The close proximity to the Czech border makes it easy for ArberLand visitors to make a short trip or day excursion to the neighbouring Bohemian Forest. Check lists, immigration, customs and money regulations: we tell you what you need to know about travelling to Czech Republic.

Entry regulations for Czech Republic
EU Citizens:
The Czech Republic has been a member of the EU since 2004 and joined the Schengen area on 21st December 2007. The border controls between the neighbouring countries therefore no longer exist. Within the Schengen area, citizens of member countries can cross the borders without having their papers checked. The requirement to carry a passport or identity card still exists.

Citizens of non-EU Countries:
Citizens of other countries need to have a passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Citizens of some countries need a valid visa.

Check List for Trips to the Czech Republic
For journeys to EU countries, especially Czech Republic and Poland, the following items are necessary or advisable:

For each person:

For car drivers:
For cyclists:
Taking Animals into the Czech Republic
Anyone who wants to take an animal into the Czech Republic has to observe the regulations of the country from which the animal is being taken as well as the regulations for taking animals through Czech Republic.

Requirement for Entering the Country with Animals:
Money, Debit and Credit Cards in Czech Republic
The official currency in Czech Republic is the Czech Crown (CZK). Czech Republic has been a member of the EU since 1st May 2004 but is unlikely to adopt the Euro before 2012.

Payment can be made in Czech Republic in cash or by card. Most supermarkets, electrical shops, petrol stations and restaurants also accept Euros, but be careful of the exchange rate being used. Money can be changed at banks and numerous exchange kiosks.

There are many ATMs in Czech Republic, at which all the common international cards can be used to obtain cash (Visa, MasterCard, Plus, Maestro, Cirrus and many other.). In most shops, petrol stations and restaurants, the bill can be paid with credit or debit cards.

Customs Regulations
There are limits on the quantities of certain goods which can be imported. If these limits are exceeded, import duty has to be paid and the exact quantity has to be stated.

The permitted quantity of goods varies according to the country of origin. Higher volumes are allowed between EU states than from non-EU states.

Import of Money
Import of more than €15,000 in the form of cash, travellers’ cheques or vouchers has to be registered with the Czech Ministry of Finance on a form which can be obtained from customs offices.

Tax Refunds
Tourists from non-EU countries can apply for a refund of VAT for items costing more than CZK 2,000. To obtain this refund it is necessary to present the customs official at the border with a stamped receipt and export document, and prove that the goods are being exported. The refund can be obtained when returning to the Czech Republic either directly from the shop where it was bought or at Prague Ruzyne airport. The right to receive the tax refund lapses if it is not taken up within 6 calendar months of the end of the month in which the item was bought.

Czech Public Holidays
On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, most offices and banks are closed. On Sunday and holidays, most shops are shut although supermarkets and hypermarkets are usually open.

Travel at Weekends and on Public Holidays
Public transport has a more limited timetable than on weekdays. Other timetables with less frequent connections operate also in the summer holidays.

School Holidays
The main school holidays are in summer (the whole of July and August). There are also holidays at Christmas (usually from 23rd December until 3rd January) as well as in Spring (one week, varies by area).