Dear students,

this site is being regularly updated in order to inform you of the situation at our institution and in the Czech Republic associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Regional Public Health Authority of the South Moravian Region are providing regular updates and detailed information and instructions for citizens and institutions in the Czech Republic. We are in ongoing contact with our regional public authorities and the Ministries and we're continuously trying to sum up for you all the essential information:

Academic year 2021/2022

The list of countries according to the level of risk changes every week (usually on Friday). You can always fínd fresh information in English on the website of the Ministry of Health together with rules for entry into the Czech Republic. You can also find there a lot of important information regarding the certificates, vaccination, FaQ section, and much more. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time at andrea.sura@vutbr.cz.  

PROCEDURE IN CASE OF ILLNESS

If you have any signs of a starting infectious disease (including but not limited to an increased temperature, cough, shortness of breath, digestive problems, loss of the sense of smell, overall weakness, and possibly other symptoms) please contact: Ms. Andrea Surá (andrea.sura@vutbr.cz, +420 778 788 945)
We will contact our member of the crisis staff and make an appointment with our doctor for you.

In the case of deteriorating health and life-threatening please call 112  or 155 (medical and rescue service). 

For further information regarding the safety measures, important contacts, websites, and instructions, please scroll down below the news feed of the governmental measures. 

MEASURES OF THE CZECH GOVERNMENT and MINISTRIES - NEWS

Updated on April 11th
  • Arrivals from abroad as of April 9th

All Covid-19 restrictions for people entering Czechia after a previous stay abroad were canceled as of Saturday, April 9. Travelers do not longer have to fill in the passenger locator form or submit a certificate with their negative test for coronavirus, a past infection, or complete vaccination.

  • Wearing of respirators as of April 14th

The requirement to wear a face mask on public transport will be lifted as of Thursday, April 14. It´s still recommended that people wear masks while in public spaces to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, not only Covid-19.



Updated on March 18th
Based on the new protective measure, the return to the Czech Republic from EU + countries is unrestricted. Returns from outside the EU remain unchanged. See the Entry Conditions. More information here and here. 

Updated on March 14th
The duty to wear a respirator remains valid only in public transport and at health and social care facilities as of March 14th. Mouth and nose protection is no longer needed elsewhere.

Updated on February 15th
From today, new rules of arrival in the Czech Republic apply. The whole system of rules has been greatly simplified. See the attachment Rules for entry and return to the Czech Republic.
Further information can also be found on here and here.

Updated on February 11th
  • The obligation to show vaccine certificates in restaurants, at sports, cultural and other events ended on February 10th. They will no longer be required in services either.
  • Mandatory testing in companies will end on February 19th.
  • The maximum capacity of public events increased. Events will be able to accommodate 500 people, while seated events can be increased by 50 percent of the capacity
  • After March 1st, very few measures should remain. However, the situation will depend on the current epidemiological situation.

Updated on January 3rd
From 27 December 2021, the conditions for the entry of foreigners into the Czech Republic have been tightened:
Before entering the Czech Republic, foreigners from the 3rd countries without a long-term or permanent residence in the Czech Republic will have to have a negative PCR test, even vaccinated persons and persons up to 180 days after a covid-19 disease. This obligation applies to arrivals from all countries, regardless of the degree of risk of infection. Unvaccinated persons or persons who have not undergone covid-19 in the last six months must then undergo another PCR between the 5th -7th day after the arrival in the Czech Republic. An exception to both new obligations applies to persons vaccinated with a booster dose, to children under 12 years of age, and to children between 12-18 years of age who are fully vaccinated (without a booster).

The above changes do not apply to citizens of the Czech Republic, EU citizens, and foreigners permanently or long-term residents in the Czech Republic. These follow the existing entry rules.

Please, see Entry of persons to the territory of the Czech Republic with validity from December 23th


Updated on December 23rd
Measures against the spread of Covid-19 which will take effect from Wednesday, December 29:

  • A maximum of 50 people will be able to attend events, parties, and New Year's Eve celebrations, and the organizers/owners must screen Covid certificates via the čTečka app.
  • From December 29 to January 2, a maximum of 4 people will be able to occupy restaurant tables with the exception of those from the same household. A maximum of 1,000 seated people will be able to attend cultural and other events. Events during which attendees do not sit at tables will be limited to 100 people.
  • Restaurants and pubs will be allowed to be open past 22:00 from December 26. However, until January 3, only people with vaccinations or who have had Covid will be allowed into these establishments.
  • From Monday, December 27, people over the age of 30 are eligible for their third dose of vaccine after five months.

Updated on November 29th

Due to the deterioration of the epidemic situation in the CR, the government declared a state of emergency for 30 days which came into force last midnight.

New measures come into force on Friday Nov 26th from 6 p.m. to control the spread of the virus:

  • A ban on the operation of Christmas markets, with the exception of the sale of Christmas trees and carp.
  • The consumption of alcohol in public and food in food courts in shopping malls is prohibited. It will only be possible to take food with you.
  • Pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs must be closed from 10 p.m. until 4.55 a.m. the following day.
  • A maximum of 100 people will be able to take part in celebrations, parties.
  • A maximum of 1,000 people will now be able to attend cultural and sporting events.
The government of the Czech Republic issued on Friday 26.11. a new resolution on the basis of which from 27 November 2021 from 00:00 to 12 December 2021 at 23:59 it is strongly recommended that citizens of the Czech Republic and foreigners residing in the Czech Republic avoid travel to the countries listed below and further prohibits entry into the territory of the Czech Republic to all third-country nationals who have stayed for more than 12 hours in the last 14 days in the territory of the following countries:

  • South African Republic
  • Namibia
  • Lesotho
  • Swaziland
  • Zimbabwe
  • Botswana
  • Zambia
  • Mozambique

Updated on November 22nd

From Monday, November 22th, only vaccinated people or those recently recovered from Covid-19, are allowed in restaurants, sporting and cultural events, and other public spaces (e.g. hairdressers). Negative tests are no longer accepted as sufficient protection.

