The Czech Republic, located in the very heart of Central Europe, is bordered by the picturesque countries of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland. Every year, this captivating destination draws 6 to 8 million visitors, who come to explore its rich cultural heritage, captivating museums, magnificent chateaus, and historic sites that have stories to tell. If you are visiting Czech Republic for any reason, then this article will guide you on how to get a Czech Republic visa as a Green Card holder. Getting a visa can be challenging due to strict requirements, the complexities of Schengen regulations, and the need to navigate changing policies. To simplify, outsource us for expert assistance by filling out the form below. We have assisted more than 50k customers in the past years.
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Understanding ETIAS and Czech Republic Travel: Do U.S. Citizens Require a Visa?
There are currently 60 nationals who enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area, and the US is one of them. However, this will change starting in 2025, when obtaining ETIAS is mandatory before your trip. ETIAS is not a traditional visa but a travel authorization that allows US citizens to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or other purposes in the Czech Republic and other Schengen countries.
Is a visa required for U.S. Green Card Holders Travelling to the Czech Republic?
As per the Schengen Area Free Movement, if your birth country has a visa liberation agreement with the European Union, you don’t need a visa to travel to the Czech Republic; only ETIAS will do. You either need a Schengen visa or authorization from ETIAS to enter the Schengen area, which can be concluded by taking this simple ETIAS assessment, which requires details such as your citizenship, EU destination, purpose of visit, and duration of stay.
How do I apply for a Czech Republic visa from the US as a green card holder?
You will find a detailed information on each step in the following article.
- Know who can apply for a Czech Republic visa from the US.
- Based on the purpose know your visa type.
- Know your jurisdiction to understand where to apply for the visa.
- Book your appointment at the Czech Republic consulate.
- Prepare your documents and fill out the application form.
- Attend your appointment or interview on the scheduled date and time.
- Submit all paperwork, provide biometric data, and pay your visa fees.
- Wait for the visa processing.
Who can apply for a Czech Republic visa in the US?
- Individuals who hold legal residency status in the United States, including Green Card holders, F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, and J1 visa holders, are eligible to apply. Additionally, your U.S. residency must remain valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond your return from Czech Republic.
- If the only European country you are visiting is the Czech Republic.
- If visiting multiple Schengen nations, make sure to spend more time in Czech Republic.
- If you spend equal days in multiple Schengen nations, your initial entry must be in Czech Republic.
Which Czech Republic visa is suitable for me?
- If you are passing through a Czech Republic airport on your way to another destination, then you need a transit visa.
- A tourist visa is a gateway to exploring the enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of the Czech Republic.
- If you are visiting friends or family in the Czech Republic, go for a visitor visa.
- A business visa is for those attending business activities, such as meetings, negotiations, or conferences, in the Czech Republic.
- If you are representing your country or engaging in official diplomatic activities in the Czech Republic, then you need diplomatic visas.
- A medical visa is for those seeking any medical treatment, consultations, or procedures in the country.
- If you are an international student planning to study in Czech Republic for more than 90 days, then you need a student visa.
- Get a visa for a sports or film crew if you are attending any football event, shooting a movie, or engaging in related activities.
- Go for a spouse visa if you want to join your spouse, who is either a citizen or on a work visa in Czech Republic.
Where can I apply for a Czech Republic visa in the US?
You can apply at the Consulate General of the Czech Republic located in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Washington, D.C., based on your jurisdiction.
Embassy of Czech Republic in Washington , D.C.
| Consular Jurisdiction : Residents of Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia; USA, unincorporated territory: Puerto Rico can apply here. |
| Address: Embassy of the Czech Republic ,3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW Washington, DC 20008-3803 |
| Phone: (202) 274-9100 Fax: (202) 966-8540 |
| E-mail: [email protected] |
| Website: Embassy of Czech Republic |
| Office hours : Please visit the website |
Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago
| Consular Jurisdiction : Residents of Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois can apply here. |
| Address: Consulate General of the Czech Republic, 205 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1680, Chicago, IL 60601. |
| Phone: +1 312 861 1037 , Fax: +1 312 861 1944 |
| E-mail: [email protected] |
| Website: Czech Republic in Chicago |
| The office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9.30 am – 12.30 pm and Wednesday 9.30 am – 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm – 5pm. |
Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Los Angeles
| Consular Jurisdiction : Residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming; USA, unincorporated territories: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas can apply here. |
| Address: Consulate General of the Czech Republic,10990 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100 ,Los Angeles, CA, 90024 |
| Phone: +1 (310) 473-0889, (310) 473-9713, (310) 473-5279 Fax: +1 (310) 473-9813 |
| E-mail: [email protected] |
| Website: Czech Republic in Los Angeles |
| Office hours Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon |
Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York
| Consular Jurisdiction : Residents of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont can apply here. |
| Address: Consulate General of the Czech Republic , 321 East 73rd Street ,New York, NY 10021 |
| Phone: +1 347 974 6013, +1 347 948 8776 Fax: +1 347 974 6068 |
| E-mail: [email protected] |
| Website: www.mzv.cz/ny |
| Office hours : Varies based on the service , please visit the website. |
How do I book an appointment at the respective Consulate General of the Czech Republic from the US?
