Published: January 5, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State’s Czechia Travel Advisory and Czechia International Travel Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Prague
Tržiště 15, 118 01 Praha 1 - Malá Strana, Czechia
+420-257-022-000
Emergencies: +420-257-022-000. Hours: 0800 – 1630, Monday – Friday.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The OSAC Prague - Czechia Chapter provides a platform for information sharing and networking between the U.S. Embassy and U.S. private sector organizations with operations in Czechia.
Czechia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions for travel to Czechia.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Prague as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Czechia.
The crime emergency line in Czechia is 112. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
The most common crimes are theft and other economically motivated offenses. Visitors are most likely to face petty street crime, particularly pickpocketing and ATM card skimming. These incidents frequently occur in crowded tourist locations or on public transportation such as buses, trains, subways, and trams.
Pickpockets may operate in groups or as individuals. Members of these rings can vary in age, gender, and appearance. For example, there are reports of pickpockets operating while dressed in business attire, posing as panhandlers, carrying babies, and as tourists. Mobile phones are an attractive target for thieves. Handbag and purse snatching are common at restaurants, cafes, and bars when left on the back of chairs or on the sidewalk.
On trains, there have been reports of surreptitious thefts of bags and valuables from luggage bins and those left unattended, including when the owner is asleep. Criminal gangs will target a particular route, such as Prague to Vienna; when police increase enforcement efforts on that route, they move to another station/routing. A common tactic is for a thief to enter the train car, take a bag, and then exit right before the train departs the station. Distracted travelers have reported their bags snatched while waiting on the platform.
Violent or confrontational crime is rare in Czechia. Criminals rarely use violence or the threat of violence to perpetrate a crime, but since they could arm themselves with simple weapons such as knives, avoid direct confrontation.
ATMs are widely available throughout major cities in Czechia. Change money only at banks, legitimate businesses, or ATMs. An offer to change money by an unknown person on the street is most likely a scam. Almost all ATMs have multilingual instructions and allow access to U.S. bank accounts. Criminal groups can illegally obtain ATM card numbers and PINs by “skimming” the information from cards at public ATMs. Use machines at more secure or heavily traveled and monitored locations, including commercial banks, large hotels, and the airport. Attempt to use a different card to open lobby doors than the one you use inside. Many door-access devices will permit entry with any card that has a magnetic strip (e.g. gift cards).
Some ATMs have a green translucent security device at the card input. Be sure to inspect the machine for anything installed over/around the PIN pad. Look for signs of tampering, including a loose, detached, or flexible card slot, or glue or tape around card slot. Many times, criminals hastily install these skimming devices and intend to remove them quickly. Cover the keypad while typing your PIN and be alert for suspicious individuals loitering in the area.
Credit card fraud and identification theft are no less prevalent in Czechia than most other European locations. It is a good standard practice to shred ATM/bank receipts/statements (or refuse them altogether) to reduce opportunities for ID theft. Do not give your credit card number over the telephone unless you initiated the call. When providing a credit card at point of sale, ensure it remains in line of sight throughout the transaction. Restaurants that permit payment by credit card use hand-held, mobile payment machines that allow completion of the transaction at the table. Check accounts regularly and notify the bank of discrepancies immediately. Keep a list of telephone numbers to call to report the loss or theft of wallet or credit cards.
Generally, auto thefts and break-ins have declined over the last decade; however, they do occur infrequently, especially in major cities such as Prague. Use parking garages and an anti-theft device, if possible. Keep personal belongings, to include recharging cords, out of plain sight. U.S. passports are commonly stolen; protect them no differently than you would a wallet. Criminals steal vehicles for resale or for dismantlement and sale of parts locally or abroad. The recovery rate of stolen vehicles, as with most stolen property, is extremely low.
Residential burglaries occur but are more frequent when a home is unoccupied. Keep valuables and important documents in a safe. Use residential alarms where available. Czech police report that many break-ins are thwarted when an alarm activates. In many residential neighborhoods in Prague, vagrants commonly panhandle or beg for gratuities, especially during December and January. Do not open your door to vagrants. Avoid pulling out wallets or purses to give money to panhandlers on the street. Grocery delivery services are widely available and popular with the expatriate community; do not leave delivery personnel unattended in your home, even for a moment in the lobby.
The Czech statistical office publishes annual crime statistics. According to their most recent report (2024), annual reported crime incidents fell to 173,322 from 181,417 in 2023. However, violent and sexual crimes rose. Property crimes fell by approximately 6,000 incidents. According to anecdotal reporting from local law enforcement, crime rates are expected to have decreased marginally in 2025.