Children under-18, people with contraindications (certified by a doctor) and people vaccinated with the 1st dose and within 14 days of the 2nd dose, are still able to provide a PCR test no older than 72 hours as a Covid certificate.

Students can only prove themselves in dormitories with a test from the sampling site (antigen test not older than 24 hours or PCR test not older than 72 hours), every seven days. Does not apply to students vaccinated or with a history of illness.


COVID-19 - all you need to know about CERTIFICATES & TESTING

Certificates are recognized for entry to establishments when using services. They also simplify travel. Fully vaccinated holders of the European Vaccination Certificate and holders of recognized vaccination certificates from third countries can arrive from any country without a test and without undergoing self-isolation, only with an arrival form. The only exceptions are arrivals from countries with the so-called extreme risk of infection (black).

If you're searching for any information regarding the certificates which will ease your arrival and stay in the Czech Republic, please, continue through this link to the website of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. You will find answers to your questions about the certificates as well as about testing for SARS-CoV-2 in English there. To get a basic idea about the certificates, check the infographics below ↓

If you're coming from a country outside of the EU with a local certificate, please, continue through this link to find out all the essential information on the Issuance of the Czech version of the European COVID-19 certificate. While browsing this website of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, scroll down to see the list of countries with remotely certifiable certificates and Countries with a certificate to which additional confirmation is required for the issuance of a Czech certificate.

Information regarding the recognition of vaccination certificates from other countries can be found here.

Obligatory testing at dormitories
BUT representatives were informed last week that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education anticipate that students living in dormitories will have to test at all universities in the Czech Republic during the next academic year unless they're fully vaccinated or have a valid certificate of recovery. These students will have to pay for such testing from their own resources. The BUT management has in the past supported vaccinations against covid-19, as well as university rectors within the Czech Chamber of Rectors. Students are encouraged to be vaccinated to avoid having to pay for testing in the case of dormitory accommodation.
Information on how to get vaccinated in the Czech Republic can be found here.


OLDER PROTECTIVE MEASURES


Updated on September 6th

The list of countries according to the level of risk changes every week (usually on Friday). You can always fínd fresh information in English on the website of the Ministry of Health together with rules for entry into the Czech Republic.  

Updated on August 23rd
As of August 23rd, 2021 in accordance with the full vaccination certificate coming into effect, anti-epidemic measures will be eased also for vaccinated third country citizens, under the condition that the third country citizen has been vaccinated by a vaccine approved by European Medicine Agency (EMA) or by its equivalent. Vaccinated persons must be holders of a certificate on completed vaccination course against COVID-19, whose template is published in the list of recognised certificates on the website of the Ministry of the Health of the Czech Republic. Without the obligation to meet other epidemiological measures, vaccinated persons travelling from countries for which an implementing act in accordance with the European Union regulation on EU digital COVID certificates was adopted may also enter the territory of the Czech Republic. These persons can newly travel to the Czech Republic for any reason and at the same time, they can benefit from visa services at Czech embassies that are fully available again. This shall not apply to countries with an extreme risk of COVID-19, in which the visa services are still limited to certain type of titles.

Updated on July 27th
Please, see Entry of persons to the territory of the Czech Republic with validity from July 19th

Updated on July 12th
Please, see Entry of persons to the territory of the Czech Republic with validity from July 9th
  • In short - all persons (except for diplomats, children under 6, commuters, etc.) must undergo a test for Covid-19 before arriving in the Czech Republic, even when arriving from safe (green) countries. The test can be replaced by a confirmation of passed Covid-19 disease in the last 180 days or by completed vaccination (at least 14 days must have passed since the 2nd dose of vaccination). In some cases, it is allowed to take the test within 5 days of arrival in the territory.
  • The list of extremely risky countries (black) has also been modified, see the annex above. The embassies in these countries are closed until the country is removed from the blacklist. these countries are Botswana, Brazil, Eswatini (Swaziland), India, South Africa, Colombia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 
  • The return from extreme risk countries of foreigners who have a long-term residence permit or long-term visa in the Czech Republic is already permitted (mainly India).
In case you need to see older protective measures, please continue to the end of this page, where the past updates are still visible.
 

DURING YOUR STAY AT THE BRNO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY


Please read regularly Recommendation of the Rector of BUT due to the spread of coronavirus
You can find there all the important information on the study agenda, about the accommodation at the BUT Halls of residence, etc.

