Does the Czech Republic require Schengen visa from all visitors? This is a common question asked by first-time travelers or interested travelers to Europe. While it is true that Schengen visas are a thing as far as European trips are concerned, not all visitors must have one before they can enter the country.
Schengen visas are only required from travelers who are citizens of non-visa-exempt countries. Visa-exempt countries have travel agreements with Schengen countries, so their citizens don't require visas to enter the country. If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need this visa before making the trip to the Czech Republic.
Czech Republic In The Schengen Area
The Czech Republic is one of the countries in the Schengen zone, with the same borderless policies as other member states. Based on the current count, there are 27 countries in the zone, all of whom joined at different times. Croatia is the newest member of the bloc, which has already signed the Schengen Agreement and will become an official member in 2024.
By virtue of signing the Schengen Agreement some years back, the Czech Republic started issuing Schengen visas to travelers through its foreign missions abroad. In the same vein, it also allows visitors who have visas issued by other Schengen states into its borders.
Schengen Visa Uses
Schengen visas are used mainly for short visits to the Schengen zone, and this is because the visa has only a short validity of 180 days. Different visa types are issued depending on the purpose of the trip, and they are as follows.
Transit: Travelers journeying to other countries can make brief stops in the Schengen zone to switch flights. With a transit visa, you can stay in the Czech Republic for a few days, but this visa is optional if you have no intention of leaving the airport.
Tourism: There is a tourist visa for tourists who wish to spend their holidays in the country. With this visa, you can enter the Czech and visit any part of the country. Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful capitals, attracting millions of visitors every year. You can visit different areas in the city or travel to other parts of the country to get a taste of Czech culture.
Business: This is another type of Schengen visa for business persons. If you are a professional or investor coming for a meeting, seminar, or event, this is the visa you should apply for.
Medical Care: Patients needing medical care may apply for a Schengen visa, but the embassy will request the admission letter issued to them by the medical facility in the country.
Study: You can also avail of this visa to study a short course for at least three months.
Cultural Exchange: Persons coming for sports, religious, cultural, or any other social event may do so on a cultural exchange visa.
Official: Officials of foreign governments coming for special assignments are issued visas.
As you can see from the above list, all these visas are short-term and not long-term visas.
Does Czech Republic Require Schengen Visa?
Aside from your nationality, you must also know why you want to come to the Czech Republic and how long you plan to stay. If you intend to stay for more than 90 days, the Schengen visa is not for you; instead, you should apply for a national visa with a longer validity of one year and above.
Travelers should also note that labor laws prevent visitors with this visa from working during their stay in the country.
The visa does not also grant them access to residency permits. Schengen visas are primarily for short-term visits of up to 90 days.
Czech Schengen Visa Fees
The application fee for this visa is mandatory before you can submit your documents for processing. This fee will not be reimbursed to you if your visa application is rejected eventually. Also note that how much you pay for it will depend on your age. That standard fee for applicants 12 years and older is €80, while children from 6 to 11 pay €40. Those below six years do not pay a dime for the application.
Besides the application fee, you may incur extra fees if you use the services of a visa application center. In some countries, visa centers cannot be avoided as the embassy only accepts applications through them. So when planning for your application, set a separate fee aside for their service if you have to use them.
Which Documents Do I Need?
You will need to submit the following.
Completed application form
Passport with a minimum of three months validity
Cover letter
Proof of funds
Proof of accommodation
Invitation letter, if applicable
Travel Itinerary
Round-trip flight ticket
Travel health insurance
Does the Czech Republic require Schengen visa? This visa is only meant for travelers from non-visa-exempt countries.