Crime: Areas of Concern
No areas of Czechia are off limits to U.S. Embassy staff. Pickpockets and scam artists favor some of the more popular tourist spots such as the Charles Bridge (Karlův most) area, Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí), Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), and Prague Castle district (Hradčany).
Czech bars and dance clubs are generally safe, but drugs tend to be prevalent in these locations. Although enforcement may vary, commerce in illegal substances is against the law. Security personnel at nightclubs could respond more forcefully than at similar venues in the United States. Avoid altercations with bar personnel or other patrons. Exercise caution around the many bars/restaurants, strip clubs, and casinos off Wenceslas Square and at Karlovy Lázně nightclub near the Charles Bridge.
Use of “date rape” drugs such as Rohypnol has occurred at local bars and clubs frequented by tourists, often reportedly to disable victims for robbery and/or sexual assault. Do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from anyone other than a server or bartender. A common practice is for someone to ask an unsuspecting bar patron to “taste” their mixed drink, which is spiked with some type of drug.
Gaming establishments are prevalent. Casinos are government-regulated, but there is a high likelihood they either are attractive business opportunities for organized crime or already have affiliations with organized crime elements.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Czechia.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Prague as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Czechia.
Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. Czechia is part of the Schengen Zone, which has virtually eliminated travel checks between the 26 European member states. Despite the relatively low threat, widely reported incidents across the region demonstrate that terrorist organizations can plan and execute attacks in Europe. While local governments continue counterterrorism operations, the degrading of the centralized ISIS command structure has given rise to more independent or “lone actor” style attacks. There is still a possibility that returning (terrorist-affiliated) foreign fighters, terrorist sympathizers, self-radicalized extremists, or opportunity-driven malcontents may conduct attacks with little or no warning.
Extremists continue to focus on locations where large numbers of people gather, including tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, high-profile events, educational institutions, airports, and other soft targets remain priority locations for possible attacks. Those who plan to visit these locations should remain aware of their surroundings, have an exit plan, and think about where they may find cover if an incident were to occur unexpectedly.
Terrorists persist in employing a variety of tactics, including firearms, explosives, ramming vehicles, and edged weapons that are difficult to detect prior to an attack.
On December 21, 2023, 14 people were killed and 22 injured in the deadliest mass murder in Czechia in the main Faculty of Arts building of Charles University in Prague. The perpetrator was a 24-year-old postgraduate student who committed suicide after the attack.
In June 2024, a Colombian national attempted to set fire to a public bus depot in Prague. After burning three unoccupied buses in which there were no injuries, Czech investigators discovered that his phone was configured in Russian, his hotel room reservation was made in Russian, and Russia-based accounts paid for his stay. The Czech Prime Minister went on television to say that the suspect would be charged with terrorism and made specific mention of the suspicion that this was a Russian-sponsored covert action.
In June 2025, six minors under the age of 18 were detained for using online platforms to recruit for the Islamic State. Two of those arrested were involved in a failed 2024 plot to set fire to a synagogue in the city of Brno. The director of the National Centre for Counter-Terrorism, Extremism and Cybercrime (NCTEKK) said that the group of teenagers was involved with a larger group with operations in Czechia, Slovakia, Austria, and the United Kingdom. The threat does not appear to be ongoing.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Prague as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U" Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Czechia. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
In January 2023, Czechia elected a president for a five-year term in two rounds of voting. The Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed “full confidence” in the professionalism and impartiality of the administration of elections.
Parliamentary elections were held in October 2025. Andrej Babis, who formerly held the Prime Minister’s office from 2017-2021, was re-elected for an additional term. The ruling ANO party fell short of winning a majority of seats in parliament.
Protests & Demonstrations
Civil disorder is rare, although strikes and demonstrations do occur. Depending on the number of people, protests could affect traffic flow and pedestrian movements around gathering points. Demonstration organizers must notify Prague City Hall in advance, allowing police to prepare for these events. Unless demonstrators are breaking laws or causing an excessive disturbance, authorities are disinclined to disband a peaceable protest.
When large protests do occur, they gather at Wenceslas Square and Letna Park. These demonstrations can attract people from all over Czechia. Even with large numbers, events remain peaceful.
Protests also occur on Malostranské náměstí, the main square of Prague's Malá Strana district, across the street from the Parliament building.
Soccer matches are well-attended in Prague and other locations around the country. Rival matches have resulted in disorderly conduct, arrests, and injuries to bystanders. Authorities prepare for the possibility of violence and/or disruptive behavior during these matches. It is common to see a large police presence near soccer stadiums during games. Confrontations between rival groups of fans and rowdy pre- and post-match celebrations may occur. Even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid areas of unruly gatherings and exercise caution if near any such events.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S. sentiment is not a concern in Czechia.