COVID-19 testing centers in Brno

    • Elisabeth Pharmacon, online order (in Eglish), phone number: +420 777 729 701
    • Cytogenetická laboratoř Brno, s.r.o., online order (in English), +420 776 329 064
    • IFCOR Dobrovského, address: Dobrovského 23, Brno, phone number: +420 541 425 217
    • FNUSA, address: Leitnerova, Brno, online order (in English), phone number: +420 543 181 111

COVID-19 testing centers in Brno (for students indicated by the doctor)
  • The University Hospital Brno, online order (in Czech only), address: Jihlavská 20, Brno, phone number: +420 532 231 111
  • FNUSA, online order (in English), address: FNUSA Pavilon C, Leitnerova, Brno, phone number: +420543181111
  • Cytogenetická laboratoř Brno, s.r.o., address: Veveří 39, 602 00, Brno – registration for COVID-19 exam for indicated patients (by doctors) – please call on: +420 776 329 064 (from 8 AM - 3 PM)
  • FN Brno Children´s hospital: address: Černopolní 22a, Brno 613 00, registration for COVID-19 exam for indicated patients (by doctors) – please call on: +420 775 861 013

    INFORMATION SOURCES

    You can find useful information from the Czech Government, Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, and other institutions on the links below:

    Another platform providing information for foreigners living in Brno can be found on the links below:

    Information about coronavirus test - where you can get tested in Brno. 


    CONTACTS

    For further detailed information regarding current information you can also contact:

    • Regional Public Health Authority of the South Moravian Region
    • Phone number: +420 773 768 994 (Mon-Fri 8.00-15.00), E-mail: epida@khsbrno.cz
    • National Infoline
    • Phone number: 1221 (Mon-Frid 8.00- 19.00), (Sat-Sun 9.00 - 16.30)
    • COVID-19 Brno Infoline
    • Phone: +420 800 140 800 (Mon-Fri 7.00-17.00, Sat-Sun 9.00-13.00), e-mail: koronavirus@brno.cz



    BUT CONTACT

    If you have any questions or problems in this matter please get in touch with your faculty coordinator or the emergency@vutbr.cz address or BUT emergency phone +420 778 788 945.
    The BUT Crisis Staff appointed RNDr. Mgr. Daniela Dvorská as the contact person for the spread of coronavirus, who you can contact in case of any questions (dvorska@vutbr.cz or 778 790 510).

    ENTRY INTO THE TERRITORY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC AFTER 21 SEPTEMBER 2020



    SAFETY MEASURES

    Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
    • If you need to cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use your sleeve, not your hands!
    • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
    • Maintain at least a 2-meter distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
    • More recommendations can be found HERE.

    Steps to follow if you have been in contact with a confirmed case of infection:

    • You should go into quarantine. You must not be in contact with other people. Please inform immediately your faculty coordinator and the receptionist in the BUT dormitory (phone number: +420 541 142 978 (block A03). We will inform the Regional Public Health Authority of the South Moravian Region and it will decide if you will be tested for coronavirus. You should remain in quarantine for two weeks after your last contact with the confirmed case of infection.
    • Please inform International relations office +420 778 788 945 or emergency@vutbr.cz

    Steps to follow if you have symptoms of any respiratory infection:

    • If you have symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection (fever, cough, and breathing difficulties), and are accommodated in the BUT dormitory, please call the receptionist– phone number: +420 541 142 978 (block A03). (The receptionist will call emergency service 112 or public health office 1212. They (the doctors or regional public health authority will decide if the testing or hospitalization is needed.); if you are accommodated in a private accommodation please call your general practitioner or 1212- public health office or 112 (medical and rescue service).
    • If you are experiencing increased dyspnoea (shortness of breath), call 112 (medical and rescue service). Hospitalization is usually required in this case.
    • The BUT Crisis Staff appointed RNDr. Mgr. Daniela Dvorská is the contact person for the spread of coronavirus, who you can contact in case of any questions (dvorska@vutbr.cz or 778 790 510).
    • Please inform the International relations office at +420 778 788 945 or emergency@vutbr.cz  and your faculty coordinator.
    • Calling in advance will help to prevent a possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

    VISA

    Foreigners – visa and residence arrangements

    Please be in touch with your embassy in the Czech Republic.

    TRAVEL

     

    Affected countries and territories in Europe and all countries

    Foreigners can leave the Czech Republic. However, you can not return during the state of emergency. More information regarding traveling during the state of emergency can be found on the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.

    Note:
    What to do if you are traveling from regions affected by the new coronavirus infection by bus.
    What to do if you are traveling from regions affected by the new coronavirus infection by train.


    Academic year 2020/2021 - continuation of the previously valid protective measures from the latest to oldest:

    Updated on June     9th

    Foreigners may register for Covid-19 vaccination as of week's end

    The Covid-19 vaccination registration for the foreigners who do not have public health insurance in the CR (e.g. students or family members), and thus will pay for the vaccines themselves, will start at the end of this week. They will get the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and the price of the vaccine and its application will not exceed CZK 850. Foreigners from the EU or third countries with long-term residence in the Czech Republic will be able to get vaccinated there.

    Other relaxations

    • Indoor and outdoor cultural events will be allowed to have up to 1,000 and 2,000 spectators, respectively, provided that only half of the auditorium is occupied as of June 8. As of June 14, the number of spectators at outdoor cultural events will not be limited anymore, but the area for spectators without seats must have at least four square meters per spectator. For indoor events, half of the seats in the auditorium will have to remain unoccupied. People may drink and eat at cultural events, but will not be allowed to eat or drink in the auditorium. They will still be obliged to wear face masks and to prove that they were vaccinated or negatively tested or that they recovered from Covid-19.
    • Indoor swimming pools, wellness centres, and saunas may have visitors if half of their capacity remains empty. Their visitors will not have to wear face masks.
    • Neither students nor teachers have to wear face masks during classes in all Czech regions except for the Zlín, South Bohemia and Liberec regions as of Tuesday. The face mask duty will remain valid during breaks and in common premises, such as corridors and restrooms, at schools.
    • All kinds of coronavirus tests including self-tests or a statutory declaration are recognised everywhere in the country to prove the absence of infection in a person as of June 8.
    • From July 1, regular testing for coronavirus at work and for self-employed people will not be mandatory. Tests will not be needed in schools either.


