Will I need an ETIAS to visit the Czech Republic?
Czech Republic is among 30 European countries that require visa-exempt travelers to possess an ETIAS travel authorization. The requirement for an ETIAS travel authorization depends on your nationality. There will be no changes for travelers until early 2025 when ETIAS is set to officially launch. After its deployment, individuals who were not previously required to obtain an ETIAS but are not citizens of an EU country will need to apply for it. For travelers who already need Schengen Visas, the application requirements will remain unchanged.
What you can do in the Czech Republic with an ETIAS?
The Czech Republic ETIAS provides the flexibility to visit the country for a range of purposes, such as:
- Leisure tourism
- Business activities
- Medical treatment
- Participation in short courses or training sessions lasting up to 90 days
- Seamless transit through the Czech Republic
What can you not do with an ETIAS in the Czech Republic?
- Employment is restricted.
- Educational endeavors beyond a 90-day course duration are not allowed.
- Participation in internships or student employment is prohibited in the Czech Republic under ETIAS.
- Temporary or permanent residency in the Czech Republic is not permitted.
Do I need the ETIAS to transit through the Czech Republic and the EU?
An ETIAS travel authorization is not necessary if you solely stay within the international transit area. Nonetheless, it is essential to possess a valid travel authorization should you decide to exit this area and enter the territory of any European countries that mandate ETIAS.
How long is the ETIAS Czech Republic valid?
The validity of ETIAS remains consistent regardless of citizenship, typically ranging from the duration of your trip to a continuous period of up to three years. The ETIAS system determines the results based on the information provided in your application form. Upon obtaining an approved authorization, you are allowed to stay in any of the Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within every 180-day period, in accordance with the validity of your ETIAS.
How to apply online for the ETIAS Czech Republic?
To apply for the ETIAS for the Czech Republic online, eligible travelers need to follow a simple and convenient process. The application can be completed on the official ETIAS website, and here's a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Official ETIAS Website: Go to the official ETIAS website to initiate the application process. The website will provide all the necessary information and guidelines.
- Create an Account: Users will need to create a personal account on the ETIAS platform. This account will be used to fill out the application form, check the status of the application, and receive updates.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the ETIAS application form with accurate and truthful information. The form will require personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, and answers to health and security-related questions.
- Upload Required Documents: The application may require the upload of supporting documents, such as a valid passport with at least 3 months' validity beyond the intended arrival date in the Czech Republic and the Schengen Area.
- Provide Contact Information: Enter a valid email address to receive updates and notifications regarding the ETIAS application. Ensure that the email address provided is accessible and regularly checked.
- Payment of ETIAS Fee: Pay the applicable ETIAS fee using a valid credit or debit card. The fee is a mandatory requirement for processing the application.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all the entered information before submitting the application. Once satisfied, submit the form for processing.
- Wait for Approval: After submission, the ETIAS application will be processed by the system. Applicants will receive a decision, usually within minutes, but in some cases, it may take up to 96 hours.
- Receive Approved ETIAS: Upon approval, the ETIAS will be sent to the provided email address. It's essential to print a copy of the approved ETIAS to present upon arrival in the Schengen Area alongside the same passport used for the application.
Czech Republic ETIAS processing time
- Standard processing time: Receive your ETIAS results within 24 hours after submitting your application form. -
- Rush processing time: Obtain application results within 4 hours after submitting your form.
- Super rush processing time: The fastest option can deliver ETIAS results in just 30 minutes after submitting the application file.
Czech Republic ETIAS fees and cost
The official fee for the Czech Republic ETIAS is USD 8. However, individuals under 18 or over 70 years old are exempt from this charge.