Czech Republic

Overall: Exercise normal safety precautions

Latest update

Still current at:11 July 2026
Updated:14 April 2026
Latest update:Depending on why you're travelling and how long you plan to stay, you may require a visa for travel to the Schengen area. Check the European Entry and Exit (EES) and visa rules before you travel. If you're a dual national of a European country, check whether the EES applies to you and what passport you should enter on. There may be delays at border crossings (see ‘Travel’).

There's currently a Hepatitis A outbreak in the Czech Republic, including in Prague. Practice good hygiene and make sure your vaccinations are up to date (see 'Health').

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in the Czech Republic.

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

Advice levels

What does this mean?

Exercise normal safety precautions

Exercise normal safety precautions in the Czech Republic.

Overview

Safety

  • Petty crime is common, including passport theft. Be wary of strangers who offer help or ask to see your passport. Only use ATMs in secure places, such as banks, shops and shopping centres. Never leave your belongings unattended in public places or on transportation.
  • Drink spiking can happen. Keep an eye on your food and drink. Stay with people you trust in bars and nightclubs.
  • Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Terrorism is a threat worldwide. ​Be alert, especially in places known to be possible targets.

Full travel advice: Safety

Health

  • There's currently a Hepatitis A outbreak in the Czech Republic, including in Prague. Practice good hygiene and make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
  • The standard of medical facilities in Australia is similar. However, even in an emergency, you may need to pay for healthcare upfront.

Full travel advice: Health

Local laws

  • You may be arrested or fined for drunken or offensive behaviour. Police may take you to ‘sober-up’ facilities for a temporary period, and you will have to pay for your stay. These facilities are intended to protect individuals who are heavily intoxicated and considered vulnerable.
  • Penalties for drug offences are severe and may include long prison sentences.
  • It's illegal to photograph some buildings, including indoor shopping centres. If in doubt, ask local authorities before you take a photo.

Full travel advice: Local laws

Travel

  • Czech Republic is a part of the Schengen area which means you can enter Czech Republic without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you'll need a visa.
  • If you’re travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay (90 days or less) using an Australian passport, you’ll be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. You don’t need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. There may be delays at border crossings.
  • Depending on why you're travelling and how long you plan to stay, you may require a visa for travel to the Schengen area. Check the EES and visa rules before you travel. If you're a dual national of a European country, check whether the EES applies to you and what passport you should enter on.
  • Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic for more details.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Safety

Crime

Pickpocketing is common. It happens on the road to Prague Castle, at tourist sites and on public transport.

Passport and car theft is also common, particularly during the summer, from June to August.

Travellers have been robbed in nightclubs, bars and restaurants. This includes fast-food shops in the centre of Prague.

Be careful of strangers who offer help. Travellers have had bags stolen at Prague's main railway station. Do not leave your bags unattended while on public transport. 

Travellers have been robbed or assaulted after drinking a spiked drink.

Only use ATMs in secure places, such as banks, shops and shopping centres.

Always carry ID, for example, a copy of your Australian passport.

To stay safe in the Czech Republic:

  • keep an eye on your food and drink - never accept them from strangers
  • stay with people you trust in bars and nightclubs
  • be wary of strangers who offer to help you
  • keep your bags, wallets and passports safe

Report any thefts in person to the Czech police within 24 hours and get a police report crime number. Prague police station (Jungmannovo namesti 9, Prague 1, nearest metro stop is Mustek) is open 24 hours and has English translators. You can also get a police report from the police station at the airport.

Every lamppost in Prague has a 6-digit number posted at eye level. These codes will help you tell the police where you are if you can't give an exact address.

Scams and fraud

Criminals using fake police ID may ask to check the authenticity of your foreign currency and passport. These criminals often operate near ATMs. However real police officers can ask for ID at any time.

If you think you're dealing with a criminal posing as a police officer, either:

  • offer to go with them to the nearest police station
  • call the police on 112 to confirm their identity

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert, don’t leave your food or drinks alone. Watch when your drink is being mixed. If you feel unwell, tell your friends immediately and get to a safe place. Keep an eye on your friends - if they feel unwell, stay with them. Get medical help if needed.

Methanol poisoning

People have died or become very sick from poisoned drinks overseas. This includes Australians. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol production. Only drink branded, sealed drinks. Get urgent medical help if you think you’ve been poisoned.

More information:

Cyber security 

You could face cyber threats in any country, anyone is a target. Your devices and data can be stolen, especially when using public Wi-Fi, computers, or Bluetooth. Criminals can use stolen information to conduct scams or to resell your personal information.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre has advice on how to protect yourself online.

