Czech Republic | Czechia

Quick Overview

Capital: Prague
Population: 10.5 million
Official language: Czech
Time zone: Central European Time (CET), Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Emergency #: 112
Vaccinations required: No
Risk of malaria: No
Climate Info

Czech Republic | Czechia: Travel Health Information

The Czech Republic is known for its rich art, culture, and history. It is home to a seemingly endless landscape of beautiful architecture within medieval towns and cities - including Prague, nicknamed the Golden City.

Healthcare

The standards for patient care and medical services in the Czech Republic may differ from your home country. The Czech Republic has both public and private health sectors that generally provide an adequate standard of care. Healthcare outside of major cities may not meet international standards.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals in the Czech Republic typically require upfront payment in cash or credit card, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Complex emergencies may require medical evacuation to Western Europe. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in the Czech Republic.

The Czech Republic generally has a pharmacy in every town. Prescriptions for medications must be obtained from a doctor and prescription drugs cannot be purchased without one. Pharmacists are trained and licensed and service is usually timely.

If you are travelling with medication, check with the Czech Republic’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. If your medication is a psychotropic or narcotic, you can review the Czech Republic’s regulations on the International Narcotics Control Board. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.

Road safety

Roads in the Czech Republic are generally well maintained. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers at all times. For cyclists, helmets are required by law for all riders under 18 years of age.


  • Czech Tourism. Czech Republic: Land of Stories. Czech Tourism.
  • Department of Asylum and Migration Policy. Medical Humanitarian Programme MEDEVAC. Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. (2017).
  • Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC. Travelling with Medication. Czech Foreign Ministry.
  • European Road Safety Observatory. Traffic Safety Basic Facts 2015 Road Safety Urban Areas Country Overview: Czech Republic. European Commission.
  • Jan Alexa, Lukás Recka Jana Votápková, Ewout van Ginneken Anne Spranger, Friedrich Wittenbecher. Health System Review: Czech Republic. World Health Organization. (2015).
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