The ETIAS Czech Republic visa for U.S. citizens
The United States will be one of the countries whose citizens must present an approved ETIAS permit upon entry in Czech Republic. ETIAS permit can be obtained online, by filling out the ETIAS application form online and receiving your permit via e-mail when the application is approved. The ETIAS visa will allow U.S. citizens to enter Czech Republic for tourism, transit, work, or for medical reasons, as long as the duration of the trip is under 90 days, and the visa will be valid for multiple trips made by air, sea, or land. Moreover, people between 18 and 70 years of age will be able to apply for ETIAS free of charge.
What is ETIAS Czech Republic for U.S. citizens?
ETIAS will come into force in November 2023, as part of a European Commission program aimed at strengthening European borders and keeping a digital track on all people travelling to Schengen Area. After some terrorist attacks that affected some European countries, this program was already approved in 2016. During the last years, the creation of the ETIAS visa system has been made possible by the expansion of data sharing between countries in the European Union, allowing to connect the ETIAS applications with already existing databases from European authorities.
How does ETIAS Czech Republic permit work for U.S. citizens
Starting from 2023 U.S. citizens must present an ETIAS visa before embarking on a trip to Czech Republic. However, if the trip has other purposes than those provided for the ETIAS visa, or it will be longer than 90 days, they will have to obtain a full visitor Schengen visa, at the embassy or consulate of Czech Republic, respecting timing and requirements for the visa they are applying for.
ETIAS destination countries for Americans
From November 2023 ETIAS visa will come into force for Americans in order to travel to the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
At the moment, U.S. citizens will not have to obtain ETIAS visa to enter Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, since these countries are not Schengen Area members yet. However, this may change in the future, so please keep updated with the requirements.
ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens and how to apply
In order to apply for ETIAS, you will need to be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid electronic passport issued by the United States of America. If you do not have an U.S. passport, you will require a full visitor Schengen visa.The ETIAS visa application can be completed online, entering all required information by following the required steps, and making sure all the data is entered correctly. Once the application form is completed, all citizens between 18 and 70 years old will also be required to pay a 7 euros fee, using a credit or debit card. Normally, most ETIAS are issued within few minutes, or at most in a few hours, and you will receive the approved ETIAS visa via e-mail as a PDF file.
How much does the ETIAS visa cost for U.S. citizens
At the end of the application process, all U.S. citizens between 18 and 70 years of age have to pay a fee of 7 euros, using a credit or debit card. Americans under 18 and over 70 years of age can apply for ETIAS free of charge.
About Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia.
Covering an area of 78,867 sq. km, it has an estimated population of over 10.5 million people.
The official language is Czech, and the currency is the Czech koruna (CZK).
The capital city Prague is the fifth most visited city in Europe after London, Paris, Istanbul, and Rome.
The Czech Republic, with about 75% of the population not declaring any religion in the polls, has one of the least religious populations in the world. Catholicism is the major religion, with 10% of the population declaring their faith at the same polls.
Boasting twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all in the cultural category, the Czech Republic offers a wonderful tourist experience. Located in the heart of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, it has experienced a rich and eventful history.
Foreign stonemasons and stucco workers, tradesmen and artists have lived and worked here. Alongside locals, they cultivated the land, built statuesque castles, monasteries and stately mansions. As a result, the Czech Republic is endowed with a huge number of architectural treasures. Prague, the capital city, has been called ‘the most handsome city in Europe’ since the 18th century.
Although beautiful, unemployment and population decline in the Czech countryside are rampant, thanks to more job opportunities in the large cities like Prague.
According to the United Nations, Czechia compares favorably with the rest of the world for inequality-adjusted human development.
Czech Republic at a glance
Capital: Prague
Timezone: UTC/GMT +1 hour
Languages: Czech 95.4%, Slovak 1.6%, Other 3%
Area: 78,866 KM2
Currency: Koruna (CZK)
Population: 10,476,000
Calling Code: +420
Travel to Czech Republic
The Czech Republic may not be the largest country, but for the visitor who can tear themselves away from the capital city of Prague, there is a rich and diverse land to be explored.
Areas such as the Cesky Raj, Krkonose, and Sumava mountains attract visitors for the outdoor pursuits, wildlife, flora, and fauna.
The highest point in the country is at Krkonose; its summit Snezka measures 5,2059ft.
For a largely non-religious country, the Czech Republic has many religious buildings. Amongst these are fifteen churches and twelve cathedrals that have been elevated to the rank of basilica by the Pope.
Beer is a popular beverage in the Czech Republic, and it is celebrated by numerous festivals. The Czech Beer Festival in Prague, the biggest of its kind, is usually held in May for 17 days.
Other beer festivals include Festival Slavnosti Piva v Českých Budějovicích, The Olomoucký pivní Festival, and the Pilsner Fest.
For a more relaxing vacation, visitors unwind in the many spa towns of which Jáchymov, Františkovy Lázně, Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně are the most popular.
Hosting four National Parks, outdoor opportunities abound in the Czech Republic. Visitors can choose from Bohemian Switzerland, Podyjí National Park, Šumava National Park (Biosphere Reserve) or the oldest of the four, Krkonoše National Park (Biosphere Reserve)
The Czech Republic’s excellent travel networks make journeying further afield in Europe a simple matter. Bus and train routes connect to popular European cities while the International airport in Prague has flights to and from all major international countries.
The US and the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic became a democracy in 1989, joined NATO in 1999 and became a member of the E.U. in 2004. All of these were clear indications of a desire towards a fuller integration in world markets.
The US and the Czech Republic are close economic partners and share membership of the following organizations
- United Nations
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- International Monetary Fund
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization
The two countries share an important alliance, especially in the areas of energy security and defense and diplomacy.
Travel between the countries is by direct flight or is easily reached via various European airports. Direct train travel from close neighboring European countries is an entertaining and educational way to travel.
When the ETIAS visa waiver system is introduced in 2021, travel authorization to Schengen zone countries will be obligatory. The Czech Republic, as a member of both the E.U. and the Schengen zone, has the same immigration policies as all other Schengen countries.
For members of the 60 countries that do not presently need a visa to enter the Schengen zone, the ETIAS will be a new requirement. Received after online application, the ETIAS still allows the 90-days of travel in the zone that travelers are accustomed to at present but gives authorities important information regarding visitors to Europe.
FAQ about ETIAS Czech Republic
List of US diplomatic offices in Czech Republic
The Embassy of USA in Praha, Czech Republic
Address: Tržiště 15 118 01 Praha 1 – Malá Strana Czech Republic
Phone: (+420) 257 022 000
Fax: +42 0 228883000
Email: support-czechrepublic@ustraveldocs.com
Facts: Stephen B. King – Ambassador
The Embassy of Czech Republic in Washington, USA
Address: 3900 Spring of Freedom St. NW Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 274-9100
Fax: (202) 966-8540
Email: washington@embassy.mzv.cz
Consulate of Czech Republic in New York, USA
Address: 321 East 73rd Street New York, NY 10021
Phone: (646) 422-3308
Fax: (646) 422-3311
Email: newyork@embassy.mzv.cz
Consulate of Czech Republic in Los Angeles, USA
Address: 10990 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100 Los Angeles, CA, 90024
Phone: +1 (310) 473-0889
Fax: +1 (310) 473-9813
Email: losangeles@embassy.mzv.cz