Social media can also be risky in places with social or political tensions or strict laws. People have been arrested for what they posted online. Check the laws of the destination you’re travelling to and think about what you post on social media. The Australian Government can’t get you out of trouble if you’re accused of breaking the law.

More information:  

Civil unrest and political tension

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

  • monitor local media and other sources
  • avoid crowds, protests and demonstrations
  • follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in the Czech Republic, they can still happen.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

Extreme weather and natural disasters

​If there's flooding or severe weather:

  • ​​​​follow the advice of local authorities
  • monitor the media and other local sources

Other natural disasters are rare but could happen.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Health

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave and closely read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for what is and isn’t covered.

It must cover all medical costs overseas, including evacuation. The Australian Government will not pay for these costs.

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you shouldn’t travel. This is true for everyone, even if you are healthy and fit.

If you don’t have insurance, you might have to pay thousands of dollars up front for medical care.

Before you travel, check your policy, make sure:

  • you know what activities and medical care your insurance covers, including evacuations
  • your insurance covers you for your whole trip, including any stopovers
  • you know any exclusions – for example, you might need to pay extra for activities like motorcycling, snow sports, scuba diving or bungee jumping.

More information:

Physical and mental health

Travelling overseas can be stressful and uncertain. You may experience unfamiliar environments, travel disruptions, changes in normal routines and limited access to health care. 

Not taking your prescribed medications is a common cause of mental ill-health for Australians overseas.

If you are concerned about your welfare, or someone else's, contact your nearest Australian embassy, high commission, or consulate. You can also call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Mental health resources:

More information:

Medications

Not all medications available in Australia are accessible in other countries. Some medicines may be illegal, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Ensure your medication is legal overseas. Take enough for your whole trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

  • medication names
  • your required dosage
  • that the medications are for your personal use.

More information:

Health risks

Hepatitis

There's currently a Hepatitis A outbreak in the Czech Republic, including many cases in Prague.

To reduce your risk of illness:

  • practice good hygiene
  • avoid contaminated food or water
  • make sure your vaccinations are up to date

More information:

Tick-borne encephalitis

Ticks are common in country areas. They're generally active from March to November.

If you're in forest or country areas, you're at risk of tick-borne diseases, such as tick-borne encephalitis.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

Medical care

There’s no agreement between Australia and the Czech Republic for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical facilities are of Western standards. The quality of care in the Czech Republic is generally good, with private facilities usually being of a higher standard than public ones.

Healthcare providers often request payment in advance for services, including emergency care.

Local laws

Local law

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and may include long jail terms

More information:

Drunken and offensive behaviour

You may be arrested or fined for drunken or offensive behaviour. 

Police may take you to ‘sober-up’ facilities for a temporary period, and you will have to pay for your stay. These facilities are intended to protect individuals who are heavily intoxicated and considered vulnerable.

Surrogacy 

It is a criminal offence in the Czech Republic to place a child into the hands of another for profit or gain. Seek independent legal advice. 

The Australian Embassy can't provide:

  • legal advice about surrogacy
  • information on clinics

More information:

Other laws

It's illegal to photograph some buildings, including indoor shopping centres.

These buildings usually have signs banning photos.

If in doubt, ask local authorities before you take a photo.

Australian laws

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

Dual nationality

The Czech Republic recognises dual nationals.

More information:

Travel

Visas and border measures

Each country or territory decides its own entry and exit rules, including health border screening measures. To find out what you need to enter a destination, ask their embassy, consulate or immigration office. 

Visitor visas

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.

The Czech Republic is a part of the Schengen Area, along with many other European countries. This may allow you to enter the Czech Republic without a visa in some situations, such as short tourism stays.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

See the Ministry of the Interior Immigration Portal for information on entering and staying in the Czech Republic. 

Border measures

Since September 2024, Germany and Austria have temporarily put in place border checks on their land borders, including with the Czech Republic.

More information:

European Entry and Exit Systems

The European Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EES has started registering all non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen area.

When you arrive in a country in the Schengen area for a short stay (90 days or less) using an Australian passport, you'll need to:

  • have your fingerprints and photo taken
  • answer Schengen Border Code questions.

This will create a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen Area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide your fingerprint and/or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

The EES is free. You don't need to do anything before arriving at the border. Be alert to fraudulent websites that say you need to register or pay a fee before you travel to the EU. Only use official EU systems to provide your data.

If you're a dual national of a European country, check whether the EES applies to you and what passport you should enter on. 

This process may cause extended delays at border crossings.

  • Arrive well before your flight departure time.
  • Allow for delays when planning transits and onward travel.

Schengen Area trip duration rules still apply.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

The ETIAS is separate from EES.

ETIAS is due to be implemented towards the end of 2026. Once implemented, travellers visiting any of the 30 participating European countries visa-free will need to get an ETIAS travel authorisation prior to travel.