    Updated on June 1st
    REGARDING TRAVELLING:
    As of today, the updated Protective Measure on the Conditions of Entry into the Czech Republic is valid:

    • It is now possible to travel from or to neighboring countries without tests or self-isolation for up to 24 hours.
    • Croatia has been newly included in the group of countries to which the Czech Republic recognizes vaccination for entry into the territory.
    • Passengers from countries with a low risk of infection can arrive in the Czech Republic without any restrictions.
    • Persons who have been issued a national certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 by the Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Austria, Slovakia or Slovenia (and from which at least 22 days have elapsed) before completing the Czech Republic from countries with high or very high risk only electronic arrival form.
    • The current list of countries according to the degree of risk can be found here.
    • Information on the conditions of entry into individual states is available at embassies in the given countries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    REGARDING DAILY LIFE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC:

    • For restaurants: there can be as many guests as the number of seats. At each table, only four guests can be seated. Besides, social distancing and wearing of face masks will be required when not eating.
    • For all services, capacity limits apply, and negative coronavirus tests, certificates on vaccination, or recovery from Covid-19 are necessary. Restaurants are the only facilities where it is possible to prove yourself by self-test. In all others, only the test from the official sampling center applies.
    • Artificial swimming pools, saunas, salt caves, and wellness are reopened from Monday as well. In pools and swimming pools, there is a limit of one person per 15 square meters of water and relaxation area in its immediate vicinity. In saunas, wellness, or salt caves, the capacity may be filled to a maximum of 30 percent. Respiratory protection is necessary in pools and swimming pools only at the entrance or in rest areas, not in water. When entering all the facilities, people have to prove themselves with one of the three methods for showing they are not a risk for spreading Covid-19 (test, vaccination or recovery from Covid-19).
    • The restrictions on the number of visitors in outdoor areas of zoos and botanical gardens are no longer valid, but capacity in indoor pavilions is still limited. The number of people permitted at sporting events increases, to 75 people indoors and 150 people outdoors.
    • From June 1st, insurance companies pay for one antigen test per week and two PCR tests per month (in case you take part in a public insurance scheme). At the same time, the price of tests is reduced to about CZK 600 for PCR tests, and CZK 250 for antigen tests.
    • During the summer holidays, the rules for entry into the Czech Republic will also change, in connection with the EU regulation on digital Covid certificates.


    Updated on May 24th

    The negative Covid-19 test no longer required three weeks after the first dose of vaccination. People who have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine in the Czech Republic more than three weeks ago (22 days) will no longer need to provide a negative test at venues where they are required as of today (restaurants, hairdressers, theatres, gyms etc.) or proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the past 180 days will be needed.

    Updated on May 17th

    • Outdoor seating at restaurants can reopen: Restaurant gardens can open as of today. Customers will need to be tested, fully vaccinated, or have already had Covid-19 to be able to visit outdoor seating areas. The responsibility for following those rules falls on the customer, and there may be spot inspections by police (fines of up to 10,000 CZK can be issued for non-compliance). A maximum of four people may sit at a table unless they are members of the same household, and tables must be 1.5 meters apart from each other.
    • Theatre or music can be performed outside for 700 people: From today, cultural events can take place in the Czech Republic in the open air with maximum participation of up to 700 people. The condition for participation in the events will be either a negative test, a completed vaccination, or recovery from Covid-19.
    • Sports grounds and fitness centers reopen: Indoor sports grounds, fitness centers, and gyms can also reopen, but with a limit of one visitor per 15 square meters, a maximum of two people in groups, and a maximum of 10 people in total. It will be necessary to keep the social distance of at least two meters if they are not members of one household. Visitors will have to have a negative coronavirus test, a vaccination certificate, or proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the last 90 days. Visitors are not allowed to use changing rooms or showers.
    • The group of people who can benefit from the vaccine exemptions on arrival is expanding. In addition to persons vaccinated in the Czech Republic, this option now also applies to persons vaccinated in Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Slovenia. If they hold a vaccination certificate, they can travel from EU countries with a medium and high risk of infection 22 days after the first vaccination dose without the need for testing and without restrictions on free movement within the territory.


    Updated on May 10th

    • From Monday, May 10th, all retail sectors and other services are reopened. Under health and safety conditions, markets and marketplaces are also fully opened.
    • The respirators are no longer required outdoors, unless in a place where it is impossible to maintain more than two meters distance.
    • Once-a-week testing will continue to be mandatory until the end of June.

