Public Announcements

CZECH VISA/RESIDENCY LAW

CZECH VISA/RESIDENCY LAW
This is a summary of Czech Law No. 326/1999, provided to us by the Czech government.  For official information from the Czech government, please go to this Ministry of the Interior link.  You may also visit the Czech Embassy in Washington’s Web site at www.mzv.cz/washington.

As of January 1, 2001, as amended, a new law for foreigners traveling to the Czech Republic came into effect.  Based on the law, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourism/business stays of up to 90 days.  However, for stays longer than 90 days, or for stays for other than tourism or business purposes, a visa is required. The most significant change set by the new law is that if a visa is required, it must be obtained before arriving in the Czech Republic.

Types of Czech Visas

A.        No visa is required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism, family visit, or business not involving financial compensation from a source in the Czech Republic. 

B.        Visa for stays up to 90 days - For any purpose other than those listed in Section A, a visa must be obtained in advance, even if the stay will be 90 days or less.  This type of visa cannot be extended.  Applications are processed through a Czech Embassy/Consulate abroad.

C.        Visa for stays exceeding 90 days (up to 365 days) – Applications are processed through a Czech Embassy/Consulate. This type of visa can be extended upon application to the Foreigners Police 120 to 14 days before the visa’s expiration.  (See information below on how to contact the Foreigners’ police.)

D.        Permanent stays – Like many European countries, the Czech Republic does not grant permits for permanent stays outside of exceptional cases, e.g., in cases of family reunification and uninterrupted stays for 5 years (the law limits the range of persons eligible to apply under this category). These applications can be processed through the Foreigner’s Police where the applicant resides in the Czech Republic.

E.        Visa for entry into the Czech Republic to receive an approved residency permit for long-term stay – These visas are issued to enable the holder to come to the Czech Republic to pick up an approved permit for permanent residence.  They remain valid for 180 days after issuance, but only allow the holder to stay in the country for 3 days to pick up the permit.

Foreigners' Police in Prague:                     
CIZINECKA POLICIE
Oddělení cizinecké policie Praha
Koněvova 32, 130 02 Prague 3
Service Entrance from Lukasova street, 4th floor
Tel.  974 841 356, 974 841 357  
Email: ocppraha@mvcr.cz
Office hours: Mon, Wed  07:30-18:00; Tue, Thu  07:00-18:00; Friday closed

Labor permit for foreigners in Prague:       
URAD PRACE PRO CIZINCE
Domažlická 11, 130 00 Prague 3
Tel.  221 924 751
Office hours: Mon, Wed   8:00-17:00, Tue, Thu   8:00-13:00

In accordance with State Department instructions, the U.S. Embassy in Prague is not able to intercede to help an American obtain visas, work permits, or commercial licenses. You can refer to a list of Czech lawyers who assist in these matters.