The Czech Republic Schengen Visa Requirements and Application Guidelines for UK Residents
Any UK citizen who holds either a full UK passport or a BOTC, BOC, BPP or BS passport can travel to the Czech Republic visa-free. However, many non-EU nationals who reside in the UK are still required to get a Schengen visa to travel to the Czech Republic.
In recent years, following visa liberalization policies for non-EU countries, the number of countries whose nationals require visas to travel to Europe has slightly dropped. Here is the list of nationalities that are still required to get a Schengen Visa to visit the Czech Republic and other Schengen states.
Below you can find more information on applying for a Czech Republic visa from the UK.
Who can apply for a Czech Republic Visa from within the UK?
Citizens of these countries residing in the UK and planning to visit the Czech Republic are required to get a Czech visa in order to be able to enter the Czech Republic. The main requirement is that you must have a UK residence permit valid for at least another three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Czech Republic / the Schengen Area.
Use theSchengen visa eligibility checkertool to find out if you qualify to apply for a Czech visa from the UK.
If you have a 3-month UK visa, you can extend it for three more months in order to be eligible to apply for a Czech Schengen visa from within the UK. You must apply for an extension before your visa expires and while you’re still in the UK. Find out moreon how to extend your UK visa.
You should apply for a visa via the appropriate Czech Embassy/Consulate/VAC in the UK if:
- The Czech Republic is the only Schengen country you plan on visiting
- The Czech Republic is your main destination (the country you will be staying the longest in)
- The Czech Republic is the first Schengen country you are visiting since you will be spending an equal amount of days in each Schengen country you plan to visit
In case you plan on staying in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residency permit, not a Czech Republic Schengen visa.
Please, note that if you are not a resident in the United Kingdom, you should apply at the Czech Republic Embassy/Consulate/VAC in your country of residence.
Czech Republic Visa application documents and requirements for UK residents
- A valid passport or Travel document. Please make sure:
- Your passport has been issued within the previous 10 years,
- Your passport has2 full blank pages, one for the visa stamp and an additional spare page,
- Your passport will be valid for at least three (3) months after the date you exit the Schengen Area.
- A valid UK residence permit or another form of Identity Card. The UK residency permit must be endorsed in the actual passport (or on a new biometric ID card)
- One application form filled out completely and signed by the applicant.
- One photo, which must be glued on the application form. Applications with stapled photographs will be rejected.
- Biometric data (This requirement only applies if you haven’t provided biometric data within the last 59 months):
- Fingerprints (Note: Children under the age of 12 are exempted from providing fingerprints)
- A copy of the passport bio page where the photo is included.
- A cover letterexplaining the purpose of the visit to the Czech Republic
- Proof of travel arrangements: Round trip flight/travel reservations or other proof of intended transport and complete itinerary of your visit to the Czech Republic (if several Schengen States will be visited or if the trip covers several Schengen States and non-Schengen countries).
- Travel Visa Insurance stating that you are covered in case of a medical emergency and repatriation not just in the Czech Republic but in the whole Schengen zone (minimum coverage of € 30.000). The Insurance policy can easily be purchased online from Europ Assistance.
- Proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic:
- Evidence of a hotel booking or rental agreement, or
- Invitation from your Czech host (family member, friend) with a copy of their passport
- Proof of financial subsistence:
- A recent statement of UK bank account for the last three months that shows funds of at least 30 £ (34.87 €) per day spent in the Czech Republic, or
- Proof of sponsorship, or
- Traveller’s cheques
Note: Cash is not considered proof of financial subsistence.
Note: Photocopies of the original documents should also be submitted and documents should not be more than one month old.
The documents listed above are documents required in all cases, regardless of the purpose of your visit in the Czech Republic. Depending on your employment status, here is a list of additional documents that are required for your visa application:
For employees:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary
For the self-employed:
- A copy of your business license
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
For foreign students in the UK:
- Proof of enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school or university
For retirees:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If unemployed and married to an EU citizen:
- A recent (less than 3 months old) Confirmation of Employment letter from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date.
- Spouse’s valid passport.
- An officially translated marriage certificate. The translation must be in English or Czech and must be certified as a true copy by the Embassy of the country where the marriage took place or by the Legalization Bureau of the Foreign Office in the UK.
