Entry conditions
Types of stays in the Czech Republic
Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein
and Switzerland may stay temporarily in the territory
of the Czech Republic without any permit on the basis
of a travel document or an identity card.
The sole duty arising from the Alien Act to the citizens
of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland
is the reporting duty in case the stay exceeds 3 months.
In such situation, there is an obligation to report the presence
to the competent branch of Alien Police according to
place of stay in the Czech Republic within 3 months of an entry.
Third-country nationals not subject to visa obligation
Third-country nationals not subject to the visa obligation may stay on the territory
of the Schengen states for up to 3 months within a six month period from their
first entry. Duration of individual stays in different Schengen states cumulate.
The travel documents of third-country nationals are stamped on entry to and exit from the Schengen area. Without a visa, it is only possible to stay in the territory of the Czech Republic for tourism/travelling purposes. Exemption from the visa obligation does not apply to stays for the purposes of performing gainful activities. In these cases (e.g. for employment or business purposes), foreign nationals must apply for a short-term visa prior to their arrival in the territory of the Czech Republic.
For stays exceeding 3 months, foreigners need a long-term visa or a residence permit issued in accordance with the national legislation of the relevant Schengen state. Those who have already stayed on the territory of the Schengen states for 3 months have to leave the Schengen area.
For more information visit the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic
Other third-country nationals
Short-term stay in the territory of the Czech Republic (up to 90 days)
A short-term visa authorises the holder to stay in the territory of the Czech Republic (and other Schengen States) for the period of time specified in the visa, however not for more than three months during any half-year from the date of first entry, i.e. from the day on which they cross the external Schengen border designated in the stamp placed in their travel document. Visas are issued by Czech Embassies/Consulates abroad upon applications which are processed within 30 days from submission.
Long-term stay in the territory of the Czech Republic (more than 90 days)
In order to stay in the territory of the Czech Republic for a period of more than 3 months, third-country nationals require either a long-stay visa or a long-term/permanent residence permit.
An application for a visa for a stay of more than 90 days is submitted to the diplomatic missions of the Czech Republic. The timeframe for processing an application is 90 days as of the date the application is submitted. In especially complex situations, the timeframe is 120 days as of the date the application is submitted. If the purpose of the stay is studies, educational activities or research, the timeframe for processing the application is 60 days as of the date the application is submitted.
Scientific visa
Scientific visa is a residence permit for the purposes of scientific research. This special visa is available for researchers who concluded a Hosting Agreement with a research organization for a period exceeding 3 months.
In this case, the timeframe for processing the application is 60 days as of the date the application is submitted.
For any advice on applications and their submission contact the representatives EURAXESS Centre.
For further information go here
