Need to visit the centre of Europe? Czechia is a beautiful country with the most beautiful architecture, a rich history, and a vibrant culture, which makes it a must-visit destination for tourists, professionals, and students.
Short-stay and long-stay
The initial and most critical one is short-term and long-term stays. The regulations have changed greatly after 90 days.
Short-Stay (up to 90 days): The rules are the Schengen Area, to which Czechia is a member. This will be open to tourism, business and family visits.
Long-Stay (over 90 days): It needs a national long-term visa or residence certificate, which is conditional upon a particular reason such as work, study or family reunification.
Who is eligible
Citizens from the European Union / European Economic Area / Switzerland: You have the right of free movement. All you need is a genuine passport or national identity card.
Visa-exempt nationals: The nationals of such countries as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Furthermore, Japan, South Korea and many others can take a visa-free trip as tourists or businessmen.
What you need at the border
The passport should be a valid one with a minimum of three months before the date of your departure.
Keep in mind that you may be called to prove your purpose of travel (e.g. hotel reservation), adequate financial resources and a return or onward ticket.
The Future ETIAS certification
In 2025, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will require visa-exempt travellers to be issued with it before travelling. It is a basic web-based authorisation of security, which resembles the ESTA in the United States. It is not a visa.
Schengen C Visa short-stays (up to 90 Days)
In case your country is not listed in the visa-exemption list, you will have to seek this visa.
Who needs it
Nationals of countries which have not yet signed a visa-waiver agreement with the EU, such as India, China, South Africa, Russia, Turkey and many more.
Purpose of travel
The visa is issued for tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings, conferences and short courses (less than 3 months). It offers the opportunity to explore the entire Schengen Area.
Long-term Visa (D-type Visa)
Exempted within a period of over 90 days up to one year on special purposes such as seasonal employment, study programs or scientific research.
Long-term residence permit
This is used for more permanent residence and is normally applied once the country is already in long-term visa. Key types include:
- Employee Card: This is a work and residence permit which is combined and used for a particular job.
- Business Permit (Zivnostensky List): The self-employed people and freelancers.
- Study Residence Permit: This is used in long-term study courses or university courses.
- Family Reunification Permit: To join a spouse or family member of an EU citizen or a long-term resident.
- Such applications are complicated and will involve a lot of records, such as demonstration of intent, shelter, fiscal soundness, and health insurance.
Recommendation
Tracing visa regulations may appear to be a complicated task, but with the help of two simple questions that are answered, you can locate your path very easily.
Check your nationality
Are you an EU citizen or do you belong to a visa-free area such as the US or the UK? And yes, you will be able to spend up to 90 days in Czechia without a visa (ETIAS in 2025). Otherwise, you will have to apply for a Schengen C Visa.
Decide on the duration of your stay
Do you plan to spend over 90 days? In such a case, irrespective of your nationality (except the EU citizens). You have to apply for either a Long-Term Visa or a Residence Permit, depending on your particular purpose, such as work, study and family.
Conclusion
The policies on immigration are dynamic. The official site of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be used, and the Czech Embassy. Or the Consulate in your country of origin is the best way to verify the information, which is up to date and personalised. The successful journey to Czechia will be smooth and successful with proper preparation.
You can also view these posts:
Living in Czechia
Traveling to Czechia: Visa requirements
Frequently Asked Questions on Czechia