Czech Republic: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related domestic measures from Nov. 22. International restrictions remain in place. /update 55

Authorities in the Czech Republic are tightening COVID-19-related domestic measures from Nov. 22. Disruptions likely.

Event

Officials are tightening domestic restrictions from Nov. 22 as part of efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Domestic Restrictions
From Nov. 22, unvaccinated people will not be allowed to use indoor services such as hair salons, restaurants, and bars. They will also be barred from attending large events. Only vaccinated people and those who have had COVID-19 in the last six months will be allowed access to bars, restaurants, and hotels. A negative COVID-19 test result will no longer suffice. The new rule will also include regular COVID-19 testing at schools and workplaces for those who are not vaccinated.

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.

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

International Travel Restrictions
The Czech Republic applies entry restrictions according to COVID-19 risk in each country. The categories are green, orange, red, and dark red in order of increasing severity of COVID-19 activity.

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 a facemask outside of accommodation until the result is received. A complete list of country classifications is available by clicking here.

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.