Requirements for children under the age of 18
Parents or an adult guardian are required to accompany their underage children to the application centre at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in London. Also, minors who are granted a Czech Republic visa are not allowed to travel to the Czech Republic by themselves. They should be accompanied by an adult during their stay in the Czech Republic.
Required documents for visa application for underage children
- Proof of parent’s regular income (work contract with specified monthly income or a bank statement or business license)
- Notarized travel permission from parent (parental travel consent)
- If one parent lives in another country – their notarized parental travel consent
- A school attendance letter issued by the Head of School.
All documents provided should be legalized and be in of the following languages:
- English
- Czech
To find more about the documentation needed for applying for a visa to the Czech Republicclick here:https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/czech-republic-visa/
How to apply for a Czech Republic Visa from the UK?
To apply for a Czech Republic visa you must book an appointment with the Czech Embassy in London.This can be done in two ways:
- Through VFS Centres
List of public holidays
- 2 January
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- 1 May
- 8 May Victory Day
- 29 May
- 5 July
- 6 July
- 28 August
- 28 September
- 17 November
- 25 December
- 26 December
(Source: VFS Global)
The Czech Republic visa application processing time in the UK
You can apply for a Czech Republic Schengen visa 180 days before your planned trip. Usually, the visa application process takes around 2 weeks, therefore you are advised to apply well in advance of your planned trip.
For nationals of the following countries the processing time takes a minimum of 3 weeks (Source VFS Global):
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Bangladesh
- Belarus (Applies only to holders of diplomatic and service passports.)
- D.R. Congo
- Egypt (Does not apply to holders of diplomatic and service passports.)
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- North Korea
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Russian Federation (Applies only to holders of service passports.)
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia (Does not apply to holders of diplomatic passports.)
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tunisia
Czech Republic Visa fees for UK residents
Since the Czech Republic is a Schengen state, visa fees are the same as any other Schengen visa. These are the costs of a Czech Republic Schengen Visa when applying from UK:
| Schengen Visa Category (by age) | Fee in UK Pound | Fee in Euro |
| Adult | 73 £ | 80 € |
| Children between 6-12 years of age | 36.5 £ | 40 € |
| Children younger than 6 years of age | Free | Free |
Note: Keep in mind that these fees may change depending on currency fluctuations and can be paid only in UK Pounds. Payments can be made in cash and by credit or debit card
Visa fee exemptions
The following persons are exempted from visa fees:
- Children younger than 6 years of age
- Family members of an EU/EEA national
- Documents required for exemption:
- Original Marriage Certificate, or
- Civil Partnership Certificate
- Original full Birth Certificate
- EU/EAA national’s passport.
- Documents required for exemption:
- Persons travelling for the purpose of study or educational training
- School pupils.
- Undergraduates and postgraduates
- These persons must be accompanied by their teachers/professors
- Researchers from third countries
- NGO representatives younger than 25 years of age
The Czech Republic Visa fee discounts
For nationals of countries that have a visa facilitation agreement with the EU, visa applications cost only 35 € (30 £). Nationals of countries that are granted visa discounts for the Czech Republic are:
- Albania
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia*
- Russia
- Serbia
- Ukraine
Frequently Asked Questions about Czech Republic Visas
What happens if some of the required documents are missing?
You are required to submit full documentation on the day of the scheduled interview. Your application may be rejected if some documents are missing from the application. Although an incomplete application is not accepted, the consulate will inform you of the additional documents you need to provide
Can I apply for a Czech visa if my British residency permit expires soon?
To apply for a Czech visa your British residency permit must be valid for at least another 90 days.
Does a non-EU spouse of a UK national need a visa to the Czech Republic?
Yes, the non-EU spouse of a UK national requires a visa to travel to the Czech Republic.
Can a group apply together?
Group appointments are not possible. All applications should be submitted individually
Will I get my visa at the end of the process?
No, you are not guaranteed you will get a visa despite the fees you paid. Also, you should keep in mind that all fees are non-refundable. Should you decide to apply after your visa is refused you will have to make the same payments again.
What can I do my visa is refused?
If your visa is refused you can apply again at any time. However, you should pay attention to the reasons mentioned in the refusal letter in order to make amends where needed.
You can also appeal against the decision within 15 days from the refusal in writing. The letter should be sent to the Embassy. Your appeal will be examined within a period of 30 days by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Can I get my visa on the same day that I apply?
