Destination The Czech Republic

Geographical Position, Climate

The Czech Republic (comprising Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia) is situated in the centre of Europe, at 48-51 degrees North latitude. It has common borders with Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic, and Austria. The prevailing continental climate is characterised by mild winters and warm summers. The mean annual temperature is 10°C, in the summer 20°C, and in winter -5°C.

Visa Requirements

The Czech Republic has visa-free arrangements with most European countries, the U.S.A., and some other countries. Thanks to its geographical position in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic has very good transport links with countries all over the world. International flights arrive at Prague-Ruzyně Airport in the Czech Republic.

Health care

Medical treatment provided for a fee is stipulated by the appropriate Czech regulations or by international agreements made between the government of the respective state and that of the Czech Republic.

Insurance

Visitors from abroad are recommended to arrange their own insurance before travelling to the Czech Republic, as Czech insurance companies do not insure foreign visitors.

Motoring information

When you drive a car in the Czech Republic you are required to have with you:

• A valid driving licence; the Czech Republic recognises the national driving licences of most countries;
• A vehicle registration document;
• A car insurance certificate (Green Card) for the period covering the use of the car in the Czech Republic; all vehicles must have valid compulsory vehicle insurance for accident liability.

The use of seat belts is compulsory. The permissible blood alcohol level for drivers is 0.00 %.

Speed Limits

In urban areas, 50 km/hr; outside urban areas, 90 km/hr; motorways, 130 km/hr; railway crossings, 30 km/hr.

Motorway toll sticker

As in the past, the prices of motorway stickers fall into one of the following three categories: passenger cars (up to 3.5 tonnes), minibuses (from 3.5-12 tonnes) and coaches (over 12 tonnes). The weight is calculated for the whole transport stock - e.g., a passenger car with a caravan belongs to the higher category. Motorway toll stickers can be bought at border crossing points, at petrol stations, all offices of the Czech Postal Service, and other selected outlets.

Fuel and Oil

All kinds of petrol and diesel oil can be purchased at petrol stations in the Czech Republic for the local currency. Approx. petrol price: EUR 1.1 per litre.

Public Holidays in the Czech Republic

• 1 January - New Year's Day
• 24 March - Easter Monday
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 8 May - Day of Liberation from Fascism
• 5 July - Day of the Slavic Missionaries, Cyril and Methodius
• 6 July - Day Commemorating the Death of John Huss at the Stake
• 28 September - Czech Statehood Day
• 28 October - Anniversary of Czechoslovakia's Independence
• 17 November - Fight for Freedom and Democracy Day
• 24-26 December - Christmas