    Updated on May 7th
    The conditions for entry to the Czech Republic were updated again, mainly due to the rapidly spreading mutations of COVID-19 in certain countries. Only Czech citizens, EU citizens with temporary residence in the Czech Republic and their family members, and citizens of 3rd countries with permanent residence in the Czech Republic are allowed to enter the Czech Republic from countries with extreme risk, such as India, Brazil, or Colombia. For all other categories, i.e. citizens of 3rd countries who have only a long-term residence or visa, applies a PROHIBITION OF ENTRY INTO THE TERRITORY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC.
    Please, see Conditions for entry of persons to the territory of the Czech Republic with validity from May 4th

    Updated on May 3rd

    From May 3rd, health and beauty services such as hairdressers, manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty salons are reopened to the public. Clients are required to provide proof of a negative test for Covid-19 carried out at work or school or performed at a certified testing centre.

    The remaining closed retailers will reopen on May 10th. This will be followed on May 17th by the reopening of outside areas of pubs and restaurants, as well as hotels and accommodation providers, which will be allowed up to 25% capacity of guests. All timetables are provisional and depend on continuing downward trends in the number of new cases of coronavirus and hospitalisations.
    Updated on April     28

    • Updated rules for entry and return with validity from April 27 can be found here.
    • From 27 April 2021, the entry of persons traveling from countries with an extreme risk of infection to the Czech Republic is prohibited, namely Botswana, Brazil, Swaziland, India, South Africa, Kenya, Colombia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Peru, Tanzania, (including Zanzibar and Pemba), Zambia and Zimbabwe. Exceptions are citizens of the Czech Republic and EU citizens with a certificate of temporary residence in the Czech Republic and their family members, persons with permanent residence in the Czech Republic and other categories determined by the protective measure. Passengers must ensure a date for performing a PCR test in the Czech Republic before their arrival and must undergo this PCR test immediately upon arrival (within 24 hours of entry), subsequently they must remain self-insulated. The self-isolation ends only with a negative result of the second PCR test, which can be performed no earlier than the tenth day after arrival.
    • Travel to these countries is prohibited, with some exceptions. Only travel that is urgent and cannot be postponed can be made to all countries with an extreme risk of infection. In such a case, passengers are obliged to notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. This notification means registration in the DROZD database before the trip. Violation of this protective measure will be sanctioned under the Public Health Protection Act.
    • Further information on arrival can be found on the Ministry of Interior website: https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/coronavirus-information-of-moi.aspx
    • The full text of the protective measure can be found on the Ministry of Health website: https://koronavirus.mzcr.cz/en/

    Updated on April 7: Slight easement of protective measures from April 12:

    • Shops with children's clothes and shoes and stationery stores will reopen, along with the planned return of children to primary school lower grades.
    • Farmers markets, dry cleaners, laundries, locksmiths, appliance repair shops, and shops selling car spare parts and machinery will also be allowed to open.
    • The outdoor premises of zoos and botanical gardens may open as of April 12, but can only fill up to 20 percent of their capacity.
    • The state of emergency in the Czech Republic will expire on April 11 and the government will not seek to renew it. Instead, they will rely on pandemic laws for the authority to regulate what can and cannot be in operation. The ban on travel between districts and the nighttime curfew will also be lifted.

    Updated on March 30

    • The current new list of countries with low, medium and high risk of infection with validity from March 29th can be found here (will be updated also in English in the upcoming days).
    • Notice for SLOVAK students: Slovakia is newly included in the list of countries with a high risk of infection (no longer with very high risk!), so students from Slovakia can come with an antigen or RT-PCR test, but the obligation to undergo an RT-PCR test at their own expense within 5 days remains.

    Effective from March 19
    From 19 March 2021, the following rules apply for returns from stays longer than 12 hours from the countries divided according to the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

    • Conditions for entry of persons to the territory of the Czech Republic with validity from March 19 - If you are planning any travel, please go through the conditions carefully.
    • Foreigners must wear a respirator for 14 days after entering the Czech Republic.
    • The current new list of countries with low, medium and high risk of infection can be found here (will be updated also in English in the upcoming days).
    • Information on the conditions of entry into individual states is available at embassies in the given countries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    • The state of emergency will last until March 28th. The government will discuss an extension next Monday and aims to keep current restrictions in place until after Easter.

    • Among the changes from Monday will be an expansion of the area permitted for leisure activities - it will be possible to move around the district for nature, sports and the like.

    • The current restrictions on movement between districts will remain in force, permitting only necessary trips such as visits to the doctor or authorities and commuting to work.


    March 3     - updated rules for entry and the list of countries according to the risk of COVID-19 transmission:
    Please, pay attention to the updated documents, as well as to important information for the incoming students below:

    Foreigners who have been granted the relevant residence permit and are admitted to study here can come to the Czech Republic.

    Students who have spent more than 12 hours in the last 14 days in a country that is not on the list of low-risk countries are required to submit a test result to the school where they are studying before entering school. In the case of countries with a medium risk of infection, an antigen test (performed no earlier than 24 hours before the trip) or a PCR test (performed no earlier than 72 hours before the trip), which was performed before entering the territory of the Czech Republic, is sufficient.

    In the case of countries with a high and very high risk of infection, a PCR test is required, which was performed on the territory of the Czech Republic. In addition, for travel from countries with a very high risk of infection, the test must be submitted at least 5 days after arrival.

    Educational institutions must prevent the entry of persons into educational institutions unless they simultaneously submit a negative result of the RT-PCR test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 from the Czech Republic, at least 5 days after arrival in the Czech Republic.

    A student arriving at this extraordinary time should check all emergency measures regarding accommodation / dormitories and the functioning of the university (the form of teaching is now distant).

