Visa for the Czech Republic: visa types, entry requirements & how to submit your visa application

Updated on: 19/08/2026

Located in Central Europe, the Czech Republic (Czechia) attracts millions of international visitors each year with its historic cities, cultural heritage and landscapes. Whether you are planning a short trip to Prague or a longer stay in the country, you may need a Czech Republic visa depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit and how long you intend to stay.

For short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, travelers who are not covered by a visa waiver may need a Czech Republic Schengen visa. Longer stays for purposes such as work, study or family reunification may require a long-term visa or residence permit.
This guide explains the main visa types, requirements and application process.

• 🛂 Do I need a visa to enter the Czech Republic?
• 📋 What are the requirements for a Czech Republic visa?
• 📍 Where, when, and how should I apply for a Czech visa?
• 🔄 What about ETIAS and EES?
• ⭐ How else can AXA help?
• ❓ FAQ about Czech Republic visas

Do I need a visa to enter the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic has been part of the Schengen Area countries since 2007. As a result, Czechia applies the common Schengen visa policy for short stays: nationals of countries subject to the EU visa requirement generally need a Schengen visa before travelling, while eligible visa-exempt travellers can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Which travelers are required to apply for a visa for Czechia?

As a general rule, nationals of countries subject to the EU visa requirement must obtain a Czech Republic Schengen visa before traveling to Czechia for a short stay.

For example, you will generally need a Czech Republic Schengen visa if you are a national of a country subject to the EU visa requirement. This applies to citizens of over a hundred countries worldwide, including China, India and Russia.

PRO-TIPS: The European Commission provides a list of countries that are exempt from and those that do need a visa, and AXA can also clarify who needs a Schengen visa for the Czech Republic.

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Czechia (for stays of less than 90 days)?

Nationals of countries covered by the EU's visa-free regime or a visa waiver agreement may travel to Czechia without a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

You don't need a Schengen visa for the Czech Republic, on the other hand, only if you are:

• An EU citizen or national of the Schengen area;
• A citizen of one of the non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU . This generally includes citizens of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S., and roughly 50 more nations.

If you qualify for visa-free travel, you may stay in Czechia and the wider Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Visa-free travelers must still meet the applicable Schengen entry and travel requirements. Your passport must generally have been issued within the previous 10 years and remain valid for at least three months after your intended departure from the Schengen Area.

*PRO-TIP: AXA can also clarify the difference between the EU and Schengen countries.

What are the different Czech Republic visa types?

The main Czech Republic visa types are short-stay Schengen visas (Type C) and long-term visas (Type D). Certain travelers may also need an airport transit visa (Type A) when transiting through the international area of a Czech airport, including Prague Airport, without entering the Schengen Area. This type of visa only allows travelers to remain in the airport’s international transit zone: it does not allow entry into the Czech Republic or travel within the Schengen Area. Whether you need an airport transit visa depends mainly on your nationality and any applicable exemptions.

The most common is the short-stay Schengen visa (Type C), which allows eligible travelers to stay in Czechia and travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

A Czech long-term visa (Type D visa) is intended for stays of more than 90 days and may be issued for a maximum period of one year. Different procedures apply depending on the purpose of the stay, such as study, business, family reunification, sports or cultural activities. For certain longer stays, a residence permit may be required instead.
PRO-TIP: But AXA can help you understand which type of Schengen visa suits your travel needs, as well as the Schengen visa fees that may apply.

What are the requirements for a Czech Republic visa?

