Czechia Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Czechia is operating normally overall, with international flights, airports and immigration services functioning. However, travellers crossing by land should be aware that Germany and Austria currently operate temporary border controls on their borders with Czechia, which can result in additional checks and delays.

Schengen Area

Czechia is part of the Schengen Area. Travellers moving between Czechia and other Schengen countries normally cross internal borders without routine immigration checks, although temporary controls are currently operating on some borders.

German border controls

Germany currently operates temporary controls on its land border with Czechia. Travellers entering Germany from Czechia should carry the required passport or identity documents and allow additional time for possible checks.

Austrian border controls

Austria also currently operates temporary controls on its land border with Czechia. Travellers using road, bus or rail routes between the two countries may encounter document checks.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Visa-exempt visitors can generally spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area, while travellers from visa-required countries must obtain the appropriate Schengen visa before travelling.

Entry/Exit System

The EU Entry/Exit System is fully operational at external Schengen borders. It electronically records the entry and exit of applicable non-EU travellers visiting for short stays and replaces routine manual passport stamping for those travellers.

Entering Czechia from outside Schengen

Czechia has no external Schengen land border. Travellers arriving directly from outside the Schengen Area generally encounter external border controls at an international airport.

Passport requirements

Non-EU travellers should check the Schengen passport requirements applying to their nationality before departure. Border authorities can also ask travellers to demonstrate the purpose of their visit, accommodation arrangements and sufficient funds.

ETIAS

ETIAS is not yet operational. Travellers should not pay any website claiming that an ETIAS authorization is currently required for travel to Czechia.

German border controls extended

Germany is operating temporary internal border controls on its land border with Czechia from 16 September 2026 until 15 March 2027. Travellers may encounter checks when travelling from Czechia into Germany.

Austrian border controls extended

Austria is also operating temporary border controls with Czechia from 16 September 2026 until 15 March 2027. The controls can affect road and rail journeys between the two countries.

Entry/Exit System fully operational

The EU Entry/Exit System became fully operational at external Schengen border crossings in April 2026. In Czechia, this principally affects eligible non-EU travellers arriving directly from outside the Schengen Area through international airports.

ETIAS not yet operating

ETIAS has not yet launched. Czech authorities currently say its introduction is planned for the final quarter of 2026.

Normal international travel continues

There is currently no major nationwide disruption affecting international flights, airports or ordinary tourism in Czechia.

Check your airline, passport and visa requirements and the travel advice issued by your own government before departure.

If travelling between Czechia and Germany or Austria by car, bus or train, carry your passport or other required travel document and allow additional time for possible temporary border checks.

If arriving directly from outside the Schengen Area, applicable non-EU short-stay travellers should expect registration or verification through the EU Entry/Exit System.

Do not purchase an ETIAS authorization yet. ETIAS is not currently operational.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.