Restrictions for Travel to/From Czech Republic – COVID-19 – Updated on 30th April 2020

On 30 April 2020, the Government of the Czech Republic approved a new decree that defines rules for Czech citizens and foreigners entering the territory of the Czech Republic.

Following the lifting of ban on free movement in the Czech Republic, persons living in the Czech Republic may travel without checking the purpose of their travel at the border. The police at the border crossings record the date and time of departure of persons due to subsequent possible quarantine measures after returning to the Czech Republic.

Upon entering the Czech Republic, the police check the legitimacy of entry for foreigners.

Persons entering the territory of the Czech Republic are still obliged to submit a PCR testing result certificate or contact the regional hygienic station which decides on quarantine measures. However, quarantine measures will not be ordered if the person submits a PCR testing result certificate within 72 hours after entry. There are also changes regarding cross-border workers, pupils and students. Newly, it is possible to submit a PCR testing result certificate once a month. Information on the website is continuously updated.

Is entry to the Czech Republic granted to all foreigners who prove a negative test for COVID-19?

No, it is not – the scope of foreigners who can enter the territory is mentioned in the government resolution. Entry is granted to specific groups of EU citizens and citizens of non-EU countries. These are, for example, family members, enabling the transit of a foreigner to their place of residence, the return of foreigners who have a residence permit issued here, and others. Exceptions and conditions of entry are listed in more detail in the table “Exceptions and rules for entry into the Czech Republic, including quarantine measures valid from 1 May 2020” on the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.

Are all border crossings open?

No, they are not. The reintroduction of border controls with Germany and Austria has been extended. Persons may cross the border only at open border crossing points. At the borders with Poland and Slovakia, border controls have been introduced from the Polish and Slovak sides, and persons may cross the state border only at the crossings designated by our neighboring states.

Can persons entering the Czech Republic use public transport or a taxi to get to their place of residence / accommodation?

This is possible if the person submits a certificate of completion of the PCR test at the border crossing. Persons must observe the prescribed hygienic-epidemiological measures.

What test is needed when entering the Czech Republic?

This is the so-called PCR test (throat or nose swab test). It is not possible to provide the so-called RAPID test. After passing the PCR test with a negative result, your doctor will confirm the unified form “medical certificate of the result of the PCR test for SARS-CoV-2”. This form can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. We recommend using this form.

To whom applies the exemptions from quarantine measures for economic activities within 72 hours?

It can be used by persons who travel for the purpose of usually a one-off or irregular economic activity such as for a business trip, business meeting, signing of a contract, etc.

The conditions for Czech citizens and foreigners with a residence permit in the Czech Republic returning from 72 hours of economic activity (no test or quarantine is required, but only a document proving economic activity) and conditions for foreigners arriving in the Czech Republic within 72 hours differ (test is required).

More detailed information is given in the section “Exceptions and rules for entry into the Czech Republic, including quarantine measures valid from 1 May 2020” on the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.

What are the new conditions for students and pupils?

University students or cross-border students and pupils, including children in kindergartens, can come to the Czech Republic. High school and university students can also travel to take an exam. More information can be found in the table “Exceptions and rules for entry into the Czech Republic, including quarantine measures valid from 1 May 2020” on the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic or in the summary information “Exception for pupils and students”.