengen countries or by air, follow these steps:
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Czech customs regulations align with European Union standards. When entering from non-EU countries, you must pass through customs control. If arriving from another EU country, there are generally no customs checks, but limits still apply for excise goods. The Czech Republic uses a red and green channel system at airports.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - All recreational drugs are strictly prohibited with severe penalties including imprisonment
- Weapons and ammunition - Without proper permits and declarations. Includes firearms, tasers, pepper spray, and certain knives
- Counterfeit goods - Fake designer items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency are illegal and will be confiscated
- Endangered species products - Items made from protected animals or plants under CITES regulations (ivory, certain furs, exotic leather, etc.)
- Meat and dairy products - From non-EU countries (with limited exceptions). This includes sausages, cheese, and even sandwiches containing these items
- Certain plants and plant products - Fresh fruits, vegetables, and soil from non-EU countries due to agricultural disease concerns
- Offensive materials - Items depicting child exploitation or extreme violence
- Hazardous materials - Explosives, flammable substances, and certain chemicals without proper authorization
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - Carry only what's needed for your trip with proper documentation. Controlled substances require special permits
- Drones and radio-controlled devices - May require registration and permits for operation. Check Czech aviation authority regulations
- Professional equipment - Large amounts of professional camera/video equipment may need ATA Carnet to avoid import duties
- Alcohol and tobacco above duty-free limits - Will be subject to excise duties and VAT. Must be declared
- Cultural artifacts and antiques - May require export permits if taking items out of the country. Strict rules apply to items of cultural significance
- Pets and animals - Require health certificates, rabies vaccination records, and microchipping. EU Pet Passport for EU residents
- Large amounts of cash - While legal if declared, amounts over €10,000 must be reported and may be questioned regarding source
- Food products - Honey, eggs, and certain processed foods from non-EU countries have restrictions. Check current regulations
Health Requirements
The Czech Republic maintains high health and safety standards. Currently, there are minimal mandatory health requirements for most travelers, but it's essential to check for any temporary measures that may be in place.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate required if traveling from affected areas in Africa or South America
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date with standard vaccines including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and polio
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers, especially if eating at local restaurants or visiting rural areas
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
- Tick-borne Encephalitis - Recommended if planning outdoor activities in forested areas, particularly from April to October. The disease is present in Czech Republic
- Rabies - Consider if planning extended outdoor activities or working with animals, though risk is low in urban areas
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory for visa applicants and strongly recommended for all travelers. The Czech Republic has good healthcare facilities, but costs can be high for non-EU citizens without insurance. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides access to state healthcare at reduced cost or free, though private insurance is still recommended for comprehensive coverage including repatriation.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (family passports are no longer accepted for Schengen travel). Minors (under 18) traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s) in English or Czech, stating permission for the child to travel. This letter should include contact information for the parent(s), travel dates, and destination. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults, though some fees may be reduced or waived.
Pets entering the Czech Republic from EU countries must have an EU Pet Passport. From non-EU countries, pets need: microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel, but not expired), animal health certificate (issued by official veterinarian within 10 days of travel), and blood titer test for rabies antibodies (for some countries). Dogs, cats, and ferrets are most common. Maximum of 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Certain breeds of dogs may face restrictions. Pets must enter through designated points of entry. Service animals have specific provisions but still require health documentation. Check with Czech State Veterinary Administration (www.svscr.cz) for current requirements.
To stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area, you must apply for a long-term visa or residence permit before the 90-day period expires. Options include: student visa (with acceptance from Czech educational institution), work visa (with job offer and work permit), business visa (for entrepreneurs or investors), family reunification visa (with Czech resident family member), or long-term residence for other purposes. Applications must be submitted at a Czech embassy/consulate in your home country before travel. Processing can take 60-90 days. Once in Czech Republic on a long-term visa, you must register with the Foreign Police within 3 days of arrival and apply for a residence permit. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have different rules and can stay indefinitely but must register if staying over 30 days.
As of 2024, the Czech Republic does not have a specific digital nomad visa, though legislation is being discussed. If working remotely for a non-Czech employer while visiting on a tourist visa/ETIAS, you're in a legal gray area. Technically, tourist visas prohibit work, even remote work. For stays over 90 days while working remotely, you need either: a long-term visa for business (if self-employed), a zivnostensky list (trade license) with corresponding visa, or employment visa if hired by a Czech company. Many digital nomads use the 90/180 Schengen rule, spending 90 days in Czech Republic then leaving Schengen for 90 days. However, this can be questioned by immigration if it appears you're establishing residency. Consult with an immigration lawyer for compliant long-term arrangements.
Business visitors on short-term trips (under 90 days) can generally enter on tourist visa/visa-free entry if not receiving payment from Czech sources and not performing hands-on work. Carry invitation letter from Czech business partner, conference registration, or other documentation proving business purpose. If you will be paid by a Czech entity or performing actual work (not just meetings), you need a work permit and appropriate visa, even for short stays. Business visa applications require additional documentation including business registration, tax records, and detailed purpose of visit. EU/EEA citizens can work freely without permits. For extended business stays, consider long-term business visa or entrepreneur residence permit.
Students planning to study in Brno for more than 90 days must obtain a long-term student visa before arrival. Requirements include: acceptance letter from recognized Czech educational institution, proof of accommodation in Czech Republic, proof of financial means (approximately CZK 100,000 per year or sponsorship letter), comprehensive health insurance, clean criminal record certificate, and completed visa application. Apply at Czech embassy/consulate in home country at least 90-120 days before intended travel as processing is lengthy. Upon arrival, register with Foreign Police within 3 days and apply for student residence permit. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time with student residence permit. EU/EEA students have simplified procedures.
Visitors coming to Czech Republic for medical treatment should carry: letter from Czech medical facility confirming appointment and treatment plan, proof of payment or insurance covering the procedure, sufficient funds for stay and treatment, and return ticket after recovery period. If staying over 90 days for treatment, apply for long-term visa for medical treatment. Carry all current medical records and prescriptions translated into English or Czech. Ensure your travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions if applicable. Some medical facilities in Brno cater to international patients and can assist with documentation. Note that medical visa doesn't automatically allow family members to accompany you - they need their own valid authorization.