    In case of doubts or questions, please call the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic: +420 974 801 801. (Mon - Thu: 8:00 - 16:00 and Fri: 8:00 - 12:00). Or by e-mail: cestovani.covid19@mvcr.cz. The telephone and e-mail info lines provide information in Czech and English.

    Students / staff must inform the university about trips excessing 12 hours to countries with a medium, high, and very high risk of COVID-19.

    Free movement of persons arriving from abroad is prohibited.

    The Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic prohibits all persons from moving freely throughout the Czech Republic for the duration of their stay in the Czech Republic until the result of the RT-PCR test for SARS CoV-2 performed in the Czech Republic or until the end of the quarantine measure, except:

    a) the travels necessary for the provision of basic necessities of life, for the provision of childcare, for the provision of animal care, the necessary financial and postal services, the replenishment of fuels,
    b) trips to medical and social services facilities,
    c) journeys for the purpose of settling urgent official matters,
    d) journeys back to their place of residence,
    e) funerals.

    Effective from March     1

    New restrictions on freedom of movement are valid from Monday 1st March and last until March 21th. The state of emergency will last until March 31st.

    • walks and exercise during the day will be limited to within the municipality where you live. Those walking their dogs at night must stay within 500 meters of their house. Movement between districts will be prohibited, other than for work reasons or to provide emergency care.
    • Those leaving their own district for work reasons must carry evidence, either a permit from their employer or a work contract. Those traveling outside their district for medical appointments must provide a written affidavit of the place and time of the appointment. Shopping will only be permitted within your home district. Visits to relatives, even within the same district, will only be allowed for the provision of urgent care.
    • The night curfew remains in force between 9 pm and 5 am, and movement during the day is restricted to travel for work, shopping, medical reasons, necessary visits to relatives, or exercise.
    • All shops and services will be closed except: grocery stores, shops selling fuel, drugstores and domestic goods stores, pharmacies, animal feed, and pet stores, shops selling spectacles and contact lenses, towing and vehicle repair shops, print shops, tobacconists, newsagents, pick-up points for goods and packages, gardening supplies stores, ticket offices, florists, electronics and computer services, funeral services, unstaffed launderettes, taxi services, and psychotherapists. Restaurant windows may also remain open. Stationery shops and shops selling children’s clothes and shoes will close again.
    • All schools that are still open, including the first and second years of primary schools, kindergartens, and special schools, will be closed, except to children of medical staff and other key workers.
    • FFP2 respirators will be required in the workplace, unless staff are working alone or from home. Doubled surgical masks will no longer be accepted in indoor public spaces.
    • The required length of quarantine and self-isolation will return to 14 days.

    Effective from February 22

    • The Ministry of Health will require from Thursday, February 25th wearing of FFP2 respirators, nano masks, or two surgical face masks in shops, public transport, and other public places with a high concentration of people. Homemade textile masks are no longer considered significant protection. The new rule is due to the worsening epidemiological and the spread of the more infectious British mutation in the Czech Republic.
    • The epidemic situation in the Czech Republic is still unfavourable, the Czech government has restricted movement in the Cheb, Trutnov and Sokolov districts.
    • FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE ABOUT TO TRAVEL TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC: For persons who have been tested COVID-19 positive, there is an exception to the protective measure on arrival in the Czech Republic.
    • Instead of submitting the test, they can submit a written medical certificate in English by a doctor working in the Czech Republic or another Member State of the European Union stating that they do not have clinical signs of COVID-19, have demonstrably suffered from COVID-19, have undergone any special measures of the Ministry of Health or another Member State of the European Union to the extent specified due to a positive RT-PCR test result and that no more than 90 days have passed since the first positive RT-PCR test result. The certificate must contain a stamp, the identification of the doctor, and a telephone number;
    • Medical certificate on suffering covid-19 disease in the past when travelling to the Czech Republic
    • The full text of the regulation can be found here - Article 5.h.
    • List of countries with a low risk of COVID-19 transmission with validity from Monday, February 22, can be found here.

    Currently, the state of emergency is declared by February 28.
    Effective from February 14

    • The government extended the state of emergency for another 14 days.
    • On February 14th, 2021 the Ministry of Health protective measure was updated. Conditions for entry and subsequent stay in the Czech Republic have been further specified for some categories of persons, for example for professional athletes.
      You can find the condition for entry here (pdf, 347 kB).

    • As of February 14th, 2021 Germany will classify the Czech Republic as "an area of variant of concern" and at the same will reintroduce the border controls. Entry to Germany from the Czech Republic will be allowed only to a limited number of categories of travellers (such as transport personnel or some categories of cross-border workers) who will be obliged to present a negative PCR / antigen test result not older than 48 hours on the entry. The obligation to present a negative test will apply also to persons transiting the Czech Republic, including transport workers. In response to this situation, the conditions for entry into the Czech Republic were adjusted as well.
      Transport personnel who transit through the Czech Republic to Germany will be newly obliged to carry a negative PCR / antigen test result not older than 36 hours at the entry to the Czech Republic.

    • As of Ferbuary 12th, 2021 due to the measures on entry to the Sokolov, Cheb and Trutnov district it is possible to enter these districts via land border only in case of situations listed in the crisis measure issued by the Government of the Czech Republic.

    Effective from February 5

    From Friday, February 5th, a new protective measure of the Ministry of Health will come into force, which changes the rules of travel to the Czech Republic. Travelers will now have to undergo testing for COVID-19 before traveling to the Czech Republic from most countries.

