Czech Republic: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related international entry and domestic measures as of Dec. 3 /update 56

Authorities in the Czech Republic maintain COVID-19-related international entry and domestic measures as of Dec. 3. Disruptions likely.

Event

International entry and domestic restrictions remain in place across the Czech Republic as of Dec. 3 as part of the nation's efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Domestic Measures
A state of emergency is in place through at least Dec. 25. Nonessential businesses and services remain permitted to operate subject to capacity and social distancing requirements. Public gatherings are limited to 20 people. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces. Catering establishments and clubs must close at 22:00. Mass events are limited to 100 people.

Unvaccinated individuals may not patronize certain indoor establishments such as hair salons, restaurants, and bars; they are also barred from attending large events. Only vaccinated people and those who have had COVID-19 in the last six months are allowed access to bars, restaurants, and hotels. Regular COVID-19 testing at schools and workplaces is mandatory for those who are not vaccinated.

International Travel Restrictions
The Czech Republic uses a color-coded system to categorize foreign countries according to their COVID-19 risk. The categories are green, orange, red, and dark red in order of increasing disease activity; for further information on the Czech government's system and specific countries in each category, click here.

Nonessential travel is permitted from EEA-associated countries and Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kuwait, Macau, Namibia, New Zealand, Qatar, Peru, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, UAE, and Uruguay. Nonessential travel from other locations is permitted for vaccinated travelers only. Unvaccinated travelers may only enter the country for limited essential reasons unless they are residents of an EEA-associated country. Vaccinations must be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or a recognized equivalent body.

All arrivals must fill out an electronic arrival form before departing for the Czech Republic. Permitted travelers who can present a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 are exempt from testing and isolation requirements. Permitted unvaccinated arrivals must also produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Travelers from green or orange countries can opt to take an antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before departure or within five days after arrival. Travelers from red and dark red countries must take a second COVID-19 test no earlier than five days after arrival; such arrivals are not required to self-isolate but must wear facemasks when outside of their accommodations until the result is received.

With the exception of EU citizens, non-resident foreigners who have spent more than 12 hours in the last 14 days in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, or Zambia are prohibited from entering the Czech Republic due to concerns over the newly discovered Omicron strain of COVID-19. All permitted arrivals must present a negative PCR test before traveling to the Czech Republic, take another PCR test within 24 hours of arrival, and a third one no earlier than day 10 but no later than day 14 after arrival. These travelers must also self-isolate for at least 10 days.

Authorities could ease, tighten, extend, or otherwise amend restrictions at any time depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.