Czechia (Czech Republic)

The Czech Republic is centrally located in the heart of Europe. It has a democratic parliamentary system of government and a well-developed economy. The Czech Republic is a member of NATO and the European Union. Tourist facilities in the capital city of Prague are at the level of those found in most European capitals, although travelers can expect varying standards outside of Prague. Please see the see the Fact Sheet on the Czech Republic for more information about the U.S.-Czech relationship.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in the Czech Republic, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning the Czech Republic is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Although road fatalities are at the lowest levels since 1947, caution must still be exercised on the road and drivers must remain vigilant.  Driving speeds on European highways are higher than in the United States, and drivers are expected to stay in the right lane except when passing. Highways in the Czech Republic generally meet European standards; however, on two-lane roads, drivers should be prepared to encounter uneven surfaces, irregular lane markings, and sign placements that are not clear. Streets in towns are not always in good condition. You should pay special attention to driving on cobblestone and among streetcars in historic city centers, especially in wet or icy conditions. Traffic lights are placed before the intersection, so be aware of where you stop at signaled intersections. Speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns, 90 km/h (55mph) outside of towns, and 130 km/h (80 mph) on highways, but drivers routinely flout the limits. An International Driving Permit (IDP), available from AAA (in the United States only), must accompany a U.S. driver’s license; failure to have the IDP with a valid license may result in denial of an insurance claim after an accident.

Persons driving into the Czech Republic should be aware that a toll sticker is required to drive legally on major highways. Signs stating this requirement are posted near the border, but are easy to miss. The stickers are available at most gas stations. The fine for failing to display a toll sticker is assessed on the spot.

Czech law requires that drivers have their headlights on at all times when driving in the Czech Republic. The law also requires that all private cars, including those of foreign visitors, carry each of the following items: fluorescent green high-visibility safety jacket, first aid kit, spare pair of prescription glasses kept in the glove compartment (if necessary), warning triangle, and complete set of spare bulbs.

Czech law allows for breathalyzer testing of drivers stopped by local law enforcement officials for any reason. There is a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and driving; driving with any trace of detected alcohol, however slight, is illegal and those caught usually face immediate fines and possible criminal proceedings.

U.S. citizens have reported instances of motorists stopped on the shoulders of highways waving at drivers as if they needed assistance. Some drivers have reported being pressured into giving money to the person who has purportedly broken down, and it was unclear in those situations if the motorist was truly in need or trying to scam those who stopped to offer assistance.

For specific information concerning Czech requirements for driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Czech Tourist Authority offices in New York by telephone at (212) 288-0830 or by email. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Czech Republic’s national tourist office and the Ministry of Transport.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Czech Republic’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the Czech Republic’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

The risk of terrorism in the Czech Republic is relatively low.  However, like other countries in the Schengen zone, the Czech Republic’s open borders with its neighbors allow for the possibility that terrorist groups may enter or transit the country undetected.

Civil disorder is rare in the Czech Republic, although strikes and demonstrations may occur.  Czech authorities are generally well-prepared and handle the disruptions in a professional manner.  You should be vigilant in protecting your security, bearing in mind that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful may turn violent. Avoid street demonstrations whenever possible.

To stay connected: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Twitter and visit the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: The Czech Republic generally has a low crime rate. However, pick-pocketing remains problematic, especially in major tourist areas in Prague.  Criminals may operate in groups and could conceivably be armed with simple weapons.  Avoid direct confrontation. Pick-pocketing groups in the Czech Republic tend to be professional and highly organized.

Travelers can be at a particularly high risk when:

• Traveling on public transportation, such as trains, trams or the Prague metro.
• In the city center. Travelers should be vigilant in the city center,
• In I crowded areas,
• When frequenting outdoor cafes.

You should keep a copy of your passport biodata page (and any pages with valid visas) in a safe place separate from the passport itself; this can help you to apply for a new passport if yours is lost or stolen. Under Czech law, Czech police or other Czech authorities such as customs or immigration officials can request you to verify your identity by presenting a travel document, a residence permit card, or an identity card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .  If you are a tourist, this means that you are expected to carry your passport with you. If you cannot produce your passport upon request, an immediate on-the-spot fine may be levied. Please ensure the security of your passport while traveling to prevent incidents of pick-pocketing or theft.

Laws against traffic violations by pedestrians, such as jaywalking, are also frequently enforced in the Prague city center, and a discretionary fine of up to 2000 Czech crowns (CZK) (about 95 USD) may also be applied.  Refusal to pay the fine may lead to an administrative court procedure with the fine potentially being higher than the original amount.  

Incidents of violent crime, while still relatively infrequent, are possible. U.S. citizens have reported incidents of sexual assault in recent years.  Victims have reported the use of rohypnol and other “date rape” type drugs on them in the Czech Republic. Use caution when accepting open drinks at bars or clubs and refrain from consuming  drinks left unattended.

Currency exchange  should be conducted at reputable banks or legitimate money kiosks. An offer to exchange currency by an unknown person on the street is most likely a scam. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available throughout major cities in the Czech Republic. Most Czech ATMs offer instructions in multiple languages and allow access to U.S. bank accounts.

The press has reported that criminal organizations are surreptitiously  obtaining users’ ATM card numbers and PIN codes by electronically “skimming” the information from victims’ cards at ATMs. This activity has reportedly occurred at ATMs in public areas--even bank lobbies covered by security cameras. Visitors requiring ATM services should use machines at more secure or heavily traveled and monitored locations, such as commercial banks, large hotels and the airport.

U.S. citizens have reported being overcharged by merchants on credit card transactions. U.S. visitors to the Czech Republic should carefully verify that charges are correct before signing for purchases, keep all receipts and check your credit card accounts online to ensure correct billing for credit card payments.

Auto thefts and break-ins are common in the Czech Republic, especially in major cities. To avoid vehicle-related crimes, the use of parking garages and anti-theft devices are recommended. Valuables should not be left in plain sight inside vehicles as this significantly increases the possibility of theft.

Czech bars and dance clubs are generally safe, however, approaches to purchase illicit drugs have occurred; this is against the law in the Czech Republic. Be mindful that security at nightclubs could respond more forcefully than at similar venues in the United States. Casinos and gaming establishments are government-regulated, but some have been affiliated with or attracted the interest of organized crime.

Taxis: Be alert to the potential for substantial overcharging by taxis, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. Some taxi drivers charge unsuspecting foreigners two or three times the standard rate. To minimize the possibility of being overcharged, visitors should obtain a price estimate in advance and ensure that the driver is using the meter.

The Embassy has also received  reports of passengers being assaulted or robbed by taxi drivers after hailing a random cab on the street. All taxis should be clearly marked, and the Embassy strongly recommends that visitors call for a taxi, rather than hail one on the street. If calling is not possible, visitors should obtain a taxi at one of the clearly marked “Fair Place” taxi stands.  These stands are regulated by the Prague city government and are generally reliable.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: Victims of crime abroad should contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy can:

• Replace a stolen passport during regular business hours;
• Help visitors find appropriate medical care for violent crimes such as assault or rape;
• Put visitors in contact with the appropriate police authorities;
• Contact family members or friends; and
• Help visitors understand the local criminal justice process and provide visitors with a list of local attorneys, although local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in the Czech Republic is 112. English-speaking assistance is not always available from the local police, but the police station located at Jungmannovo Namesti 9 near the Mustek metro station and Wenceslaus Square caters specifically to foreigners and always has an English-speaker available.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.