Are you interested in traveling to the Czech Republic as a short-term visitor? You will need a Czech Republic Schengen visa if you are not from a visa-exempt country or are a Schengen citizen. Citizens from other Schengen countries don't need a visa to enter the Czech Republic unless they plan to stay for more than 90 days. The same is the case for those from countries that enjoy Czech Republic visa waivers.
Czech At A Glance
Czech is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe with a rich culture. The country was once known as Czechoslovakia before being divided into two independent states; Czech Republic and Slovakia Republic. Prague is the Czech Republic's historical capital and its largest city. It remains one of the most prestigious cities in the old region of Bohemia. It is one of the most significant cities in the whole of Eastern Europe, culturally and economically.
Visitors to Prague will be in awe because of its picturesque landscapes and architectural wonders. There are large palaces and churches, monasteries, and Gothic castles, and the grandest of them is Prague Castle, built in the 9th century. Today the massive complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is adjudged the world's largest Castle covering 70,000 square feet.
Today the Czech economy has evolved and stabilized, with a large section of its population maintaining middle and upper-middle-class living standards. Despite being a member of the European Union and the Schengen zone, the Czech Republic doesn't use the Euro currency. Still, it maintains its national currency, called the Czech Koruna, to its 10.6 million population.
Czech Schengen Visas
The Czech Republic Schengen visa is recognized by the other Schengen States in the zone. After signing the official Agreement in 2003 and becoming an official member in 2007, the country became a borderless State, and citizens could move freely in and out of the various EU countries. The Schengen visa issued by the Czech authorities is also recognized by the other 26 member states in the region.
Just like the visa issued by other states, this Czech visa is valid for six months and becomes active from the date of issue. Furthermore, it allows visit any Schengen state, including the Czech Republic, and stay for up to 90 days. This short-visit visa can be used for transit, tourist, or business purposes; you can also visit family and friends for short visits or to attend festivals and sporting events. If you plan to visit and stay for a little while, this is the visa to apply for.
Note: If you wish to stay for more than 90 days kindly apply for a Czech national visa.
Who Is Eligible For A Schengen Visa?
This visa is for nationals from non-Schengen countries that are not on the visa free list. African countries and the majority of Latin American and Asian countries fall into this category, and some Caribbean countries also make a list.
Standard Documents For Schengen Visa
Here are the standard documents for a Schengen visa
A Completed Czech Schengen Visa Application Form: You will need to submit a valid application form duly signed and completed bearing all your details. No section must be left empty.
Passport: Based on the rules for visitors coming into the Schengen Area, you cannot use a passport that was issued more than ten years ago. It must have at least a minimum validity of three months and a minimum of two pages for immigration stamps at the entry and exit points.
Medical Insurance: Travelers must have a valid travel insurance policy to cover any medical bills or emergencies they may encounter. The policy should guarantee medical coverage.
Proof of funds: A statement of account showing proof of funds to cover daily expenses.
Cover Letter: A signed letter explaining the purpose of the trip.
Proof of Applicants Accommodation: Evidence of accommodation. The embassy will demand this document. You may provide a hotel reservation or a confirmed house address.
Round Trip Itinerary: A round trip itinerary and flight reservation showing confirmed arrival and departure dates.
Where To Get A Czech Schengen Visa
If you want to apply for a Schengen visa, you need to visit the nearest embassy. If there is none, the only other option you have is to apply via a visa application center. Check for the licensed center and book an interview appointment with them. Arrange and submit all the required documents as highlighted above and pay the visa application fee through the approved methods. The standard visa fee is 80€, but applicants between 6-11 only pay 40€ while applicants under six and above 80 years of age pay nothing as fees.
The Czech Republic Schengen visa is the required travel document for those who are not from visa-exempt countries or Schengen countries.