Czech Republic
About
| A historic jewel in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic has a lot to offer for such a small country. No bigger than Scotland or South Carolina, it's crammed with fairy-tale castles, medieval towns, elegant spa resorts and scenic national parks. And to further enhance its appeal, it's the birthplace of the world's finest beer. Join the locals and get a different perspective on Prague by taking a cruise along the Vltava River, either downstream to Prague Zoo, or upstream to the Slapy Dam. Indulge yourself with a spa treatment among the hot springs and mineral baths of West Bohemia's famous spa resorts - opulent Karlovy Vary which once attracted the crowned heads of Europe, Marianské Láznì and Františkovy Láznì. There is hiking and rock climbing amid the spectacular scenery of the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, whose bizarre landscape bristles with sandstone pinnacles, contorted canyons and wildlife-filled forests. Enjoy the slopes at the Czech Republic's good-value ski resorts - try Spindleruv Mlyn for downhill skiing, Zacler for snowboarding (both in Krkonoše), and Zadov (in Šumava) for cross-country. |
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| Capital: | Prague (PRG) |
| Currency: | Koruna (CZK) |
| Language: | Czech. English and German are widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 420 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday March to last Sunday October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | May – June & September |
| Best for: | UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Hot springs & Mineral Baths, Archaeological & Religious Sites, Historical Sites |
| Plugs: | Generally 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most major hotels have standard international two-pin razor plugs. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | It is considered polite to say ‘dobrý den’ (good day) when you meet someone, and ‘na shledanou’ (goodbye) when you leave. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Drunken behaviour and drinking in public is punishable by law. |
| Duty Free: | The Czech Republic is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Czech Republic by travellers over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco • 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages up to 22% volume • 4L of wine • 16L of beer • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €200 for children under 15). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Explosives are prohibited. Firearms and ammunition are only permitted with a licence. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Prohibited or restricted exports include veterinary goods, items of cultural value, weapons, ammunition, explosives and narcotics. |
Issuing Authorities
The Embassy of the Czech Republic
936 Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: 012 431 2380
E-mail: pretoria@mzv.gov.cz
Website: www.mzv.cz/pretoria
Monday to Friday 07:45 - 16:15
Visa Section: Mon - Thur 09:00-12:00
Email: consulate_pretoria@mzv.cz
Consular days in Cape Town: The Consular Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria regularly performs consular services in Cape Town. Please email consulate_pretoria@mzv.cz and they will advise you when the date is set.
The embassy only deals with long-term visas, or short-term visas for certain categories. In general, all Schengen visa applications are through VFS Global.
The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria is accredited to 9 countries: Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Angola, Republic of Botswana, Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Mozambique and the Republic of Namibia.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18, 21; May 1, 8; Jul 5-6; Sep 28; Oct 28; Nov 17; Dec 24-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 3, 6; May 1, 8; Jul 5-6; Sep 28; Oct 28; Nov 17; Dec 24-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Czech Republic is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Czech Republic, you must apply at the Embassy of Czech Republic / Visa Application Centre.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
APPLICATIONS THROUGH VFS GLOBAL
In order to apply, you will need to book an appointment at your closest VFS office. Please take note of required documents to be brought with. Biometrics will be taken at the time of appointment. If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.
Tel: 012 425 3009
Email: info.czza@vfshelpline.com
Web: www.vfsglobal.com/CzechRepublic/SouthAfrica
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 - 12:30 and 13:30 - 17:00
Applications by appointment only.
Cape Town: 8th Floor 2 Long Street, Cape Town
Durban: Unit 409, 4th Floor, 91-123 Cowey Road(Problem Mkhize), Essenwood
Johannesburg: 1st Floor Rivonia Village, cnr Rivonia boulevard and Mutual, Sandton
Pretoria: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
See General Schengen Requirements. NOTE: All documents must be originals, and in English.
In addition to the General Schengen Requirements:
- Please note that the Czech Republic DOES NOT accept South African Temporary passports
- A filled in checklist.
- An original application form for Schengen visa (A4) (www.mzv.cz/visaform) filled in completely and legibly and signed by the applicant (or the legal guardian for children).
- Copy of the bio page of passport
- Official Invitation from the person to be visited, if applicable, certified by the Alien Police inspectorate in the Czech Republic (it is required when a physical or a legal person invites the applicant to the Czech Republic and provides accommodation, financial support or other from the requirements list).
Visa Processing Time
Apply at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. You cannot apply more than 6 months before the visit.
Visa Validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
VFS Service Fee: EUR 21 (ZAR 412)
Fees are payable in rands at VFS Application Centres. Please contact VFS for exchange rates.
SA Representative
SA Embassy:
Ruská 65, Prague 10, 100 00
Tel: + 420 267 311 114
E-mail: prague.consular@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/prague/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
