Czech Republic: Current Travel and Safety Information for Tourists

Travel and safety advisories have been updated for travelers planning a trip to the Czech Republic. The current advisory focuses on a warning about the risk of falling trees and debris in the western part of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park: Due to a fire, several hiking and biking trails, as well as popular hiking destinations, are currently closed. Travelers planning a hike or bike ride in this region should check for current closures in advance and must strictly follow prohibition signs, warning notices, and instructions from local emergency and safety personnel.

In addition to this immediate natural hazard, the advisory highlights general safety considerations in the country. Although the Czech Republic is generally considered a safe travel destination, petty crime does occur, particularly in cities with heavy tourist traffic such as Prague, as well as in popular vacation areas. Pickpocketing, car break-ins, and vehicle thefts occur primarily in crowded places such as tourist attractions, train stations, airports, and on public transportation. Travelers should therefore keep a close eye on their valuables, especially in crowds, and park vehicles in locked garages or guarded parking lots whenever possible.

Special caution is advised when using taxis in tourist hotspots, as unlicensed vehicles often wait there for customers. Radio taxis booked in advance are considered much more reliable. There is also a risk of receiving counterfeit money or bills of significantly lower value when exchanging money informally on the street—this practice is therefore generally discouraged. In bars and similar establishments, there have also been reports of inflated bills as well as isolated incidents of the use of sedatives followed by theft; therefore, food and drinks should not be left unattended.

Another risk of fraud involves vacation rentals: In some cases, scammers advertise apartments for rent online, demand advance payments, and upon check-in, it turns out that the accommodation has already been rented or does not even exist. Occasionally, individuals also pose as police officers to collect alleged fines. Genuine Czech police officers always wear a visible badge number on their uniform, usually on the shirt pocket, and are authorized only to exercise clearly defined powers, such as verifying identity or issuing fines in exchange for a receipt.

In emergencies, the police in the Czech Republic can be reached by dialing 158 or 112. Anyone wishing to file a report can contact any police station; however, if an interpreter is needed, there may be longer wait times. In Prague, a police station staffed by English- and German-speaking personnel is available around the clock. In addition to these safety considerations, travelers in mountainous regions during the winter months should be aware of the risk of avalanches off designated trails, while in the summer months, brush and forest fires, as well as occasional flooding following snowmelt or heavy rainfall, are major concerns.

Anyone wishing to carefully prepare for their trip to the Czech Republic should keep an eye on the formal entry requirements in addition to these safety guidelines. Depending on your nationality, different documents may be required; our overview page provides a summary of the relevant visa types. Once you know which document is required, you can conveniently submit your application via our online application form, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of your trip.