ETIAS for the Czech Republic (2026)

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 may be the European Travel Information Authorisation System, simply referred to as ETIAS.

Who needs ETIAS for the Czech Republic

Starting at the end of 2026, travelers from dozens of countries will have to apply for ETIAS before they visit the Czech Republic.

If you are a citizen of the US, Canada, UK, and many others, this applies to you.

This new authorization is similar to others that exist around the world. For instance, visa-exempt travelers visiting the US have to apply for ESTA (The Electronic System for Travel Authorization). In 2024, the United Kingdom launched its own version, too, ETA.

Travelers who don't need a visa to visit the Czech Republic will have to apply for ETIAS once the system goes live. Right now, that should be sometime at the end of 2026.

There are a few exemptions

Not everyone needs to apply. If you are a dual citizen of an EU/Schengen country, ETIAS is not required, even if that country isn't the Czech Republic. The same is true if you hold a valid visa for a Schengen country, such as a long-stay visa.

There are a few other exemptions in very specific cases, like for some refugees or those holding diplomatic passports. You can find all of the exact exemptions on the official ETIAS website's exemptions section here.

Additionally, if you are a citizen of a country that is not visa-exempt (China, India, South Africa, and others), you do not need ETIAS either. Instead, you need to apply for a Schengen visa for the Czech republic. In that case, check out our in-depth Czech Republic visa guide.

About your Czech ETIAS

When you apply for an ETIAS to visit the Czech Republic, you're actually applying for a "general ETIAS". This means that your ETIAS, once approved, is valid across all Schengen countries (there are 29 in total). It isn't tied solely to the Czech Republic.

The next time you travel to a Schengen country (such as Poland, Germany, Austria, etc.), you won't need to apply for a separate, new ETIAS, so long as yours is still valid. It's also the case if you're traveling to Cyprus.

With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

ETIAS is valid for three years maximum, or until your passport expires (whichever happens first). Once either of those things happens, you will need to reapply the next time you plan to travel to a Schengen country.

The entire process isn't a long and complicated procedure. Travelers will need to provide some information online and pay the fee. Once that is done, most people can expect to receive their approval in just a few minutes.

One thing that's important to understand is a Czech ETIAS isn't the same thing as a Czech visa. ETIAS doesn't allow you to work (even remotely), look for jobs, establish residency, or stay longer than 90 days.

It also doesn't take the place of a visa. Czech visas (for Schengen visits or for long stays) will still exist.

How to apply for ETIAS for Czechia

Note: ETIAS isn't required yet. Once it is, this page will be updated.

Unlike other migration processes, getting ETIAS for Czechia takes a few minutes and is entirely online or via a mobile app (which has yet to be launched).

The entire application process shouldn't take long (15-20 minutes), and as detailed above, most people receive their approval in a few minutes.

You'll need to share some personal information about yourself and your travel plans (it's ok if your travel plans end up changing later). The information includes things like your name, passport number, nationality, and occupation. There's also a section on any past criminal convictions. You can learn more about what questions you'll be asked on their official FAQ page.

Once you've answered all of the required questions, you'll be required to pay the application fee (if you're between the ages of 18 and 70. It is waived for minors and seniors 70+).

Getting an ETIAS for the Czech Republic costs 20 euros per person (around $23). You can use a debit or credit card.

After everything is complete, in most cases, you'll receive an email in just a few minutes telling you that you have been approved. Once you get that email, that's it. There's nothing to do or print out. Everything will be digitally linked to your passport.

Special situations

While approval should be fast, it may not always be. It can take up to 96 hours to receive a response.

In some cases, your file could be flagged for a manual check. More information could be needed in order for a decision to be made. If this happens, you will receive an email (within 96 hours of submission) requesting more information. You may also be asked to come in for an in-person interview. If any of these things are needed, a final decision could take up to 30 days.

Alternatively, it is possible for your Czech ETIAS application to be denied. Should this happen, you'll receive an email letting you know that your application was rejected, and why. There will also be information on your options, such as the appeal process.

All-in-all, once launched, ETIAS will be absolutely mandatory, which means you won't be able to travel to the Czech Republic without it.

Do I need ETIAS to travel to the Czech Republic?

Do I need ETIAS for Prague?

How much does ETIAS for the Czech Republic cost?

Sources

General information from the EU:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias/

The Czech Government: https://mzv.gov.cz/jnp/en/information_for_aliens/news/information_on_etias.html