What documents are needed to visit Prague? For citizens of the European Union, it will be sufficient to present a passport or valid identity card for travel abroad. Citizens from EU countries therefore do not need to apply for a visa.
Let’s find out together what documents are required to enter Prague and the Czech Republic.
What documents are needed to go to Prague
If you come from a country within the EU (European Union)
If you want to go to Prague and are wondering what documents to bring, here’s what’s important to know. First of all, if you are an EU citizen, you can travel with your ID card (as long as it is valid) or passport.
You don’tneed any special visa: when you arrive, you don’t have to fill out any forms or show any other documents.
It’s always a good idea to bring a photocopy of your document with you, too, so if you lose it or it gets stolen, you still have a backup copy. Remember to write down the numbers and address of theItalian Embassy in Prague, so if you have a problem or emergency, you can contact them easily.
If you are from a country outside the EU (European Union)
Citizens from countries outside the European Union must apply for a visa in the manner and timeframe indicated on the Czech Ministry website.
Exceptions are citizens from Andorra, Vatican City, Croatia, San Marino, Switzerland, other South and Central American countries, the U.S. and some Asian and Middle Eastern states to whom it will be sufficient to show their passports.
Documents for minors
All tourists, including children and teenagers, must travel with a passport and ID card. Until they reach the age of 14, minors may not travel without an accompanying parent or legal guardian. Their passport must always show the name of mom or dad.
If it is the parent whose name does not appear on the document who is escorting the young person on the trip, he or she must be in possession of an accompanying declaration. Finally, to avoid all kinds of problems, it is always best to have with you a family status or birth extract of the young person.
The trip, in any case, may not last longer than six months, and the official accompanying persons of the minor may not be more than two.
From ages 14 to 18, the procedure is greatly simplified: children can travel alone by showing a passport or valid identity card upon request.
Going to Prague with pets
To enter the Czech Republic you will only need to have the animal’s passport with you. However, you will also need to show that they are microchipped and vaccinated.
Useful documents for health care
Once in place, if you happen to need urgent medical care, you can use your Health Card (the blue one with the chip) to receive initial care in public hospitals. If, on the other hand, you want even more peace of mind, you might consider taking out insurance that covers any expenses, including the ability to fly home if necessary.
Documents required for the purchase of valuable materials
If you intend to purchase valuable or antique items during your trip, it is important to know that there are strict rules in the Czech Republic. If you buy something very valuable, you must make sure that the store gives you an official certificate explaining that the item can be taken out of the country.
Documents required to drive
Finally, if you want to drive in Prague in your own car or a rental, you will need to obey local road rules. Your Italian driver’s license is valid, but pay attention to speed limits and buy a sticker (vignette) if you drive on highways.
Frequently asked questions
If you are a citizen of the European Union, a valid identity card for travel abroad is sufficient. A passport is not required, but you can still use it as an identification document. Those from countries outside the EU (with the exception of citizens from Andorra, Vatican City, Croatia, San Marino, Switzerland, other South and Central American countries, the U.S., and some Asian and Middle Eastern states to whom a passport will suffice) are required to have a visa.
To travel to the Czech Republic, in addition to a valid ID (ID card or passport), it is advisable to have a driver’s license (if you plan to rent a car) and health insurance to cover any medical expenses. If you drive a vehicle, make sure you have your internationally recognized driver’s license (for EU citizens, a national one is sufficient). Also remember to comply with regulations on reflective vests and a first aid kit on board.
The official currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). Although many tourist and hotel businesses accept payment in euros, it is advisable to bring or change your cash into koruna to take advantage of more favorable exchange rates. If you prefer to use a card, you will find ATMs throughout the city, but watch out for fees and check any limits with your bank.
As in any major tourist city, it is important to watch out for pickpocketing, especially in busy areas such as Charles Bridge or Old Town Square. Avoid impromptu currency exchanges on the street: better to rely on banks or exchange offices with transparent rates. As for cabs, use well-known companies or apps such as Bolt and Uber so you can avoid possible surcharges. Also be prepared for possible “fake controllers” on public transportation: always buy a regular ticket and keep it until the end of the ride.
Cash payments in Czech koruna remain the norm, but major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, especially in hotels, restaurants and stores in central areas. Some tourist establishments sometimes accept euros, but change will be given in koruna and exchange rates may not be favorable. For this reason, carrying some koruna (or withdrawing it directly in town) is often the best solution.
Conclusions
It will always be good to check before departure that your documents are in order and valid. In particular, it is suggested that you renew your ID Card or Passport if they are worn out, illegible or otherwise badly reduced.
Otherwise, at the border, you can run into problems of various kinds culminating even in refoulement. Also, do not forget your driver’s license, health card and car insurance.