Applications are not yet open. Be cautious of fraudulent websites claiming to sell ETIAS authorisations. Apply only through the official EU website once the system is launched. Stay subscribed to Smartraveller to hear updates.

ETIAS and dual citizenship

Dual citizens of participating European countries or Ireland will not be eligible for an ETIAS travel authorisation.

If you're a dual citizen of Australia and an ETIAS country, once the system is implemented you won't be able to enter any participating countries using your Australian passport. You'll have to enter using the passport from your other country of citizenship.

Passport application wait times in some countries can be very long. Apply soon if you:

  • don't have a passport from your other country of citizenship
  • have an expired passport and need to have it renewed.

If you're unsure if you're a citizen of a participating country, contact the country's embassy or consulate in Australia. You may be denied entry to your destination if you travel on your Australian passport without checking your citizenship.

Trip duration limits

Australians can travel to the Schengen area for short trips without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You must ensure your total stay in the Schengen area does not exceed this limit.

The EES makes it easier for local authorities to see if you have overstayed. Immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit apply, and vary depending on the country you're in.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements.

More information:

Other formalities

Children travelling alone must have a letter of consent from a parent. If a child is travelling with one of their parents, a letter of consent isn't needed.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic for more information.

Registering accommodation

If you're staying in private accommodation for more than 3 days, you must register with the local Foreigner's Police Branch. If you don't register, you could be fined.

To register, take your: 

Check if registration is part of the check-in process at your paid accommodation.

Passport

Validity

Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months before entering or departing. This includes for transit.

If your passport expires too soon, you might not be able to travel.

The Australian Government doesn’t make these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you go. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to get a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is valuable and can be used by others to commit crimes. 

Don’t let anyone trick you into giving it to them. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government: 

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender. If your passport has an 'X' in the sex field, we can’t guarantee your entry or transit to other countries. Ask the embassy or consulate of your destinations if they’ll accept your passport with an 'X' gender marker. Check all transit destinations too.

More information:

Money

The currency of the Czech Republic is the Koruna (CZK). Payments by card are common and accepted in most places.

Change money at official marked exchange offices such as banks and exchange bureaus.

Declare any foreign currency valued at 10,000 euros or more if you're travelling between the Czech Republic and any non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare, or if you give wrong information, authorities will fine you.

You should check with local authorities in the countries you are leaving, entering or passing through whether you must declare higher amounts of currency.

Local travel

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen Area.

To stay up to date on border conditions:

  • check local media
  • ask transport providers

Driving permit

You need to be at least 18 years old to drive.

To drive, you'll need either:

  • a local or EU driver's licence
  • an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Check if your licence is valid with the Ministry of Transportation (Czech).

Road travel

Speed is the main cause of road accidents and road deaths.

Roads in rural areas may be poorly maintained.

Always keep car headlights on.

You need a motorway sticker (vignette) for your car to travel on major highways. You can buy the sticker at petrol stations.

More information:

Motorcycles

Always wear a helmet.

Only use a motorbike if you have a motorcycle licence.

Check with your travel insurer to see if your policy covers motorcycles.

Taxis

Some taxi drivers refuse to use taxi meters and can overcharge.

Don't hail taxis on the street.

Use a Fair Place Taxi stand or call for an official taxi. Confirm with the driver that the taxi meter is running.

Public transport

Keep your ticket until the end of your journey. Show it to the inspector if asked.

More information:

Rail travel

You must buy a ticket that is valid for your whole journey. Tickets can be purchased online or at the stations. If you board without a ticket, you may be fined.

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.

Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.

Airlines and airports can restrict what you can take in your luggage. Regulations may be different to those in Australia. Check with your airline before you travel.

Check the Czech Republic's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Local contacts

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider
  • employer
  • airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Emergency operators will often speak English and other languages.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia has an Honorary Consulate in the Czech Republic headed by an Honorary Consul. The consulate provides consular and limited passport services by appointment.

The consulate cannot issue emergency passports. If you lose your passport in the Czech Republic, contact the Consulate in Prague to discuss your options.

Australian Honorary Consulate, Prague

Klimentska 10
110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic

Phone: +420 221 729 260
Website: https://www.austrade.gov.au/cs/consulate-en
Email: prague@austrade.gov.au

Australian Embassy, Warsaw, Poland

Rondo ONZ 1
8th floor
00-124 Warsaw, Poland

Phone: +48 22 521 3443
Website: poland.embassy.gov.au
Email: ambasada.australia@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Poland, Czech Republic and Lithuania 
X: @AusAmbPoland
Instagram: ausembpoland

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

  • +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
  • 1300 555 135 in Australia
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