Czech Republic prohibits entry for unvaccinated American tourists

After two months, the U.S. returns to the Czech Republic's list of very high-risk nations for COVID-19, leading to a temporary ban on unvaccinated Americans from visiting as tourists starting this week.

Due to the ongoing increase in COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the Czech Republic has limited entry to vaccinated American travelers only, banning unvaccinated individuals from nonessential visits, including tourism, as announced by the Czech Ministry of the Interior on August 20.

This restriction applies to any citizens from countries not classified as low or extremely low risk for COVID-19 by the Czech Ministry of Health, as well as third-country citizens who have temporary or permanent residence in those nations.

The Czech Republic's Ministry of Health categorizes very high-risk countries as those with a two-week cumulative COVID-19 case rate of 500 or more, along with a positivity rate and testing rate of at least 300 per 100,000 persons. Israel was also added to the high-risk list this week.

"These countries shall also encompass those European Union Member States where community transmission of new SARS-CoV-2 variants is prevalent," the protective measure states. Certain exceptions are noted, including for third-country permanent residents in the Czech Republic and foreign nationals who have spent at least 14 days in a low-risk country prior to entering the Czech Republic, along with other specific individuals mentioned in the measure.

The updated guidelines do not impact vaccinated travelers from the U.S., who may still visit the Czech Republic as tourists by providing proof of vaccination showing at least 14 days have passed since their last dose. Accepted vaccines include AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. Additionally, travelers are required to complete an online Passenger Form, according to the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, D.C. A negative COVID-19 test is no longer necessary for entry for vaccinated individuals.

Unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. who qualify for specific entry exemptions must present proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departing for the Czech Republic (antigen tests are not accepted). Upon arrival, these travelers must quarantine until they receive negative results from a PCR test taken on the fifth day.

Unvaccinated children aged 6 to 12 may accompany vaccinated parents but are required to take a PCR test upon arrival and quarantine until they receive negative test results. As of July 31, pre-testing requirements have been lifted for this age group.

Since June, the country has welcomed both vaccinated and unvaccinated American tourists, although a negative COVID-19 test has been necessary to enter certain venues, such as hotels, restaurants, and museums.

"There are no direct flights from the U.S. to the Czech Republic," states the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, D.C. "Please verify with transit countries if you will be permitted to travel to the Czech Republic and return to the USA."