Millions of people visit the Czech Republic every year to explore the country and its culture. In 2019, the Czech Republic recorded the highest number of visa applications.
If you are also interested in visiting the Czech Republic, you need to check whether you need a visa or not. If you do need a visa, you have to submit a Czech Republic visa application at the nearest Czech embassy.
Where Can I Apply for the Czech Visa?
You can apply for a Czech Republic visa at one of the following:
- The nearest Embassy of the Czech Republic is in your country.
- The embassy or consulate of another Schengen country that represents consular affairs of the Czech Republic (if there is no Czech Republic diplomatic representation in your country.)
- A private visa agency that the Czech Republic has outsourced visa submission services.
You can find the Czech Republic’s abroad consulates and embassies here. All the documents submitted must be in the Czech language or translated into Czech.
How to Apply for a Czech Republic Visa?
To apply for a Czech Republic visa, follow these steps:
- Book an Appointment.
- Download Your Application Form.
- Prepare All the Required Documents.
- Wait for a Response.
Step 1. Book an Appointment
Making a visa appointment is required. Most of the time, applicants must have an in-person meeting appointment. You can make your appointment at the nearest Czech Republic consulate. You should set up your appointment at least two weeks before you plan to travel because it takes up to 15 days to hear a decision. During the holiday season, you have to apply even more in advance.
Step 2. Download Your Application Form
After you download the visa application form, make sure to fulfill the application with all your personal information and background. You can complete the visa application form in writing or electronically. Ensure you answer all the questions and do not leave any blank spaces. Sign in at the end.
Step 3. Prepare All the Required Documents
The required documents for a Czech Republic visa are:
- The Czech Republic visa application form.
- Two recently taken passport pictures. Your pictures must follow the Schengen photo guidelines.
- Your passport. Your passport must have at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months. If you have any previous Schengen visas, submit copies of the passport pages with the visa sticker.
- Evidence that you have purchased a return flight ticket. You do not need to purchase a flight ticket beforehand – especially since you do not know whether you will receive a visa. You can simply submit a booked flight itinerary.
- Valid travel health insurance. Your travel health insurance must be valid in the entire Schengen area, with an amount of at least €30,000.
- Proof of accommodation. You must submit a booked hotel reservation or a letter from a friend/relative in the Czech Republic.
- A Schengen visa cover letter. In the letter, you must explain in detail the reason for your trip, where you are planning on staying, etc.
- Civil status documents (marriage papers, adoption, birth certificate, etc.)
- Evidence that you can finance your stay in Czechia. You have to submit your bank statements or a letter of invitation from a sponsor in the Czech Republic.
For more detailed guideline of documents required for a Czech visa application, you can visit the article.
Step 4. Wait for a Response
The standard processing time for a response for a Czech Republic visa is 15 days. The time frame can be extended depending on when you submit your application or even depending on your specific case.
The embassy will send you an email or SMS after the decision for your application has been made.
Czech Republic Visa Interview Questions
Here are some of the most common questions you might be asked during your Czech visa application interview:
- What is your name?
- Are you married? If yes, for how long?
- Do you have children? If yes, how many and how old are they?
- What is the reason for your visit?
- Are you travelling alone?
- What do you do in your living country?
- Are you working right now?
- Can you show us your statement?
- Have you traveled before?
- What is your educational qualification?
- Do you have any proof that you will return to your home country after your visa expires?
Generally, all questions aim to determine why you want to visit the Czech Republic and whether you pose a risk of overstaying your visa illegally.
Note: You should answer all of the questions sincerely!