Czech Republic Travel Guide
Passports, Visas etc.
UK and US citizens need to take a passport. Make sure they do not expire for a clear eight months after your visit.
Citizens of western European countries and New Zealand do not need visas for stays up to 3 months. Citizens from UK, Eire and Canada can stay for 6 months without a visa but US citizens can only stay for a month without a visa. Visa extensions can be obtained at police stations throughout the country. Do not leave it until the last minute before getting one. Passports can be used as ID but it is advisable to carry a photocopy and leave the real thing safely at your hotel.
Safety Advice
The Czech Republic is a safe place to visit overall. The main concern is crowded tourist areas that attract small time pickpockets and bag snatchers. Never openly carry anything of value and be careful of possessions at all times. Follow normal common sense rules, avoid badly lit areas, and try not to travel alone, tell someone what your itinerary is, and don't leave things on display in vehicles. This is especially true in Prague where car crime is becoming more of a problem.
The Roads
Drive on the right hand side of the road. Roads are good quality and cover the country comprehensively. Off the main routes the roads can be a little convoluted.
Travelling on the main motorways may mean paying a toll. Car ownership is lower than in the UK or US subsequently congestion is not much of a problem. Stick to the speed limit and as with several other countries in Europe drink driving attracts heavy fines and the legal limit is no alcohol at all.
Stay Healthy
Health standards are generally OK in the main urban areas but not so high out in the sticks. Use bottled water where possible and be careful with food preparation. Inoculation against Hepatitis A and tetanus is a good idea but not mandatory. Emergency medical care is free to all visitors as is first aid administered outside a hospital. EU citizens are entitled to free emergency care. You may need to produce your passport in support of your nationality. Despite this, everyone should ensure they have ample insurance to cover any eventuality.
Take sensible precautions against the effects of the sun.
Winters can be bitterly cold so again take the normal precautions.
In the summer months in the countryside, tick borne illness can be a problem, encephalitis and Lyme disease being the possible outcome. Take preventative measures, wear long clothing and insect repellent, if bitten seek medical advice. If you are planning on working in rural areas then a vaccine against tick encephalitis may be worth considering.
Insurance
Take out adequate insurance to cover health, accident, and theft of money and possessions. If you hit problems with theft, you may need a police report in English for your insurers. You may need consular help in acquiring this.
Law and Order
Class A drugs, use of, possession of or dealing in attract harsh penalties. Hash is more leniently viewed although to be on the safe side you are advised to steer clear of the drug trade altogether.
Cash and Plastic
Traveller's cheques are easily changed, credit cards are readily accepted and ATM machines are widely available. The Euro is likely to be more readily exchanged than Sterling.
Climate and When to Go
It can rain at any time so be prepared. Summers are usually quite warm and the winters can be freezing cold especially in the mountains. Prague in the winter is grim for asthma sufferers; pollution is high and the climate cold and damp.
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