    Traveler semaphore - updates:

    • The dark red - high-risk category is newly introduced, to which the most strict epidemiological measures will be applied. This means the mandatory submission of the first PCR test not older than 48 hours before entry and subsequently, the second PCR test performed in the Czech Republic no earlier than the fifth day after entry. Self-isolation is required until a second negative test is submitted.
    • In the case of traveling from orange and red countries, the obligation to submit an antigen or PCR test not older than 48 hours will be required before entry. In the case of red countries, the person must also undergo a second PCR test performed in the Czech Republic within 5 days after arrival. Self-isolation is required until a second negative test is submitted.

    It is also still necessary to fill the Arrival Form - https://plf.uzis.cz/, which will be controlled together with the test result while entering the Czech Republic.

    FIND MORE: Conditions for entry and return to the Czech Republic

    Effective from January 22
    Government extends the force of emergency measures to 14 February.

    Effective from January 18
    Hungary, Malta and the Portuguese Azores Islands, and Madeira to be removed from the list of low-risk countries Luxembourg to be yellow

    Effective from January 14
    As a result of the reintroduction of border control at internal borders between Austria and Czechia, Austria will close some of the border-crossing points. The list of crossing points at which persons may cross the line between the countries is available here.

    Effective from January 11
    The Ministry of Health has updated the list of countries with a low risk of contagion on the basis of available data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). As of Monday, 11 January, France and Ireland will be removed from the list and added to the red category. Hence, a PCR test will be mandatory upon returning, as will the completion of an arrival form. On the contrary, Bulgaria, Belgium, and Hungary will be added to the yellow category.

    Effective from January 7

    Government extends force of emergency measures to 22 January; antigen tests also to continue to be provided free of charge. Spain, except for the Canary Islands, is from now on removed from the list of countries with a low risk of contagion.

    Effective from January 5

    Updated protection measures of Ministry of Health for passengers from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
    Even before entering the Czech Republic, every passenger, regardless of the mode of transport, must have a confirmation of a negative result of an antigen or PCR test not older than 72 hours. On the fifth to seventh day after arrival in the Czech Republic, it is then necessary to undergo a PCR test or a 10-day quarantine.

    See all the protective measures of the Ministry of Health in English here.

    Effective from January 1
    Until further notice, only outpatient, repatriation, or life-saving flights may be performed from the United Kingdom, in addition, flights with passengers who, before boarding the aircraft, provide confirmation of a negative result to an antigenic or RT-PCR test carried out in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland no later than 72 hours before departure.

    Eligible citizens to enter the Czech Republic:

    1. a) citizens of the Czech Republic permanently residing in the Czech Republic or their family members accompanying them
    2. b) citizens of the European Union with an issued certificate of temporary residence in the Czech Republic or with a permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic or their family members accompanying them
    3. c) holders of a valid long-term visa, long-term or permanent residence permit issued in the Czech Republic issued by the Czech Republic
    4. d) other foreigners, if they only transit through the territory of the Czech Republic or transfer to a connecting flight from the same airport, within 12 hours of arrival.

    Passengers must also meet other conditions for entry into the territory of the Czech Republic according to the relevant protective measures of the Ministry of Health (i.e. proof of the purpose of the trip - study, employment, etc., not tourism!)

    Effective from December 27

    Czech Republic returns to the fifth, the most serious level of the PES anti-epidemic system on Sunday, December 27th.

    Shops and Services

    The only shops which will be allowed to remain open are those selling basic necessities. However, these shops will be restricted from selling other goods that are not considered essential. Shoppers will be limited to one per 15 square metres.

    Social Gatherings and Activities

    Gatherings of people from different households are now limited to two people. This also applies to outdoor sports. The night curfew will apply from 9pm, including on New Year’s Eve. Restaurants remain closed, but will be allowed to serve customers via dispensing windows until 9pm, when the curfew comes into force.

    Schools

    After New Year, only children from the first two grades of primary school will return to school. All other pupils will return to online tuition, until at least January 10th.

    Effective from December 20

    Mandatory 10-day quarantine for all incoming travellers from the UK

    • The mandatory quarantine applies to all travellers who have spent at least 24 hours in the United Kingdom over the past 14 days.
    • Travelers can take a PCR COVID-19 test on days 5-7 of the 10-day quarantine after their arrival; if negative, the quarantine may be ended sooner.

    Effective from December 18

    Stricter measures will come into effect on December 18 as the Czech Republic switches back to level 4 of the anti-epidemic PES system:

    • A curfew will apply between 11pm and 5am, and a maximum of six people can gather in a group.
    • Restaurants and Pubs will close but can sell through a dispensing window outside of the nightly curfew hours. It is not allowed to sell alcohol, but the sale of coffee and tea will be allowed.
    • Shops and stores will remain open, including on Sundays. The opening hours of shops will not change, and supermarkets will be open until noon on Christmas Day.
    • Indoor sports facilities will close, including swimming pools, saunas, gyms, and wellness centers. It will be possible to play sports outside with a maximum group of six people. Only professional competitions without spectators will be allowed, amateur competitions will be suspended.
    • Service establishments such as salons will continue to operate under hygiene measures. Accommodation facilities will close to tourists, but people on business trips may be accommodated.
    • Castles, galleries, museums, and similar institutions will close again. Libraries will operate but only by distributing pre-ordered books through an issuing window. Churches can be filled to 20% of the maximum capacity. Mass singing will again be banned.
    • The last day of school will be December 18th. On December 21st and 22nd, kindergartens and universities will operate according to the fourth PES level.

