Main changes to the conditions of entry to the territory of the Czech Republic (entering into force from April 14th, 2020 – 0:00)
With effect from April 14th, 2020 (0:00) new conditions of entry to the territory of the Czech Republic shall apply for the duration of the state of emergency.
Main changes to the conditions are summarized below, detailed information is available at the Ministry of the Interior’s website:
The general prohibition of travel from the Czech Republic is ended
Foreigners residing in the Czech Republic, like Czech citizens, will be able to travel abroad, now with the possibility of returning during the state of emergency. The purpose of travel must be in accordance with the exceptions to the prohibition of free movement imposed by the Ministry of Health. It is therefore limited to necessary and justified cases only (e.g. fulfilment of official duties, work abroad, etc.), which will have to be proven individually to the police at border crossings. Diplomatic notice from an embassy is therefore no longer required.
Mandatory quarantine for everyone
Everyone returning to the Czech Republic (both citizens and foreigners) must undergo a 14-day ordered mandatory quarantine. Only clearly defined cases of journeys shorter than 24 hours are subject to the exception from the ordered mandatory quarantine. It also does not apply to cross-border workers in healthcare and social services, integrated rescue system and critical infrastructure workers whose stay is shorter than 14 days; however, a diplomatic note from the destination country embassy is required for these cases.
Family reunification
The permission to enter the Czech Republic is newly extended to spouses and underage children of EU citizens residing in the Czech Republic. The permission only applies to those family members who are already authorised to enter the Czech Republic. However, they must announce the date and means of transport to the Czech Republic to a relevant Czech embassy in advance. They will also be subject to ordered mandatory quarantine upon entering the Czech Republic.
Prohibition of entry to foreigners (including EU citizens), with the exception of those with a valid residence permit, remains effective.
One-off transit through the territory of the Czech Republic remains possible
As up to now, the transit of EU citizens or foreigners with a residence permit in another EU Member State on the way back to their home country is possible, supported by a diplomatic note from the home country embassy. It is newly necessary to exit the Czech Republic within 24 hours in order to avoid mandatory quarantine.
