Czech Republic: Authorities amend COVID-19-related international entry measures effective Dec. 27 /update 57

Authorities in Czech Republic amend COVID-19-related international entry measures effective Dec. 27. Domestic measures remain unchanged.

Event

Authorities have amended COVID-19-related international entry measures; effective Dec. 27 all arrivals will be required to be in possession of a negative COIVD-19 PCR test. Limited exceptions, which are detailed below, apply.

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. All nonresident foreign nationals must be in possession of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure for the country. This includes vaccinated arrivals and arrivals who have recovered from COVID-19. In addition, unvaccinated arrivals must take a second PCR test between days five and seven after arrival. These measures do not apply to Czech citizens, resident foreign nationals, those who have had a booster vaccine dose, vaccinated children under 18 years of age, and all children under 12.

With the exception of EU citizens, nonresident 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 Omicron strain of COVID-19. All permitted arrivals from these locations 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.