No matter which visa you choose, AXA has also compiled an extensive (yet easy-to-follow) guide on all the requirements for a Schengen visa.* Of course, the specific paperwork you need will depend on a number of factors.
Generally speaking, you will need to provide the following supporting documents:

• A valid travel document, such as your passport, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area;
• A Schengen visa application form (duly completed and signed).
• Two recent passport photos;
• Your itinerary
• Schengen travel insurance (NOTE: Travel insurance is mandatory, and must meet several criteria; fortunately, AXA’s does!)
• Proof of sufficient funds for covering living expenses* (if applicable)
• Proof of the purpose of the trip (i.e., letter of invitation, if applicable)
• Your residence permit and/or resident card (if applicable)
• Proof of accommodation (if applicable). If your trip includes a stay in Prague, the Czech capital, your accommodation booking should be consistent with the dates and itinerary stated in your application, as should the documentation for any other stops during your trip.
• Proof of socio-economic and professional stability (if applicable)
• For minors: certified parental or guardian authorization
• For long-term residence permit applications, additional documents proving the purpose of your stay (employment contract, university enrollment, or family reunification ties) are required.

You plan to work in the Czech Republic? You might also need:

• A schedule of your stay with your business contacts and/or a signed letter of invitation from a Czech company (if applicable)
• Other documentation linked to your business operations (if applicable)

*IMPORTANT PRO-TIP: While AXA always makes sure to bring you the most up-to-date and accurate info regarding any and all Schengen Visa requirements, it’s always best to double-check with other proper official sources for the latest visa information. In this case, these would be the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the European Commission’s official visa website.

Where, when, and how should I apply for a Czech visa?

Once all your paperwork and travel plans are good to go : double-check everything, give yourself plenty of time, breathe, and then follow these simple steps:

Where to apply?

You should generally submit your Schengen visa application to the Czech embassy or consulate responsible for your place of legal residence, or through an authorized visa application center where applicable.

PRO-TIPS: Fortunately, the official Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs website can help you locate your nearest Czech mission in no time.

Additionally, the Czech government also works with VFS Global for visa applications in a number of countries, including India, Bhutan, Nepal, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. Depending on your country of legal residence, you may therefore need to submit your application through an authorised visa application centre rather than directly at a Czech embassy or consulate.

When to apply?

A Schengen visa application can generally be submitted no earlier than six months before your intended trip and no later than 15 calendar days before your intended visit. However, it is advisable to apply well in advance, particularly during busy travel periods. When scheduling, book the earliest available appointment within the permitted application window to avoid last-minute complications.

And that's because while Schengen visa applications are generally processed within 15 calendar days, the processing period can be extended to up to 45 days in individual cases when further examination is needed. Long-term visa applications follow different processing times, which vary depending on the purpose of stay and can extend to 120 days in certain cases.

PRO-TIP: And keep in mind that even though you can usually begin the process online, you'll eventually need to visit a Czech embassy, consulate, or visa application center in person : for biometrics and document submission. So plan ahead.

How to submit your application?

Schengen visa applications are generally submitted in person at the competent Czech embassy or consulate, or at an authorized visa application center where applicable. During your appointment, you will submit the required documents and, when required, provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph).

For stays exceeding 90 days, applications for long-term visas or residence permits follow a different procedure and are generally submitted in person at the competent Czech diplomatic mission. Requirements vary depending on the purpose of stay, so applicants should check the specific procedure that applies to their visa or residence permit category.

Once you’re ready, you should:

• Check your local Czech embassy's or VFS Global center's specific application guidelines;
• Book your earliest available appointment well in advance;
• Attend the scheduled interview with all properly translated documents and be ready for biometric data collection (photo and fingerprints).

Then wait for your decision notification via email or phone.

Registration after arrival in the Czech Republic

Third-country nationals are generally required to register their arrival in the Czech Republic within three days of entering the country with the relevant Foreign Police department. This requirement does not apply when an accommodation provider - such as a hotel, hostel or residence - has reported the traveler’s arrival on their behalf.

If you are staying in private accommodation and your arrival has not been reported by your accommodation provider, check the applicable requirements on the official portal for foreigners of the Czech Ministry of the Interior.

What about ETIAS and EES?

