The government has decided to relax some of the last restrictions valid in Czechia. These changes will come into effect on 26 June. Travel will become significantly easier in Europe for summer holidays. Those vaccinated in third countries may be able to enter Czechia if they’ve been vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine from 1 July. On the same date, vaccine registration will open for children over 12 years of age.
Cinema-goers will be once again allowed to eat snacks and enjoy a drink at the movies.
Restriction relaxations valid from 26 June
Since the COVID-19 numbers in Czechia have been steadily declining, the government has decided to ease more restrictions earlier than originally expected.
From 26 June:
- Indoor cultural events will be able to accept up to 2 000 guests
- Outdoor events will be able to accept up to 5 000 guests
- Cinemas, theatres and other venues will fill up to 75% of capacity and will be once again allowed to sell drinks and snacks
- Guided tours (e.g. castles) will no longer be restricted under the condition of vaccination, getting a test, or having gone through COVID-19 in the last 180 days
- Museums and galleries will be able to accept 1 visitor per 10 m2
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Mask mandate reminder
Currently you still have to wear a respirator (FFP2 or KN95) in places with a high concentration of people. These places include:
- stores
- services
- medical facilities
- social care facilities
- public transport
- colleges, schools and school facilities
- museums, galleries, exhibition spaces, castles, observatories and planetariums and premises where trade fairs take place
Children aged 3 to 15 can use a simple surgical mask as protection, but the Czech government recommends they use a respirator as well.
This mask mandate may change soon, however, so stay tuned!
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Easements in travel
The EU has placed Czechia on the list of green countries. This will make travelling around Europe significantly easier as now you won’t need to get tested or stay in quarantine if you want to travel to, for example, Croatia or Greece. Note that if you’re travelling to Croatia this summer, the authorities still recommend you fill out their entry form for easier crossing of the border.
Additionally, you no longer need to get tested if you’re travelling individually – in your own car – from high-risk countries. You still need to get a PCR test if you’re travelling from “dark red” countries, however.
The European Union has launched a website called Reopen Europa where you can easily check whether you can travel from one European country to another. If the answer is yes, the website will advise you on what you will need. This platform is available in several languages (including Czech) – also as a phone app – and is updated every day.
Citizens vaccinated in third countries to enter Czechia
The Czech government has also passed a resolution to recognize vaccinations against COVID-19 from third countries.
Your vaccine will be recognized as long as it’s one of the vaccines approved by the European Medical Association (EMA). You will also need to be fully vaccinated to enter Czechia – at least 14 days after your second dose.
This new resolution should come into effect on 1 July, as soon as the government figures out the certification system. People vaccinated abroad should be able to access their vaccine certificates at the Vaccination Portal website in the future.
The current list of EMA-approved vaccines includes:
- Comirnaty (also known as Pfizer/BioNTech)
- Moderna
- Vaxzevria (previously known as AstraZeneca)
- Janssen (also known as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine)
Other vaccines (including Sputnik V) are currently under review.
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Vaccinations for children between 12 and 15
Parents or guardians of children aged between 12 and 15 will be able to register them to get their COVID-19 vaccine from 1 July.
Similar to self-paying foreigners, these youngsters will be administered the Pfizer vaccine. You will need to accompany your child and give your consent to the vaccination.
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Photo source: Pavel Danilyuk, pexels.com
Article sources: BrnoDaily, Radio Prague International, CT24, Covid Portal
Dear Tereza,
Do you know when the Czech authorities will officially suspend the restriction of gastronomy closing hour 10 p.m.? At the moment it is not possible to watch EURO games starting at 9 p.m.till the end in conformity with the still valid Covid19 rules at a public place. And the k.o.-games are in front of the door.
We in Austria have changed it at the start of the European football championship.
I can not understand this standöoint, because on Sunday I was in a very crowded public swimming area with many young people, where nobody weared a mask and nobody asked for certification of test or vaccination.
Could someone discuss this misconception with goverment officials. The team of the Czech Republic has reached the round of last 15 abd I am sure many fans un the country want ti support their players by watching the match together with friends in a restaurant.
It would be nice to get an answer from you. I got my permanent residence permit for the Czech Republic as an Austrian citizen living in Prague since 7 years with your help last year and U am thankful for that.
Yours sincerely,
Wolfgang
Hi Wolfgang!
Who told you this? According to our information, the curfew you’re talking about is no longer mandatory for gastronomy.
These are the only restrictions valid at the moment: https://covid.gov.cz/en/situations/shops-and-services/restaurants-bars-and-cafes
My local pub is open until 1am tonight, so I’m guessing it’s up to the establishment to decide. Maybe have a word with you local sports bar and ask them about this?
All the best,
Tereza
Hi Tereza,
Hope you are well. Are you still involved with your Ph.D.?
My wife is in Hof, Germany for a few days and she heard from one of her daughters who live there that there are some travel restrictions coming into effect regarding travel between Germany and the Czech Republic. I have searched and found nothing new about this.
Are you aware of anything new coming into being?
BTW, also wondering why we are not seeing daily FOREIGNERS’ SUMMER NEWS.
I suspect there is good reason, just wondering.
Take care,
Dwight
Hi Dwight,
Yes, I have my defense in September. Thanks for asking!
Here’s what I found about Germany and people returning to Czechia from Germany on the official Covid government website:
From 9 July, vaccinated individuals (fully + 14 days) and those who have had Covid in the past 180 days can return to Czechia WITHOUT testing, they just need to fill out the arrival form.
Other individuals (those who are not fully vaccinated) will need to have a negative PCR test (official lab one). This test needs to be 48 hours old maximum.
Is this clear?
Best,
Tereza