Do I Need ETIAS for the Czech Republic? A Complete Guide for Travelers

If you’re planning a trip to The Czech Republic and wondering whether or not you need to apply for ETIAS, you have come to the right place!

Millions of people travel to the Czech Republic each and every year, visiting amazing landmarks like Prague Castle, and enjoying the country’s historic beer and tantalizing folk music.

If you’re one of the many travelers planning a trip to Czechia, there are a few things that you need to know to properly prepare and make your trip a success… and one of those is ETIAS.

This article will explain everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming visit to Prague, Pilsen, or wherever else you may be visiting in this wonderful country!

Do I need ETIAS to visit the Czech Republic?

Yes, from 2025 on, you will need ETIAS to visit the Czech Republic if you are from a visa-exempt country (this includes the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and others).

If you have a Czech/Schengen passport, are a citizen of the Czech Republic, or hold a valid Schengen visa, you do not need ETIAS. Additionally, if you are a citizen of a country that is not visa-exempt (China, India, Russia, and others), you do not need ETIAS either.

It is important to note that ETIAS is not a visa. ETIAS is an authorization to travel into the Schengen area.

Do I need ETIAS if I have a Czech visa?

Nope! If you hold a valid Czech visa (or Schengen visa), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. When it comes to visas and ETIAS, it’s a “one or the other” situation.

Additionally, Schengen nationals do not need ETIAS.

How to apply for ETIAS for the Czech Republic

Applying for an ETIAS for your trip to the Czech Republic should only take 10-20 minutes and can be done entirely online.

Just follow a few simple steps:

• Fill out the form on ETIAS with a few personal details. This includes your name, travel details, nationality, and passport number.
• Answer a few questions about your personal history. According to the official European Union website, you’ll be asked to share your parents’ first names, current occupation, and level of education. You’ll also be asked about any past criminal convictions.
• Once completed, pay a small fee: There is an application fee that can be paid using a credit or debit card (expect to pay 7 euros. For those under the age of 18 and over the age of 70, the ETIAS application is free of charge).
• Wait for approval: Usually, ETIAS approval is immediate. Keep in mind that, while uncommon, approval can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.
• Travel to the Czech Republic!: Once your ETIAS is approved, it will be automatically linked to your passport for authorities to see. However, it never hurts to print out your approval, just in case.

Your approved ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. When it’s time to reapply, simply repeat the steps above.

If I get an ETIAS for the Czech Republic, can I travel to other Schengen countries with it?

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS allows you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

ETIAS for the Czech Republic: What to Know

• ETIAS is required for visitors to The Czech Republic who do not have a Schengen visa/passport from 2025 on.
• The ETIAS application is online and only takes a few minutes.
• Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• Czechian/Schengen country citizens do not need ETIAS.
• Current Czechia visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• The ETIAS application costs 7 euros (but is free for those under the age of 18 or over 70).
• ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization that permits you to enter a Schengen country.
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea.
• US citizens will need ETIAS to visit The Czech Republic from 2025 on.
• ETIAS permits you to enter any Schengen country and Cyprus, but entry isn’t guaranteed and will be decided by local border guards.
• UK citizens will need ETIAS to visit The Czech Republic from 2025 on.
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application.
• Approval is usually granted in minutes but can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.