ETIAS (European Information and Authorization System) and EES (Entry/Exit System) are two separate EU systems designed for non-EU travelers entering participating European countries for short stays. The EES electronically records the entry and exit of eligible non-EU travelers, while ETIAS is a travel authorization that will apply to visa-exempt nationals traveling to participating European countries for short stays.

Neither system replaces a Schengen visa. Travelers who are required to obtain a Schengen visa will continue to need one, while eligible visa-exempt travelers will need an ETIAS travel authorization once the system becomes operational.

PRO-TIP: AXA can gladly tell you more about ETIAS and EES. However, for the latest developments, we recommend you check back with the EU’s official website regarding the matter. And, like us, hope for the best on this one too.

How else can AXA help?

Meanwhile, the best possible way we can actually help you get to Czechia — and have a safe stay there from start to finish too — is by doing what we do best. And that’s by providing you with some first-class, top-quality, affordable travel insurance for the Czech visa.

Because, first off, Schengen travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Czech Schengen visa. This applies to travelers who are required to obtain a Type C short-stay Schengen visa.

The insurance must meet certain health insurance requirements to be granted that Schengen visa : it must cover the entire duration of the intended stay in the Czech Republic and across the Schengen Area, provide a minimum medical coverage of EUR 30,000, and be valid in all Schengen member states.

Without a compliant insurance certificate included in your application file, your visa cannot be processed. AXA health insurance meets all these requirements. And there are countless other benefits to choosing AXA too. We could, of course, list them all here. But instead, as you gather your visa paperwork, we simply recommend you take a minute to compare AXA’s different plans for yourself and/or get a free quote.

Because with AXA, you'll be safely crossing Charles Bridge, sampling some of the world’s best beer (and Svíčková na smetaně, of course), exploring Prague’s Old Town, and doing everything in between in no time. And all this legally, stress-free, and in good hands — 24/7.
So good luck, and Šťastnou Cestu (aka “safe travels”)!

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FAQ about Czech Republic visas

Is a Czech Republic visa easy to get?

Applying for a Czech Republic visa is generally straightforward if you meet the eligibility requirements and submit a complete application, but approval is never guaranteed. For a Schengen visa, you will need to provide the required documents, including a valid passport, completed application form, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds, travel medical insurance and documents supporting the purpose of your stay. Your individual circumstances and the completeness of your application can affect the decision.

How much does a Czech visa cost?

The standard fee for a Czech Republic Schengen visa is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 11, while children under 6 are exempt. Reduced fees or exemptions apply to certain nationalities and categories of travelers. A Czech long-term visa generally costs CZK 2,500, although different fees may apply depending on the purpose of stay. Visa application centre service fees may also be charged separately.

Can I apply for a Czech Schengen visa and visit multiple countries?

Yes. A Czech Schengen visa generally allows you to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the conditions of your visa. You should apply through the Czech authorities when the Czech Republic is your sole or main destination. If there is no main destination because you will spend the same amount of time in several Schengen countries, you should generally apply through the country whose external border you will cross first.

Can I work or study in Czechia with a Schengen tourist visa?

A short-stay Schengen visa does not generally allow you to take up regular employment or complete a long-term course of study in Czechia. Different immigration rules apply depending on the purpose and length of your stay. If you intend to remain in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days for work or study, you may need a long-term visa or residence permit instead.

Do international students need a student visa to attend Czech universities?

International students from non-EU countries may need a long-term visa or long-term residence permit for the purpose of study if they plan to attend a Czech university for more than 90 days. The appropriate permit depends on the type and duration of the study program and the student's individual circumstances. Applications for long-term residence permits for study are examined by the Czech Ministry of the Interior.

Can I get a long-term residence permit for family reunification in the Czech Republic?

Eligible non-EU nationals may apply for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of family reunification in the Czech Republic. Eligibility depends on factors including the applicant's relationship with the person already residing in Czechia and that person's residence status. As residence permit requirements differ from those for a short-stay Schengen visa, applicants should check the specific procedure that applies to their situation.