    Effective from December 3

    • The Czech Republic will move to the third level of the anti-epidemic system on Thursday, December 3.

      You can find all details of the system here.

      Here are some details:

      Restaurant and pubs

      • Establishments closed between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
      • Only seated guests, max. 4 persons per table and max. 50% guest capacity.

      Leisure

      • Libraries: limited number of persons (1 person per 15 m 2 operating area), 2 m distance between customers.
      • Museums, galleries: will allow a capacity of 25%

      Recreational sports and events

      • Indoor sports grounds only for individual sports with up to 10 persons. Sports permitted outdoors, always with only 2 teams/groups.
      • 50 people can gather outside

      Restrictions of free movement of persons

      • No restrictions

      Shopping centers

      • A limited number of persons (1 person per 15 m 2 operating area), 2 m distance between customers
      • Restriction of food courts to service windows only.

      Retail

      • A limited number of persons (1 person per 15 m 2 operating area), 2 m distance between customers.

      More information can be found at this link.

    • Effective from November 23

    The state of emergency in the Czech Republic is to remain in force until 12 December.

    • As of 23 November will shorten the curfew to the time from 11:00 p.m. to 4:59 a.m. on the next day.

    • The limit for gatherings of unrelated persons will increase from two to six.

    • Opening hours of stores (with basic necessities) and takeaway windows in restaurants can be extended until 23:00.

    • Prohibition of drinking alcohol in public.

    • Prohibition of sales on Sundays and public holidays.

    • The epidemiological situation will newly be depicted by the PES evaluation system. The Ministry of Health will map the current epidemiological situation using the PES (anti-epidemic system) risk score. The regions will be assigned to five levels, on which the respective anti-epidemic measures will depend. More information can be found at this link.



    • The state of emergency was extended in the Czech Republic until 20 November 2020. The government has also extended all restrictions and protective measures until 20 November 2020.
    • Effective from October 28th till 20th November 2020
    • the ban on leaving home between 9:00 pm and 4:59 am with some exceptions: traveling to work, moving outside as a part of work, and urgent matters such as the protection of life limited
    • opening hours on shops: retail sales will be prohibited on Sundays and on other days from 8 pm to 5 am. This does not apply to petrol stations, pharmacies, take-away restaurants, or shops in places such as airports, railway stations, or bus stations.

    • Effective from 06:00 am of 22 October 2020 through to 11:59 pm of 3 November 2020

      Restriction on free movement and contact with other people with the exception of:

      • Essential trips such as work, medical or welfare visit, essential purchases, necessary family visit
      • Trips taken to take care of urgent official matters
      • Trips back to one´s place of residence

      Restriction of movement in public places for the necessary time, stay in the place of residence, contact restrictions with others for a maximum of 2 people with the exception of family household members. Walks in nature are allowed.

      Closure of shops and restrictions on service with the exception of:

      • Grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies, newspaper retailers, retailers of tobacco products, opticians, dry cleaners, and other selected establishments.

    • Effective from 12:00 am of 21 October 2020 until the cancellation of this Extraordinary Measure, all persons are prohibited from moving about and staying without protective respiratory equipment (nose, mouth), such as a respirator, face mask, cloth, scarf, shawl in all other publicly accessible places in the built-up area of ​​the municipality, where at least 2 persons less than 2 meters apart are present at the same place and at the same time, unless they are exclusively household members.

    • Effective from 12:00 am of 13 October 2020
    • It is necessary to wear a face mask also at stops and platforms of public transportation

    • Effective from 12:00 am of 14 October 2020 through to 11:59 pm of 3 November 2020
    • It is not allowed to meet in groups of more than 6 people, whether outdoors or indoors, organized or not organized
    • Drinking alcohol in public is banned.
    • All restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs have to be closed. You can buy meals only „take away“ until 20:00 (The restaurants close at 20:00).
    • With regard to the epidemiological situation getting worse, the Government of the Czech Republic adopted a resolution restricting the operation of universities with effect from 12th October 2020 to 25th October 2020 by prohibiting the personal participation of students in classes. This cancels the existing exception of laboratory, artistic or experimental work (in small groups), individual visits to libraries and study rooms, individual consultations, etc.

    • From midnight on 9 October, there is once more a ban on the operation and use of indoor sports grounds on the operation of artificial swimming pools and all wellness facilities, other than health services, as well as on visits and tours to zoos.

    • There will be further restrictions on restaurants, bars, and similar catering facilities with the exception of dispensing windows, will once more have to close at 20:00, with no more than four people being allowed at a table at a time.

    • It will be possible to enter shopping centers and other establishments in groups of a maximum of two people.

    • From Monday 12 October all cultural, sporting, and social events, religious services, dance, or club events (this also applies to cinemas or theaters) will be canceled if they bring together more than ten people indoors or twenty people outdoors, which will apply for 14 days.

    • The state of emergency in the Czech Republic was declared from midnight on Monday, October 5th for a period of 30 days.

    • Effective from 12:00 a. m. of 5 October 2020 through to 11:59 p. m. of 18 October 2020 the government prohibits mass events held for more than 10 people in the indoor premises of buildings, and more than 20 people on outdoor premises, and a distance from other persons less than 2 meters.