Czech Republic: Authorities to ease domestic COVID-19 measures from Feb. 9 /update 59

Czech Republic to ease domestic COVID-19 measures from Feb. 9; international entry restrictions largely unchanged.

Event

Authorities in the Czech Republic plan to ease certain domestic measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19. Effective Feb. 9, evidence of vaccination or recovery will no longer be required to access most public facilities.

Domestic Measures
Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to capacity and social distancing requirements. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces. Mass events are limited to 100 people.

Until Feb. 9, evidence of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 is required to access many nonessential public facilities.

International Travel Restrictions
The Czech Republic uses a color-coded system to categorize foreign countries according to their COVID-19 risk level. The categories are green, orange, red, and dark red in order of increasing disease activity.

Nonessential travel is permitted from EEA-associated countries and Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Qatar, Peru, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, and Uruguay. Nonessential travel from other locations is permitted for vaccinated travelers only. 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. Most arrivals must possess a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure for the country and take a second PCR test between days five and seven after arrival. Exceptions are in place for Czech citizens and residents, as well as travelers who have had a booster vaccine dose. For further information on country classifications and exemptions to testing requirements, click here.

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.