Location: Czech Republic
Event: There is an ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, China. The global public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, with more than 160,000 reported cases worldwide and 298 reported in the Czech Republic.
On March 16, the Government of the Czech Republic enhanced the previously declared State of Emergency and implemented a nationwide quarantine to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The quarantine is in effect from March 16 at 0000 CET until March 24 0600 CET. International borders will also remain closed throughout this time. Free movement of people is limited to commuting to and from work or to conduct business, necessary trips to visit family, and trips to medical facilities or escorting relatives to medical facilities. People will also be permitted to go out to obtain necessities such as food, medicine, and sanitary products, as well as to utilize banking, postal services, and to refuel vehicles.
Please visit the websites of the Government of the Czech Republic (English), Czech Ministry of Interior (Czech), and Ministry of Health (English) for additional information.
All foreigners without a permanent or temporary residence for more than 90 days (primarily tourist travelers) are prohibited from entering the Czech Republic. U.S. citizens who reside long term in the Czech Republic are allowed to leave for the United States, as long as commercial flights are available, but will not be allowed to return to the Czech Republic until after the State of Emergency is officially lifted.
In addition, two towns and 19 villages in the Olomouc region in western Czech Republic imposed enhanced quarantine restrictions for 14 days, due to a possible spike in COVID-19 infections. Guarded by police, people can enter or leave only with a special permit. Czech government offices are now only open Mondays and Wednesdays with limited hours, with some offices and regional authorities closing to the public.
The Czech government has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. There are health-screening checkpoints at major land border crossings with neighboring countries, including roads and railways, and at airports. Travelers should be prepared for new travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
The Czech government has closed all schools, universities, and cultural institutions, including theaters, museums, and cinemas, for the next 30 days. All public and private events with more than 30 people, are also banned.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airline regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the Czech Republic.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
- Be prepared for possible disruption to planned travel if you are placed under quarantine.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Prague
Trziste 15
118 01 Praha 1 – Mala Strana
Czech Republic
+420 257 022 000
ACSPRG@state.gov
https://cz.usembassy.gov/
