Travel Information Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a very beautiful country with a pleasant climate and an incredibly diverse natural landscape. There is a lot to see and numerous activities to turn your stay into an adventure. Of course, you can also simply relax.
The essentials at a glance
You need a vignette.
An EU pet passport is required (with identification and a valid rabies vaccination).
Possession of drugs (even in small amounts) is punishable by law.
Photography is prohibited or only permitted with authorisation in certain (military) restricted zones, museums and tourist attractions.
Smoking is banned in restaurants and bars.
Selling alcohol to anyone under 18 is strictly penalised.
Consuming alcohol is prohibited in many public places between midnight and 9 a.m. (heavy fines apply).
Entry requirements
For German nationals, a valid identity card or passport is sufficient for tourist stays. Children require a child's passport.
There is a registration requirement with the relevant foreign police authority within 30 days of entry. Hotels and guesthouses usually handle this on behalf of their guests.
Pets require an EU pet passport with a microchip (or a clearly legible tattoo if identified before 3 July 2011) as well as valid proof of rabies vaccination.
Language
The official language is Czech. It has similarities with Polish, Russian and Croatian and is spoken by around 10.6 million people.
The Czech alphabet consists of 31 letters, some of which are supplemented with accents.
Driving in the Czech Republic
Traffic regulations
Even though many traffic rules are similar to those in Germany, there are some important differences:
0.0 per mille blood alcohol limit
On designated, signposted motorway sections, a maximum speed of 150 km/h has applied in good conditions since 5 October 2025
Fines were increased by up to five times in some cases in 2024
A German driving licence is sufficient
Part I of the vehicle registration certificate must be carried (an international driving permit is recommended)
Trams have right of way
Headlights must be on at all times, all year round
You can find more details in our guide to traffic regulations in the Czech Republic .
Toll and vignette
Since 2021, a digital vignette has been required for toll motorways (D-roads) in the Czech Republic. Sticker vignettes have been abolished.
The vignette requirement applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes (including motorhomes). Motorcycles, trikes and trailers are exempt. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes require an on-board unit.
Exceptions apply, among others, to parts of the D0, D1 and D5 as well as to country roads. Purely electric and hydrogen vehicles are exempt, but if registered outside the Czech Republic, only after prior online registration with the Czech toll authority (otherwise fines of up to CZK 5,000 may apply). Plug-in hybrids with a maximum of 50 g CO₂/km pay a reduced rate but are not exempt.
Charging and refuelling
The Czech Republic has a well-developed network of petrol stations and charging points. You will find numerous petrol stations and EV charging stations, especially in cities and along motorways.
Super: Natural 95
Super Plus: Natural 98
Diesel: Nafta
Payment can be made in cash or by card. The national currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). Mobile payment methods are widely used in cities.
Safety and health
Crime
Pickpocketing and fraud occur particularly in tourist areas. Keep an eye on your valuables and use guarded car parks.
Border controls
Border controls are possible. Always carry valid travel documents and, if applicable, pet passports.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations, but recommended vaccinations should be checked before travelling.
Medical care
Medical care is good but may vary by region. Private international health insurance is recommended.
Climate and best time to travel
The best time to travel is between May and September. The Czech Republic has a temperate continental climate with four seasons.
Currency
The national currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). Exchange rate: 1 CZK ≈ EUR 0.04 (as of 17 February 2025).
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and are happy to help with any questions regarding the toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and see which suitable toll products are available to you. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please contact us by email.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Information for Czech Republic
All important answers to the travel information for Czech Republic.
What important rules should I know about entering the Czech Republic?
For German nationals, a valid national ID card or passport is sufficient for tourist stays. In addition, there is a registration requirement with the foreign police within 30 days, which is usually handled by hotels.
What is the blood alcohol limit in the Czech Republic?
What is the national currency in the Czech Republic and what is the exchange rate?
