If you don’t have the right to enter the Czech Republic without a visa, you may need an airport transit visa.

The list of countries whose citizens can enter the Czech Republic under the visa-free regime can be viewed here.

Citizens who don’t have the right to a visa-free regime should apply for an airport transit visa. A transit visa allows visa holders to stay in the international transit zone of the Czech airport without access to the national territory, during stops or joints of flights. Entry requirements depend on the applicant's citizenship and resident status (sometimes in a third country).

Exceptions

Under certain circumstances, you don't need a transit visa. For example, if you:

• have a visa or residence permit in a country of the Schengen Area, EU or EEA
• have a visa to Canada, Japan or the United States
• have a residence permit that guarantees return to Andorra, San Marino, Canada, Japan and the United States
• is a family member of an EU, EEA or Czech citizen (you must be able to prove it)
• have a diplomatic passport
• is a duty officer and a citizen of a country that is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

To import pets into the Czech Republic, all animals must have:

1. Microchip for pets. Your pet must be chipped with a 15-digit unencrypted microchip that complies with the ISO 11784/11785 standard.
2. Vaccinations. Your dog or cat must have a valid rabies vaccination after chipping.
3. Health certificate: a licensed veterinarian must complete an EU medical certificate for the Czech Republic 10 days before traveling. 

To learn more about the rules for importing your pets, follow the link.

For information and advice on Czech customs regulations, please visit the official website of the Czech Customs Service.

General conditions for driving a vehicle

Right-hand traffic is in effect in the Czech Republic. The road infrastructure is well developed, with most intercity routes running on motorways and expressways. Compliance with traffic rules is monitored by both the police and automatic recording systems.

The same rules apply to foreign drivers as to citizens of the country. Ignorance of the requirements does not exempt you from responsibility.

Documents for foreign drivers

A foreign driver driving a car in the Czech Republic must have the following with them:

• a valid driver's license (national; an international license may be required for drivers from countries outside the EU);
• vehicle registration documents;
• international civil liability insurance (“Green Card”);
• in the case of rental, a car rental agreement.

The police have the right to check documents during roadside checks or in the event of a violation of the rules.

Toll roads and electronic road vignettes in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, the use of motorways and certain expressways is subject to a toll. For vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons, an electronic road vignette system applies.

Vignette:

- is mandatory for passenger cars and minibuses;

- is linked to the vehicle's license plate;

- is checked automatically by cameras.

Not having a valid vignette when driving on a toll road is considered a violation and can result in a significant fine. Particular attention should be paid to the start date of the vignette — it must correspond to the actual departure to the toll section.

👉 An electronic road vignette for traveling in the Czech Republic can be obtained online on the Visit World platform — officially, without paper documents and with instant confirmation. Buy a road vignette for the Czech Republic online.

Car rental

Car rental in the Czech Republic is available to foreigners with a driver's license and a bank card for a deposit. Rental conditions depend on the company, but the driver is responsible for complying with traffic rules and paying for toll roads.

When picking up the car, it is recommended to clarify:

- whether the electronic vignette is included in the rental price;

- insurance coverage conditions and deductible amount;

- the possibility of leaving the Czech Republic.

Even when renting a car, fines for not having a vignette or violating the rules are issued to the driver.

Control and responsibility

Speed cameras and toll road cameras are widely used in the Czech Republic. Some fines may be sent to the owner or renter of the vehicle after the trip, including after leaving the country.

Additional controls include:

• use of seat belts;
• transportation of children in accordance with requirements;
• compliance with zero blood alcohol content for drivers.

Insurance for traveling by car

To legally drive a car in the Czech Republic, international Green Card insurance is mandatory. In addition, it is recommended to have medical insurance for traveling abroad, which covers the costs of treatment, hospitalization, and emergency care.

👉 Medical insurance and other related documents for traveling by car can be obtained online at Visit World along with a vignette.

The list of foreign representative offices of the Czech Republic can be viewed here.