We have realised information about the Covid situation and Covid restrictions in the Czech Republic - written in English - is scarce. So we’ve decided we will write a blog post about what is closed in the Czech Republic and what is open, if you can enter the Czech Republic and on what conditions, what are the current Covid and vaccination numbers, and so on. We will be update this on a weekly basis until it is no longer needed. (Which will be hopefully soon.)

We are obviously writing this because we have a vested interest in tourists coming to the Czech Republic - we run amazing food tours in Prague, and we have just opened new dates for our fantastic Moravian wine tour - so of course we want you to come to Prague. And when you’re here, we really want to feed you some delicious food, and tell you some things you can’t find on Google.

But anyway, enough chit chat, let’s do this.

Czech Covid situation in a nutshell.

After a gruesome autumn 2020 and spring 2021 that saw nearly 15% of the population infected and back then the world’s highest death toll, the Czechs are now one of the least infected nations in the world. We are a bit behind with vaccinations, but the numbers are strong (33% fully and just under 50% partially vaccinated) and people are generally happy and enjoying a nearly restriction-free summer.

That said, this (July 6) has been the first week where our numbers have gotten slightly worse, and the R number is the highest since January. The government is worried about the Delta variant and may impose back some restrictions, especially when it comes to travel from highly infected countries.

Can you visit the Czech Republic as a tourist?

That depends. Entry for non-essential travel is based on the “street lights” system.

Citizens from Green Countries may enter the Czech Republic without any restrictions. That includes:

neighboring countries, Balkan countries, Italy, Israel, Iceland, Finland and a few others
the USA
Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand

To enter, travellers will either have to be fully vaccinated with an EMA-approved vaccine (that list crucially DOES NOT include the Sputnik V and Sinopharm vaccines), or take a test before entry. You also have to register with the authorities (it’s an easy online form).

This post is really for any travellers thinking about visiting the Czech Republic in 2021. We will update this every Tuesday or so with new information, so please feel free to save this link whenever you save your links.

And if you decide to go, and have any questions - or need to eat well during your stay - please let us know. We will be happy to help.

What are Czechia’s latest Covid numbers? Report as of July 6.

New daily cases: 107
7-Day Incidence per 100,000: 9 (Germany: 5, Austria: 6, US: 30, UK: 271)
All current cases: 1,423
In hospital with Covid: 27 (with just under 10,000 at the height of the third wave)
Total casualties to this day: 30,311
Total infections to this day: 1,668,277
(Total Czechia’s population to give context to the numbers: about 10.7 million)
Executive summary: We are now past the end of a pretty brutal third wave. Nearly everything is open now, and we’re getting the feeling that we can enjoy the summer and move on with our lives. That feeling is now slightly slipping away as the Delta variant peeks on the horizon.

Can I enter the Czech Republic right now?

That depends. Who’s asking? Where you from?
If you come from the US, you are free to enter for non-essential travel if you’re vaccinated or take a test. The same applies to all “Green Countries” (neighbouring countries, the Balkans, some Asian countries and some EU countries.
If you come from the rest of Europe, please check with your local authorities to see what conditions apply to you. You will definitely need a test and perhaps some quarantine time.

Covid Vaccinations in the Czech Republic

About 33% of the population is fully vaccinated.
About 49% of the population is partially vaccinated.
Pfizer is the most common vaccine (about 80% of all shots administered), followed by Moderna, Astra/Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson. The authorities have recently notified that Astra/Zeneca will only be ordered to finish ongoing vaccinations with second doses.
Right now, vaccinations are open to all citizens 16 years of age and older.
Executive summary: we’re a bit behind but the speed of vaccinations has been accelerating. At the current speed (which should increase with time), we might reach herd immunity by October or November. In general, Europe seems to lag behind the US by some 4 to 6 weeks. The real question is how many people will apply for the vaccination, with a fairly large proportion of the population hesitating for a variety of reasons. (Cough, BS on Facebook.)

Covid-19 testing in the Czech Republic.

All employees (along with self-employed individuals who meet others in their jobs) must be tested on a weekly basis. The government covers all or a part of the costs involved.
All citizens are entitled to one free antigen test per week, and two PCR tests per month. There is a dense network of certified laboratories where this can be done.
As a result, there is quite a bit of testing going on. Just today, we’re talking over 30 thousand PCR tests and nearly 130 thousand antigen tests. (In a population of just over 10 million.)

Is there a curfew in the Czech Republic?

Nope. You’re free as a bird. (Conditions apply, read below.)

Are face masks required in the Czech Republic?

Yes. A FFP 2-grade respirator is a must indoors. You can remove your mask if you can guarantee 6 feet of separation from others. Which means that nearly no-one wears face masks outdoors.

Kids 2yo or younger are exempt from this rule. There are many other exemptions. Use your common sense (think pre-existing conditions).
Reality check: Compliance with the face mask rules is fairly weak outdoors. People are pretty tired of them and will take any opportunity to avoid wearing them. Compliance with face mask rules indoors, on public transport and so on is very high though.

Are restaurants open in the Czech Republic?

Yes. In theory, you should be vaccinated, tested or with immunity through recent infection to be allowed to dine outside. That said, the restaurants don’t have the duty to check any of that, although authorities may perform random checks. (Since most employees in the country must be tested regularly at work, there is an assumption that most diners will have been tested anyway.) The Health Minister has said that restaurants will, going forward, be obliged to check the vaccination/testing status of their patrons.

Are hotels open in the Czech Republic?

Hotels are open to leisure travellers without capacity restrictions.
That said, testing is involved. Anyone wishing to stay at a hotel must prove they are either (1) fully vaccinated, (2) were tested in the last 48 hours before entering the hotel, (3) have immunity through previous infection. Unlike in restaurants, hotels must check that you meet either of the three conditions on check in. Alternatively, you can perform a self-test on check-in. Many hotels will sell you a self-test kit at cost. (Think 4 EUR or so.) If you stay in a hotel for more than 7 days, you must get re-tested.

Are shops open in the Czech Republic?

All retail shops are currently open. Conditions apply as to the capacity of the shops.
Reality check: the capacity restrictions are hard to check in some cases. So while some shops may be very strict, with people at the door and line management, others will have given up/do not want to hire extra help to monitor at the door, and capacity restrictions may not be enforced.

Are services open in the Czech Republic?

Services (think beauty salons, massage therapists and so on) are open to people who (1) are fully vaccinated, (2) are tested - PCR, antigen test, or self-administered test on the spot (3) have recovered from Covid in the past 90 days.
Gyms are open with limited capacity, and with closed locker rooms. You must basically enter the gym in your exercise clothes, and leave in them, too. The idea is you don’t have to spend more time indoors than necessary. Also, only 30 people may be at a gym at one time.

Are schools open in the Czech Republic?

Yes. The students have to wear face masks and will be tested for Covid on a regular basis. The tests and masks requirements will be dropped very soon.

So what is still closed in the Czech Republic?

You know what? Not much. Actually, everything is now open in the Czech Republic, but conditions may apply. Masks, testing and capacity restrictions are in place.

So that’s the covid situation and covid restrictions in the Czech Republic as of July 6. See you in a week!