2008 press releases

U.S. Embassy Welcomes the Czech Government’s Effort to Establish a Grace Period for Foreigners Awaiting Long-Term Visas

Prague, March 10, 2008

The Ministry of the Interior informed the U.S. Embassy that they have established a grace period for Americans and other nationals of non-Schengen states awaiting long-term visas.  The Embassy appreciates the rapid work of the Czech authorities to address procedural gaps that became apparent since joining the Schengen zone.

The grace period applies only to citizens of visa-free countries, who during their legal stay (i.e. within the first 3 months beginning Dec. 21, 2007) applied for a long term visa, but have not received their visa due to the length of the procedure.  It will be in effect until June 30, 2008.

The police will be instructed not to take steps leading to expulsion of people falling within the grace period.  However, the Ministry of Interior notes that the grace period will not apply to anyone who has broken another law while his/her status remains unresolved. In addition, the grace period is only recognized in the Czech Republic, not in the other Schengen states.