Know your jurisdiction to understand where you can apply and schedule the appointment by email.
| Based on Jurisdiction | |
| Embassy of Czech Republic in Washington , D.C. | [email protected] |
| Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago | [email protected] |
| Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Los Angeles | [email protected] |
| Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York | [email protected] |
As a green card holder, what paperwork is needed for a Czech Republic visa application?
Visa application form filled and signed by the applicant, avoid mistakes and ensure all the details match the passport. Download your form in English or another language. If you are unsure how to fill out the form, Take our assistance.
Passport, which has been issued in last 10 years and has two blank pages with validity extending for at least 3 months after returning to the US from the Czech Republic.
Two 35 x 45 mm, identical, coloured photos shot within the last six months against a light background, with the candidates looking directly into the camera and their ears clearly visible. Keep your face neutral and avoid smiling.
Proof of legal residence in the US, such as a green card or valid resident visa, which is valid at least 3 months after returning to the US.
Flight itinerary with booking ID, applicant name, and flight number. Do not book fully paid air tickets until the visa is approved; use our Flightgen app to obtain your itinerary.
Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a private Invitation letter from the host (friends or family), is harmonised by the local authorities. Get your temporary hotel bookings below without worrying about cancellation costs in case the visa is not approved.
Include a Cover letter outlining your itinerary, dates of travel, co-passenger details, and reason for the trip. Are you unsure of how to draft a cover letter for a visa to Czech Republic? We have everything covered. Simply respond to the following questions to receive your letter.
Additional documents
Travel health insurance certifying the applicant’s name, the coverage dates, the coverage for repatriation, and the minimum coverage of €30.000. Insurance consumables cannot have deductibles. To obtain insurance, simply click the link below.
Financial sustenance proof: For a stay of 30 days or less, you need to have at least 1,565 CZK per day. For a stay over 30 days (up to 90 days), you need to have at least 46,950 CZK plus an additional 6,260 CZK for each full month. You need to justify this based on the following:
- If someone sponsors your trip, you should obtain a Sponsorship letter from that person along with their government ID’s.
- If you are employee provide the last 3 months pay slips
- If Self employed , issue recent ITR filing.
- If Retired then provide a copy of monthly pension/ source of income.
- If you are traveling for business, then obtain an invitation letter from the host company, confirming that they will cover expenses.
- For students or researchers visiting Czech Republic for any educational purpose, get a certificate from the receiving institute mentioning the purpose, length of stay, and expense coverage.
Documents for Minors
- The minor’s birth certificate.
- Application form filled and signed by Parents or authorized person.
- If the parents are divorced, they need to provide legal custody paperwork.
- A notarized parental authorization letter allowing travel to Czech Republic.
- Parents or authorized persons must submit a copy of their passport, official government picture ID, most recent bank statements, tax returns, and pay stubs.
To know more in detail visit Documents required for Schengen visa.
What is the Czech Republic visa fee from the US?
While applying for a visa at a consulate or visa center, you should pay the visa fee. The fee is mostly collected in cash in the local currency and is non-refundable if the visa is not approved. The consulate will provide instructions regarding the mode of payment. Please be aware that the visa fee may change without notice.
| Airport transit Visa | 80 EUR |
| Short stay Schengen Visa | 80 EUR |
| Short stay Schengen Visa for children 6-11 | 40 EUR |
| Short stay Schengen Visa for children upto 6 years | Free |
For more details visit here.
What happens on the day of the appointment at the Czech Republic embassy or consulate in the US?
- Applicants must submit an application form and all the supporting documents, which will be verified by the visa authorities.
- Parents or an authorized person must accompany minors at the consulate, along with the supporting documents.
- The consulate will collect your biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints.
- Individuals under the age of 12 or those whose fingerprints were taken within the last 59 months are exempt from providing fingerprints.
- If necessary, they may ask additional information from you.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Track your application.
What is the visa processing time for a Czech Republic visa?
The embassy processes visas within 15 days. And may extend the processing time up to 60 days for certain individuals if they require further security checks. Therefore, it is advisable to apply at least 15 days before your scheduled trip.
Why did my Czech Republic visa get refused?
Czechia authorities will send you a standard letter that outlines the reason for refusing the visa. Along with guidance on potential remedies and detailed instructions on how to proceed. In this case, applicants have the right to file an appeal with the Consular Mission against such determinations within 15 days after receiving the letter. You can submit the appeal in person or by email, and it must bear the signature of the applicant or their legal representative. The review of visa refusals will cost you 80 EUR fee. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will review the appeal within 60 days.
The applicant receives the standard form specifying one or more of the following reasons if the application is denied due to a prior consultation objection:
- One or more Member States believe that the applicant poses a threat to national security, public policy, public health, or international relations.
Can I extend my Czech Republic visa?
In exceptional situations, you can only extend a Schengen visa when you provide evidence of a humanitarian emergency or force majeure that prevents you from leaving the Schengen Area before the visa’s validity expires, and this type of visa extension is free of charge. The extension must not exceed a stay of 90 days. The Alien Police examines your situation to determine whether you are eligible for a visa extension. If you are extending your visa for personal reasons, you will incur a fee of 30 EUR.