Czech Republic

GENERAL INFORMATION
Language: Czech, some German, English, Slovak & Russian
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
International Direct Dialing Code: 420
Driving: Driving is on the right. National photocard licence required (for a stay up to 180 days, EU nationals - no limit) or International Driving Licence
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK 1 = 100 Haleru)
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in Czech, many executives speak a second language. Very strict laws against drinking and driving apply. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, punctuality appreciated. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years
Public Holidays: 2008
Jan 1 New Years Day, Mar 24 Easter Monday, May 1 Labour Day, May 8 Liberation Day, Jul 5 Day of the Apostles St Cyril and St Methodius, Sep 28 Czech Statehood Day, Oct 28 Independence Day, Nov 17 Freedom and Democracy Day, Dec 24-26 Christmas
Emergency Services: Police: 158. Fire: 150. Ambulance: 155 (Prague)
Clothing: Generally mediumweights with heavy topcoat for winter. Lightweights for summer. Rainwear required all year round

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
Health Risks: Rabies is present but post exposure treatment should be readily available.
Compulsory Vaccinations: None.
Recommended Immunisations: Hepatitis A*, tick-borne encephalitis*
* recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.
Reciprocal Health: Participant of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC scheme) which allows visitors on short-term stays to other member countries to use the public health care sector for free or reduced-cost medical treatment and emergency care.

PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
Passport General: Required, but NOT by the following:
1) Holders of National Identity Cards issued to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland Rep, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain & Sweden
Passport Validity: 1) Where a visa is not required, passports must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended length of stay, counted from the date of entry
2) Where a visa is required:
a) For visas not exceeding 90 days, passports must be valid for at least 90 days beyond requested length of visa
b) For visas exceeding 90 days, passports must be valid for at least 455 days
3) Children inscribed in their parents` passports may travel with their parents up to the age of 15 years. Once the child has reached the age of 15, an individual passport is required
Visa General: The following DO NOT require a visa:
1) Nationals of Czech Rep
2) For an unlimited stay by:
a) British citizens holding a full British passport & holders of British passports endorsed `Holder has the right of abode in the United Kingdom` or `Holder is entitled to re-admission to the United Kingdom`
b) Nationals of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland Rep, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain & Sweden
4) For tourist visits up to 90 days by nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (S.A.R. passport holders), Israel, Japan, Korea (South), Macao (S.A.R. passport holders), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City & Venezuela
5) For tourist visits up to 30 days by nationals of Singapore
Visa Notes: Please note that visas issued by the Czech Republic are National visas and not Schengen visas.

CURRENCY, CUSTOMS & EXCISE INFORMATION
Import Allowances: For persons of 17 years of age or older:

1) Travellers entering from non-EU countries (including Canary Islands, Channel Islands & Gibraltar):
a) 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250gr of tobacco
b) 1 lit of spirits of more than 220 proof or 2 lit of up to 220 proof
c) 2 lit of still wines
d) 50gr of perfume & 0.25 lit of eau de toilette
e) Other goods to the value of EUR 175 (EUR 90 for travellers under 15 years)

2) Travellers entering from EU countries (goods obtained duty & tax paid - guidance levels):
a) 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars & 1 kg of tobacco
b) 10 lit of spirits, 20 lit of fortified wine, 90 lit of wine (of which, a max of 60 lit of sparkling wine) & 110 lit of beer

• Czech Republic Tourist Board