Law Enforcement
The national police (Policie) report to the Interior Ministry and are responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining public order, including protecting the border and enforcing immigration law. The Police post updates regularly to their twitter account: @PolicieCZ. The Prague Fire Brigade posts updates to their twitter account: @HasiciPraha.
Local city police forces (Městská Policie) have municipal responsibilities.
The General Inspection of Security Forces (GIBS) reports to the Office of the Prime Minister and is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct involving police, customs officials, fire fighters, and the prison service.
The Defense Ministry oversees the Armed Forces of Czechia. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces.
Police Response
The emergency line in Czechia is 112. English-speaking operators are available 24/7. Response times are less than 15 minutes. For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Drivers may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The Road Safety Annual Report, published cooperatively by The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Transport Forum, as well as the International Traffic Safety Data and Analysis Group reports that overall road safety in Czechia continues to improve. One catalyst has been the construction of improved highways and secondary roads. However, rural roads continue to see a higher proportion of road fatalities.
Driving speeds on European highways are higher than in the United States. Stay in the right lane except when passing. Highways in Czechia generally meet European standards. However, on two-lane roads, prepare to encounter uneven surfaces, irregular lane markings, and unclear sign placements. Streets in towns are not always in good condition. Pay special attention when driving on cobblestone and among trams, which have the right of way in historic city centers. Rain, ice, and snow on cobblestone streets create conditions far slicker than on asphalt. Traffic lights hang before the intersection, so be aware of where to stop. Speed limits vary in towns, and can change rapidly on highways, especially prior to entering tunnels. An International Driving Permit (IDP) must accompany a U.S. driver’s license; failure to have the IDP with a valid license may result in denial of an insurance claim after an accident.
Vehicles need to have purchased an electronic vignette to drive legally on major highways. Signs near the border stating this requirement are easy to miss. The electronic vignettes are available online and at most gas stations. Authorities assess a fine for failing to purchase a vignette before driving on certain motorways.
Czech law requires that drivers always have their headlights on. The law also requires that all private cars carry each of the following items: high visibility safety vest, first-aid kit, spare pair of prescription glasses kept in the glove compartment (if necessary), warning triangle, and complete set of spare bulbs. Rental cars have these items in the vehicles, but it is best to confirm.
Czech law allows local law enforcement officials to administer breathalyzer tests on drivers stopped for any reason. There is a zero-tolerance policy, which means that driving with any trace of detected alcohol, however slight, is illegal; those caught usually face immediate fines and possible criminal proceedings.
In tandem with the increased number of vehicles on the road, the amount of pedestrian and cycle traffic has also grown. Cyclists and pedestrians should always be familiar with rules of the road, compulsory equipment, rules for riding with children, and rules for riding in or near motorized traffic. Pedestrians often have the right of way at crosswalks but should exercise caution since drivers often speed through intersections without looking. Trams do not stop for pedestrians, so exercise caution when crossing the street in areas they frequent.
In a roadside emergency in Prague, relay the number on the nearest lamppost to the emergency operator to facilitate finding your location.
For specific information concerning Czech requirements for driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, visit the website of the Czechia’s national tourist office and the Ministry of Transport.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transportation by bus, tram, and subway is safe and reliable. Passengers on public transportation should buy a ticket prior to boarding to avoid fines. Tickets are good for a limited timeframe. Validate your ticket at the outset of the trip by inserting it into the yellow box on trams and buses, and in the entry halls of Metro stations. You can also download the Lítačka app to purchase tickets, but you must purchase the ticket prior to entering a bus/trolley and prior to crossing the yellow line at the top of escalators in the subway stations. Many Prague Metro stations have ticket offices. You can also purchase tickets at tabak shops (cigarette stands), newspaper stands, post offices, metro station vending machines, and major tram stops. Travelers who do not validate their tickets face the possibility of encountering a transportation inspector who operates in plain clothes and will display a small metal badge (emblazoned with the words “Prepravní Kontrola”) when inspecting tickets. Fines are 1500 CZK and are paid to the transportation inspector. Inspectors should provide a receipt for on-the-spot payments. You must carry PID Lítačka Travel Cards on your person or display your electronic ticket; photos are not permitted.
Ridesharing services are very popular in Prague and are safe and reliable. Uber and other travel services like Liftago are widely available in Prague and most other Czech cities. They are a dependable alternative transportation choice due to the prepayment option.
