The Consular and Visa Section of the Czech Embassy is open from 9 to 12 a.m. Sunday to Thursday . Visa applications must be submitted in person.

The Czech Republic has joined the Schengen area on December 21, 2007. As of this date, the short-term visas are valid in the entire Schengen area, unless territorial limits are indicated on the visa.

Application

You can obtain the visa application form at the Embassy (Visa Office) or you can print/download it from the web page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( www.mzv.cz/visaform). The application should be fully completed and signed before your visit at the Czech Embassy.

Processing time

It is advised to apply well in advance of the intended travel. The usual processing time for a tourist visa is 3 - 5 working days, but it may take up to 30 days. Processing time for the long-term (over 90 days) visa is up to 120 days, 60 days in case of students. Processing time for visas to collect a residency permit is up to 180 days.

Passport validity

Passport must be valid for at least additional 3 months after the intended departure. Passports having shorter validity will not be accepted for processing. Visa can be issued only into the passport that was presented upon submitting an application.

Visa validity

The visa is valid in the entire Schengen area unless indicated otherwise. The duration of a stay may not exceed 90 days within a single half-year time period, counting from the first date of entry into the Schengen area.

Entry

Upon entry, visitors may be requested during the passport control to present sufficient financial means, proof of accommodation, travel health insurance or other documents that are generally required for visa application. These requests are not made on regular basis.

Visas cannot be obtained at entry points.

Registration

Registration with the Foreign Police authorities is required within three days after the arrival. Persons traveling in groups or persons staying in the hotel will be registered by the travel agency/hotel. Contacts for respective offices are available at the Consular and Visa Section of the Embassy.