Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While  traveling in the Czech Republic, U.S. citizens are subject and must abide by local laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from those in the United States.  U.S. citizenship does not negate or avoid arrest or prosecution for violation of local laws established by the Czech Republic.

The Czech Republic has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, and this is strictly enforced.

There are also actions, that may be legal in the country visited,  but still illegal in the United States; for instance, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law or in the country visited if you buy counterfeit or pirated goods abroad.  You can also be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws.

If a U.S. citizen is arrested in the Czech Republic, authorities are required to notify the U.S. Embassy in Prague. If you are concerned that the Embassy may not be aware of the situation, you should request that the police or prison officials notify the U.S. Embassy.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Czech customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import or export of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, business equipment, etc. Contact the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, D.C. or the Consulates General of the Czech Republic in New York or Los Angeles for specific information regarding customs requirements. For more information, please also see our Customs Information page. The Embassy is not able to assist with clearing goods through Czech Customs that have been mailed to private U.S. citizens.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips on the Women Travelers.  

LGBT ISSUES: Travelers to Prague will find one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in central Europe. There is a comparatively large gay community in the city, centered in the Vinohrady district, with several openly gay venues catering to the local LGBT clientele. In contrast, outside of Prague—particularly in small towns—views are still relatively conservative and open displays of affection by same sex couples are less common. LGBT travelers should use discretion when traveling in these areas. Please see the section of this report on crime and night life in the Czech Republic, as it applies equally to LGBT establishments. 

ACCESSIBILITY: While in the Czech Republic, individuals may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and the provision of other state services; the government generally enforces these provisions. Most buses and new tram cars are configured for special needs access, but only 60 percent of Prague's metro stations are accessible to persons with disabilities. Of 15 major metro stations in the city center, only five were barrier-free in 2011. Accessibility outside of Prague is generally less available.

Public Transportation: Passengers on public transportation should buy a ticket prior to boarding to avoid being fined. The ticket must be validated at the outset of the trip by inserting it into the yellow box found on trams and buses and in the entry halls of Metro stations. In Prague, ticket offices are located in many Metro stations. Tickets can also be purchased at tabak shops (cigarettes stands), newspaper stands, post offices, and from vending machines at all metro stations and at major tram stops. Those travelers who do not validate their tickets face the possibility of encountering an inspector at any time. The transportation inspectors operate in plain clothes, but should display a small metal badge (emblazoned with the words “Prepravní Kontrola”) when inspecting travelers’ tickets. Fines range from 50 to 950 CZK, but the standard on-the-spot payment for traveling without a valid ticket is 800 CZK. Inspectors should provide a receipt upon payment. Information on the types of tickets and pricing can be found here.