Currently, many non-EU citizens do not need a visa to visit Europe. However, as of 2022, this will change. Non-EU citizens who wish to travel to the Czech Republic will need an ETIAS visa waiver for the Czech Republic.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System or ETIAS is a visa waiver program that is meant to strengthen the borders of the Schengen Zone. This is done by keeping a record of non-EU visitors who wish to enter and travel about the Czech Republic and the entirety of the Schengen Zone.
The ETIAS screens all applicants prior to their travel to the Czech Republic. Once visitors are approved they are able to move freely throughout the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days.
ETIAS is not a visa and the process of entering Schengen will be comparatively similar to how it worked before. However, the new visa waiver will work as an added security measure to screen passengers before arrival. It is also important to know that this is the same for all EU countries found within the Schengen Area.
The Czech Republic, the EU, and the Schengen Area
The Czech Republic is located in the heart of Central Europe. The official language is Czech and the Czech koruna is used as currency. After a long history of political turmoil, what was known as Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.
Since then, the country has gone through successful economic reforms. Just within the last decade, the Czech Republic has experienced an increase in tourism, job opportunity, and growth.
In 1999, the Czech Republic joined the European Union and has been a part of the Schengen Zone since 2007. Tourists are able to visit the Czech Republic without hard borders between it and the Schengen countries.
Who needs ETIAS to travel to the Czech Republic?
The ETIAS Czech Republic screens all applicants who wish to enter the Czech Republic itself or another Schengen country. Once applicants are deemed non-threatening, they are able to travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days.
The ETIAS allows people to visit the countries found within the Schengen Zone for tourist, business, medical, and transit reasons. At present, there are over 60 countries that are required to apply for an ETIAS if they wish to travel to Europe.
Once the system is in place, citizens of non-EU countries will have to apply for ETIAS before they travel to the Czech Republic or any of the other Schengen countries. Even those who are currently allowed to travel to Europe visa-free will need an ETIAS from the end of 2022 onwards.
Passport and document requirements for the Czech republic
The requirements for applying for an ETIAS are as follows:
- A valid passport (Number, Issue and expiry dates, Nationality, Minimum validity of three months from the date of arrival)
- The passenger’s brief medical history
- Education and work experience
- Previous visits to war zones (if any)
- Criminal record (if applicable)
- Prior countries one was deported or rejected from (if any)
Those with family members who are EU citizens will have to submit proof of relationship, residence card and/or other background details. Minors are required to have guardians complete an application for them.
How can I apply for Czech ETIAS?
The ETIAS application is quick, simple, and affordable. The application is available from anywhere with Wi-Fi access. There is no time wasted making appointments or waiting in long lines at a local embassy or consulate.
Once the ETIAS requirements for the Czech Republic are met, the application process begins. This takes approximately 10 minutes and is done completely online. Expect to answer the following to complete the application:
- Biometric information (First and last names, Last name at birth, Date of birth, Place of birth, Gender)
- Citizenship
- Current address
- Email address and phone number
- The name of the first EU country that will be visited
- Payment for the application fee via credit or debit card
Travel Information about the Czech Republic
Once the Czech ETIAS is approved, travellers can explore all that the Czech Republic has to offer. From its world-famous Czech beers, elaborate castles, and rich history tourists will feel as if they are suddenly in the middle of a fairytale.
The Czech Republic’s capital city, Prague, is home to Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the medieval Old Town that dates back as far as the 9th century. Architecture fanatics will love its red roofs, small cobblestone streets, and the spires that are seen over many rooftops.
Česky Krumlov is a small medieval town that also has a castle and a quaint collection of shops, cafes, and restaurants making it a perfect weekend getaway. Visitors looking to relax will adore the resorts, thermal baths, and spas in Karlovy Vary.
Those looking for a slower-paced vacation will enjoy the vineyards of Moravia and the hiking trails throughout Bohemian Switzerland National Park.