Geographical Position, Climate
The Czech Republic (comprising Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia) is situated in the
centre of Europe, at 48-51 degrees North latitude. It has common borders with Germany,
Poland, the Slovak Republic, and Austria. The prevailing continental climate is
characterised by mild winters and warm summers. The mean annual temperature is 10°C,
in the summer 20°C, and in winter -5°C.
Entrance to the Czech Republic and Visas
The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union.
There are different rules for citizens of other EU member countries than for tourists from other parts of the world.
Citizens of EU member states need a passport or other ID document to enter the Czech Republic. The same is true for citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, who enjoy free movement around the EEA (European Economic Area).
Visitors from other countries require a passport with at least six months validity on the day of arrival and in some cases a visa. A list of states whose citizens require a visa to enter the Czech Republic can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Medical treatment provided for a fee is stipulated by the appropriate Czech regulations
or by international agreements made between the government of the respective state
and that of the Czech Republic.
Visitors from abroad are recommended to arrange their own insurance before travelling
to the Czech Republic.
When you drive a car in the Czech Republic you are required to have with you:
- A valid driving licence; the Czech Republic recognises the national driving licences of most countries;
- A vehicle registration document;
- A car insurance certificate (Green Card) for the period covering the use of the
car in the Czech Republic; all vehicles must have valid compulsory vehicle insurance
for accident liability.
The use of seat belts is compulsory. The permissible blood alcohol level for drivers is 0.00 %.
In urban areas, 50 km/hr; outside urban areas, 90 km/hr; motorways, 130 km/hr; railway
crossings, 30 km/hr.
Motorway toll sticker
The prices of motorway stickers fall into one of the following three
categories: passenger cars (up to 3.5 tonnes), minibuses (from 3.5-12 tonnes) and
coaches (over 12 tonnes). The weight is calculated for the whole transport stock
- e.g., a passenger car with a caravan belongs to the higher category. Motorway
toll stickers can be bought at border crossing points, at petrol stations, all offices
of the Czech Postal Service, and other selected outlets.
Fuel and Oil
All kinds of petrol and diesel oil can be purchased at petrol stations in the Czech
Republic for the local currency. Approx. petrol price: EUR 1.1 per litre.
Public Holidays in the Czech Republic
- 1 January - New Year's Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- 1 May - Labour Day
- 8 May - Day of Liberation from Fascism
- 5 July - Day of the Slavic Missionaries, Cyril and Methodius
- 6 July - Day Commemorating the Death of John Huss at the Stake
- 28 September - Czech Statehood Day
- 28 October - Anniversary of Czechoslovakia's Independence
- 17 November - Fight for Freedom and Democracy Day
- 24-26 December - Christmas
Name: The Czech Republic
Area: 79 000 sq. km
Population: 10.5 million inhabitants
Capital: Praha (Prague) - 1.2 million inhabitants
Other cities: Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň (Pilsen), Olomouc, Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), České Budějovice, Hradec Králové
Currency: Czech Crown (CZK / Kč)
Language: Czech (a Slavic language)
Time: GMT + 1 (Summer time April-Sept: GMT + 2)
Other important information
Voltage, Sockets and Plugs
220V, European norm, three-pole earthed plugs have two pins and a hole in the plug
and one pin with two holes in the socket.
The Czech Republic has direct-dialling telephone lines with all European and most
overseas countries. The dialling code for the Czech Republic from abroad is +420.
Opening Hours at Places of Interest
Museums, Galleries, Castles, Chateaux
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Most castles are closed during state holidays and from November to March. Prominent
castles, e.g., Prague Castle & Karlštejn Castle, are open throughout the entire
Typical Products and Souvenirs
Glass, porcelain, folk ceramics, jewellery, costume jewellery, footwear, lace, Pilsner
Urquell Beer, Budvar Beer, South Moravian and Bohemian wines, Becherovka liqueur,
and other specialities such as Prague ham, etc.