Normally, your visa cannot be issued on the same day that you apply. However, in cases of an extreme medical emergency, you are able to obtain a Czech visa on the same day you apply. You should keep in mind that the Embassy has the final word on this matter.
Related visa information for the UK Residents:
- French Visa for the UK Residents
- Spanish Visa for the UK Residents
- Italian Visa for the UK Residents
- Dutch visa for the UK residents
- Portuguese visa for the UK residents
- German visa for the UK residents
- Swedish Visa for the UK Residents
- Norwegian Visa for the UK Residents
Embassy & Consulates of the Czech Republic inthe United Kingdom
- Embassy of the Czech Republic in London, England
- Honorary Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Edinburg, United Kingdom
- Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Newtownards, United Kingdom
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FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Czech Republic from UK? ›
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
How do I book an appointment for a Czech visa? ›For the consular services, kindly send an email to consular_delhi@mzv.cz to arrange an appointment. Attestation of translation and superlegalisation of documents which are required for the visa/residence permit/employee card application are submitted along with the application.
Do I need a visa for Czech Republic from UK after Brexit? ›UK citizens travelling to the Czech Republic after December 31st, 2020 will fall into the third country citizens' category. For stays in the territory of the Czech Republic exceeding 90 days the UK citizens will have to request a long-term visa or long-term residence at the diplomatic mission of the Czech Republic.
How long does it take to get a visa for Czech Republic? ›The standard processing time is up to 15 calendar days. In particular cases only, the processing time may be prolonged up to 45 calendar days. The processing time starts when the visa application reaches the Embassy. It is recommended to submit an application at least 45 days prior the travel.
How much is Czech Republic visa fee? ›| - Schengen Visa - Airport Transit Visa (type A) | EUR 80 |
|---|---|
| - LONG-TERM VISA (type D) | CZK 2,500 |
| - RESIDENCE PERMIT (type D) | CZK 2,500 |
| - EMPLOYEE and Blue Card (type D) | CZK 5,000 |
| - Long-Term Visa for the purpose of entrepreneurship (type D) | CZK 5,000 |
You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
Which Schengen country gives visa easily? ›In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
How much bank balance is required for Czech visa? ›The applicant is required to possess at least 15x 2,980 CZK*. This amount increases by 2,980 CZK per each full month = 44,700 CZK + 2,980 for each full month.
How long does Prague visa take? ›You can apply for a Czech Republic Schengen visa 180 days before your planned trip. Usually, the visa application process takes around 2 weeks, therefore you are advised to apply well in advance of your planned trip.
How do I make an appointment for visa? ›- Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form online! ...
- Step 2 - Find the embassy nearest to you! ...
- Step 3 - Pay the non-refundable application fee. ...
- Step 4 - Schedule your visa appointment! ...
- Step 5 - Attend Your Visa Interview. ...
- Step 6 - Pick up your passport with visa.
Is Schengen visa appointment open? ›
Schengen Visa appointment will be released every Friday at 10:00 hrs; customer are requested to login in the appointment module at 10:00 hrs to book an appointment.
What visa is required for Czech Republic? ›For travelling to Czech Republic as a tourist or visitor, you will be required to apply for the short-term (Schengen) visa for up to 90 days. This visa for the short term is also known as the Schengen visa.
Do I need an ETIAS in 2022? ›All travellers, regardless of age, will be required to obtain an ETIAS, and the authorization will be valid for 3 years or until the date of passport expiry.
Who needs a visa for Czech Republic? ›Travelers will need a Visa for Czech Republic if they are a citizen of a non-Schengen country without a visa-free travel agreement with the area. Citizens from the U.K., the U.S.A., Australia or Canada do not require an entry visa for for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the whole Schengen Area).
How do I get a Czech visa from UK? ›- A valid passport or Travel document. ...
- A valid UK residence permit or another form of Identity Card. ...
- One application form filled out completely and signed by the applicant.
- One photo, which must be glued on the application form.
The Czech Republic (official short name: Czechia) is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter the Czech Republic for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.
Is Czech Republic part of Schengen? ›Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland have all acceded to the Schengen Agreement and are thus ...
Do you need passenger locator form for Prague? ›All passengers travelling to the Czech Republic have to fill the Public Health Passenger Locator Form before entering the country. After a completed form is sent, you will receive a confirmation email.