Destination The Czech Republic

Geographical Position, Climate

The Czech Republic (comprising Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia) is situated in the centre of Europe, at 48-51 degrees North latitude. It has common borders with Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic, and Austria. The prevailing continental climate is characterised by mild winters and warm summers. The mean annual temperature is 10°C, in the summer 20°C, and in winter -5°C.

Entrance to the Czech Republic and Visas

The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union.

There are different rules for citizens of other EU member countries than for tourists from other parts of the world.

EU citizens

Citizens of EU member states need a passport or other ID document to enter the Czech Republic. The same is true for citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, who enjoy free movement around the EEA (European Economic Area).

Non-EU citizens

Visitors from other countries require a passport with at least six months validity on the day of arrival and in some cases a visa. A list of states whose citizens require a visa to enter the Czech Republic can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Health care

Medical treatment provided for a fee is stipulated by the appropriate Czech regulations or by international agreements made between the government of the respective state and that of the Czech Republic.

Insurance

Visitors from abroad are recommended to arrange their own insurance before travelling to the Czech Republic.

Motoring information

When you drive a car in the Czech Republic you are required to have with you:

• A valid driving licence; the Czech Republic recognises the national driving licences of most countries;
• A vehicle registration document;
• A car insurance certificate (Green Card) for the period covering the use of the car in the Czech Republic; all vehicles must have valid compulsory vehicle insurance for accident liability.

The use of seat belts is compulsory. The permissible blood alcohol level for drivers is 0.00 %.

Speed Limits

In urban areas, 50 km/hr; outside urban areas, 90 km/hr; motorways, 130 km/hr; railway crossings, 30 km/hr.

Motorway toll sticker

The prices of motorway stickers fall into one of the following three categories: passenger cars (up to 3.5 tonnes), minibuses (from 3.5-12 tonnes) and coaches (over 12 tonnes). The weight is calculated for the whole transport stock - e.g., a passenger car with a caravan belongs to the higher category. Motorway toll stickers can be bought at border crossing points, at petrol stations, all offices of the Czech Postal Service, and other selected outlets.

Fuel and Oil

All kinds of petrol and diesel oil can be purchased at petrol stations in the Czech Republic for the local currency. Approx. petrol price: EUR 1.1 per litre.

Public Holidays in the Czech Republic

• 1 January - New Year's Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 8 May - Day of Liberation from Fascism
• 5 July - Day of the Slavic Missionaries, Cyril and Methodius
• 6 July - Day Commemorating the Death of John Huss at the Stake
• 28 September - Czech Statehood Day
• 28 October - Anniversary of Czechoslovakia's Independence
• 17 November - Fight for Freedom and Democracy Day
• 24-26 December - Christmas