Czech Republic’s Tobacco Ban 2024: Current Regulations and Future Outlook

On Tuesday (September 17th) the European Commission proposed to extend a smoking ban to even more public areas. The new regulation would apply to traditional tobacco products, vapes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco. The 2009 Council Recommendation strengthened smoke-free legislation within public spaces, as well as EU cooperation on tobacco control. This created a strong base for the new legislation, which will probably come into force next year. Here is what we know for now …

How to Bike in Czechia – City Edition

#LifeInCzechia Spring is here! It’s the perfect time to swap your car or public transport for a bicycle. This will not only help the environment but also improve your fitness. Welcome to our guide on how to bike in Czechia! We’ve prepared a practical overview of the rules of riding in a city. Plus, you will find tips for bike lanes and bike rental apps. Enjoy the ride!

Being Vegan in Brno: 2022 Edition

#LifeInCzechia Relocating to Czechia and worried about being able to find plant-based foods and cruelty-free cosmetics? Well, you don’t have to worry too much – if you’re moving to Prague or Brno, you’ll be able to find vegan options on every corner. This article will give you the lowdown on what it’s like to be vegan in Brno. Written by a local vegan who’s excited to share her favourite spots!

Coronavirus in Czechia: Respirators in the Workplace, New Test Validity and Stricter Checks in Restaurants

The COVID-19 situation in the Czech Republic is slowly getting worse once again. In reaction, the Ministry of Health has come up with several new restrictions. These include the return of respirators in the workplace from 25 October, and the shortening of validity for both antigen and PCR tests, stricter checks of the O-N-T system in restaurants, and the end of free testing for non-vaccinated individuals from 1 November.

Changes in the Law from August 2021: Health Insurance, Permits for EU Citizens, and Administration Fees

The Czech government amended the law about foreigners living in Czechia, valid from 2 August 2021. These changes include for example the obligation to purchase comprehensive health insurance solely from the insurance company PVZP for the first five years of their stay, the renaming of a residence permit document for EU citizens, administration fees of 200 CZK for residence permits and their extensions, and new identification documents for third-country citizens containing biometric data.

Coronavirus in Czechia: Changes in the O-N-T System, New COVID-19 Status App, and More

Due to the growth in the delta variant of COVID-19 infections, the government has decided to amend the O-N-T system (the vaccination-disease-test system). Specifically, one dose of the two-dose vaccines will no longer be sufficient to travel and use services from 9 July. Blanket testing in companies has ended, but some testing will still be required. Two different mobile apps were launched to help display and check one’s COVID-19 status.

Coronavirus in Czechia: What Is the O-N-T System and Where to Find Your Certificates

While the vast majority of the COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed, some matters still need clarification. You can especially get confused if you’re an expat in Czechia, since some of the official Czech coronavirus websites have not yet been translated into English. For example, do you know which certificates you need to present for which activities? And where to actually get these certificates?

Coronavirus in Czechia: Most Recent Restriction Relaxations & Easements in Travel

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. Third-country citizens 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.

Coronavirus in Czechia: Vaccine Registration for Self-Paying Foreigners from 11 June, Surgical Masks from 1 July, “COVID-19 Pass” Approved by the EU

Foreigners living in Czechia who do not have public insurance should finally be able to register for their COVID-19 vaccine. This should be possible from 11 June. People may be allowed to wear surgical masks in shops and on public transport as of 1 July. The European Union has approved the so-called “COVID-19 pass”. It should launch at the beginning of July.