Taxis are also available, but you must remain alert to the potential for taxi drivers to charge more than the standard rate, particularly in tourist areas. The best approach for obtaining a taxi is to call the company directly rather than hail one on the street; this ensures that the company’s dispatcher logs the ride. Taxis should be clearly marked (ideally with a permanently installed roof lamp and taxi sign) and must include the driver’s personal information, registration number, company name, and price list on the doors. Taxi drivers should use a meter and provide a receipt (from the meter) upon completion of the trip. Visitors may also obtain a taxi at a "Fair Place" taxi stand. The main taxi stand at the Václav Havel Airport (PRG) has generally proven reliable. Avoid using taxis managed by individuals who approach travelers inside the airport or away from the main taxi queue.
Aviation Concerns
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Czechia’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for Czech air carrier operations. Security at the airport, to include screening of baggage and passengers, is generally very good.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights
Maritime Security
Czechia is a landlocked country.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Czechia, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Czechia.
The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court. The government generally observes these requirements. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Corruption is a problem among law enforcement bodies and at various levels of bureaucracy. The most common forms of corruption include leaking information for payments; the unauthorized use of law enforcement databases, typically to search for derogatory information; acceptance of bribes in connection with criminal proceedings and other procedures (e.g., issuance of permits); and unlawful influencing of law enforcement procedures.
Health Concerns
Travelers should deal with life-threatening emergencies in Czechia by calling emergency services (Záchranná Služba) at 112, specifying that they require a physician. Operators speak English. In a roadside emergency in Prague, relay the number on the nearest lamppost to the emergency operator to facilitate finding your location. Ambulance response time is estimated at eight minutes in larger cities.
While significant differences exist between U.S. and Czech medical systems, misconceptions and fears about post-communist medical treatment are outdated. The Czech medical system is no longer entirely socialized; it is partially government-run and partially private. Western-trained doctors operate in Prague.
The Czech philosophy of medical care and the doctor-patient relationship tend to take more of a European approach. That is, the doctor will be less likely to share information about the patient’s condition with the patient than is generally the case in the United States. It is common to find closed doors (where patients should knock or ring for service), rather than an open nursing station. This is a cultural difference, not a personal slight.
The Czech medical system is organized differently than in the United States; for instance, there is not a single central emergency room. Emergencies often dispatch to the facility that treats a specific medical condition (e.g., patients with broken noses go to the ear, nose, and throat facility). Patients can always request a different health facility after their condition stabilizes. Patients will incur charges for services, including transportation to the health care facilities. Ambulance charges are approximately USD $200, payable by cash or credit card.
Foreigners who use Czech medical facilities should expect to pay for their care. The U.S. Embassy in Prague cannot guarantee payment or otherwise take financial responsibility for the medical care of private citizens. Medicare does not cover overseas treatment. Providers may not accept credit cards and usually will not accept U.S. insurance. Generally, patients who have overseas insurance coverage should expect to pay the bill and then seek reimbursement from their insurance company. Contact your health insurance company directly to find out if your policy includes overseas coverage.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Czechia. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Those camping or hiking in long grass or woodlands from March to October run the risk of both tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease. No vaccine exists for Lyme disease. Even though the CDC does not explicitly recommend the TBE vaccine, other official European sources have recommended it for travelers who plan to stay for extended periods or who plan to camp. Vaccines are available through a general practitioner or a pediatrician in Czechia but are not available in the U.S. Use insect repellent and proper clothing as extra protection.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
There are no unusual issues involving traveling to Czechia with medications.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Tap water in Czechia is generally potable.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Czechia.
Czechia experiences seasonal flooding, mostly in the summer months, including several catastrophic floods in recent decades that precipitated life-safety issues. Recent and planned developments on floodplains, river channel straightening, and a general underinvestment in flood defenses have all contributed to the increasing flood risk, and climate change has contributed to the increased probability of flooding. Authorities have invested in the flood protection system of Prague. Ahead of expected flooding, authorities take proactive steps like closing embankments to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, closing flood gates, and banning boat traffic, all of which could cause logistical impediments.
Cybersecurity
Czech law provides a roadmap for the development of cyber capability. The National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB) is the central administrative body for cyber security, including the protection of classified information, critical infrastructure, and networks. NÚKIB publishes cyber security articles online and hosts events related to cybersecurity issues.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
The Czech Security Information Service’s (BIS) Annual Assessment for 2023 highlighted Russian intelligence services as persistent threats to Czechia. The Czech government assesses that Russia’s subversive attacks are a threat to Czech entities and elements of Czech critical infrastructure. The BIS also assesses that Chinese intelligence services continue to make efforts to acquire advanced Western technology, particularly in the field of Emerging Disruptive Technologies.
Import/Export Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or use of satellite phones or other satellite devices in Czechia.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
