You’ll need:

A valid passport. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Czech Republic.

A visa if you will be staying over 3 months.

A short-stay visa if you are planning on staying in the Czech Republic for longer than 3 months, but this is a limited visa and usually are used in under very unconditional circumstances. 

*If you are not a European citizen but have a permit or residence in Europe, you do not need a Visa to enter the Czech Republic.

For more information click here.

All COVID-19 entry restrictions have been lifted. 

Source: U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic

The largest airport in the Czech Republic is the Václav Havel Prague Airport (PRG) is located on the north end of Prague which is approximately 17 kilometers from the city centre. Here are some ways of getting to the city centre: 

Airport Express Bus:

 The express bus operates every 30 minutes from the airport from 6:30am to 10:00pm and to the airport at 5:30am to 9:00pm. 

To purchase tickets upon arrival, you can buy them at the Prague Public Transport Information Center or directly from the bus driver. 

Bus pick ups and drop offs happen at Terminal 1 and 2 at the bus stop, and Prague main station (Metro Line C). 

Public Shuttle Bus: 

These shuttles fit up to 8 people and must be booked in advance online.

Uber:

Uber is active in the Czech Republic and can be ordered through your mobile devices. There free Wi-Fi at the airport so you can order your Uber. There is no designated pick up area at the airport therefore you may be waiting for approximately 5 to 30 minutes for an Uber. Tip: drivers often wait outside the parking areas, so head over there. If you are taking an Uber to the airport, make sure you let the driver know what terminal to drop you off at.

Rent a Car:

Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Budget Rent A Car, and Avis are all located at PRG. Be aware it is the priciest to rent a car to travel around the Czech Republic.

Other airports in the Czech Republic can be found here.

The tram is one of the most efficient ways to travel within the Czech Republic. The tram is 88.5 miles long and has 22 tram lines. The daytime trams run from 4:30am to midnight and comes every 10 minutes. The nighttime trams run from midnight to 4:30am, but they come every 30 to 40 minutes. 

The metro has only 3 lines and 61 stations. The green line is line A which runs from the northeast to the southeast. The yellow line is line B which runs from Zličín and Černý Most. lastly, the red line, line C runs to the north to south of Prague. The metro operates from 5am to midnight, during rush hour a metro comes every 2 minutes; if not the metro will be at the station every 4 to 10 minutes.

Click here for more info on cars, trains, and buses.

The Czech Republic for the most part is extremely safe. It is okay to travel alone and walk outside in the dark. The area you have to worry about the most is in Wenceslas Square; because it is high in tourism, tourists are more likely to get pick-pocketed. Always make sure to keep your belongings close. 

European universal emergency number is 112, Police department is 156, Fire department is 150 and ambulance is 155. 

The Czech Republic has cold winters and moderately hot summers. Here is a monthly forecast:

December through March the temperatures range from 25 to 46 Degrees Fahrenheit. 

April through August the temperatures range from 37 to 75 Degrees Fahrenheit.

September through November the temperatures range from 43 to 66 Degrees Fahrenheit.

The best time to visit the Czech Republic is from mid-May to mid-September to have the warmest and sunniest weather. 

Etiquette is very important to the Czech people when it comes to entering and leaving a place, having good manners, and even when drinking beer. Etiquette is also important when traveling–You should always be respectful to others’ cultural norms. Here are some etiquette tips to take note of when visiting the Czech Republic:

Always say dobrý den which means “good day” and na shledanou which means “goodbye” when entering and leaving any public place. The Czech people like to be noticed and greeted. Go the extra mile in shaking their hand. Whether it is a man or woman, give them a firm handshake.

Never show up empty handed! If you meet a couple local people while traveling and they invite you over for dinner, a party or etc. make sure to come with something. Bringing flowers, pastries, wine or beer will show your good manners. To add, make sure you take off your shoes; it is impolite to wear shoes in the house in the Czech Republic. And if on a tram or metro, please do give up your seat for a pregnant woman, children, or the elderly. 

Make sure to never pour the rest of your beer in a new glass of beer because it is considered to be barbaric by the Czech people. Beers served in the Czech Republic come in a heavy foam top, because locals believe that it keeps the beer cold.

Czech Crown (CZK) is the current currency. 1 USD is equivalent to 23 CZK and 1€ is equivalent to 29 CZK. 

Some places may accept Euros, but for the most part the Czech Crown is used.

The ATM is the best and safest way to convert money, even though credit cards are accepted in most places in the Czech Republic.

Tipping: This is expected. The services usually expect at least 10% of the bill. 

The electricity in the Czech Republic is 230v. Adapters can be purchased at Tesco.

Tap water is 100% safe to drink in the Czech Republic. It is said that the tap water here is some of the healthiest water to drink in the world.

Wi-Fi can be found and used practically anywhere in the Czech Republic. Most bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes offer wifi. But if you are in dying need of some, go to Starbucks or Mcdonalds for wifi.

If you have T-Mobile, then your service will work in the Czech Republic, but if you have any other cell phone networks from the US then your company may charge you. The cheapest way is to unlock your phone and switch out your sim-card with a local cell service prepaid sim-card. O2, T-Mobile, and Vodafone offer prepaid services and temporarily plans.

When it comes to LGBTQ rights, the Czech Republic is one of the most liberal countries. In 2006, same sex relationships were allowed to be registered and welcomed. The Czech people warmly accept the LGBTQ community; they even have a pride festival. To add, many people believe that Czech Republic can help the rest of Europe be more open-minded about LGBTQ rights.

Top 3 ways to be an eco-traveler in the Czech Republic:

1. Stay at an eco-friendly hotel that is aware of how to save water and resources, such as the Adria Hotel, Botanique Hotel Prague, or Mosaic House. 
2. When traveling throughout the Czech Republic, use public transportation, ride bikes, or simply walk. If you want to rent a car, try renting an electric car instead of a gas car.
3. Discover all the nature that the Czech Republic has to offer. Go on a hike, walk a trail, or have a picnic in the park. Check out Divoká Šárka Reserve where there are places to swim along with trails and rock formations.