The Czech Republic is a country known for its historical monuments, magnificent architecture and colorful cultural festivals. Its location in the center of Europe makes it accessible to both history buffs and modern travelers. Located in the heart of this country, Prague shines as a city where the past and the present, culture and art merge. But other cities and villages such as Brno, Ostrava, Plzen, Karlovy Vary also stand out with their own unique beauty.
Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Czech Republic
The history of the Czech Republic is measured in thousands of years, and during this long period the country has experienced numerous cultural and political changes. In the Middle Ages, the magnificent castles and temples located on the territory of the Czech Republic symbolized the rich cultural heritage and defensive power of the country. Prague Castle, as one of the largest ancient castles in the world, is a living witness to the Czech past. This castle has been the center of power of kings and emperors for many years and has given unforgettable history lessons to thousands of travelers.
The cultural heritage of the Czech Republic is not limited to historical monuments. The country's literature, music and art are also of great value. Writers such as Franz Kafka, who have had a great influence on world literature, have introduced the unique culture of the Czech Republic to the whole world. Also, the music of composers such as Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana has breathed new life into the country's art.
Czech Cities: A Blend of History and Modernity
The Czech Republic is known for its cities located in different regions. Each city is rich in its own unique history, architecture, and culture.
Prague is the capital and most famous city of the Czech Republic. The narrow streets of the Old Town, historic bridges and ancient churches make it one of the most romantic cities in Europe. The Charles Bridge, located over the Vltava River, has a special magic at sunset. Exquisite architectural examples, monuments bearing traces of history and the warmth of a cafe await you around every corner.
Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, is known as a modern technology and academic center. The city's dynamic atmosphere, universities and innovation centers make it young and energetic. However, Brno is not only distinguished by its modernity, but also by the rich history of the historical buildings located in the city center.
Ostrava is a city located in the industrial region of the Czech Republic and was once known as a center of heavy industry. However, in recent years, the city has also made great progress in terms of culture and tourism. Former industrial areas have been redeveloped and transformed into modern cultural centers.
Nature of the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is not only known for its historical and architectural monuments, but also for its national parks, tranquil lakes, and high mountain ranges nestled in the lap of nature. For nature lovers, this country offers ideal conditions for relaxation and rejuvenation.
National parks located in various parts of the country provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the rich flora and fauna of the Czech Republic. The Šumava National Park, the Bohemian Forest, is rich in valleys and lakes. Hiking, cycling tours and picnics here create ideal conditions for both active recreation and quiet relaxation.
The geography of the Czech Republic is rich in various lakes and rivers. Especially the lakes located in the mountainous and forested regions of the country are ideal for enjoying the cool water in the summer months and relaxing in the lap of nature. Water sports such as canoeing, boating or simply walking on the beach provide travelers with an enjoyable trip.
The mountain ranges in the southern and northern parts of the Czech Republic attract nature lovers and extreme sports enthusiasts. Hiking and winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are popular activities in these mountains. For those who enjoy extreme sports, these mountains promise both adventure and exhilarating experiences.
Czech Cuisine
Czech cuisine has been shaped by its history and geographical location and is distinguished by its unique flavors.
The Czech Republic is one of the most famous beer-producing countries in the world. Cities such as Plzen and České Budějovice are considered beer centers. Local breweries and beer museums provide extensive information about everything from the brewing process to its history. Everyone has the opportunity to taste the taste of local beer and feel the vitality of this culture by participating in beer festivals.
Czech cuisine is rich in traditional dishes such as goulash, svičkova, and knödel (bread dumplings). Each dish is inspired by the country's past and cultural heritage. The fresh spices, meats, and vegetables used in the cuisine ensure that the dishes are both hearty and delicious. These dishes, served in local restaurants, give travelers the opportunity to not only taste original recipes, but also get to know the culture of the Czech Republic.
And don't forget the Czech sweets. Sweets like medovnik (honey cake) and trdelnik are both beautiful and delicious. You can buy these treats from cafes and small pastry shops to fuel your journey.
Czech Culture
The Czech Republic is full of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Held in both large cities and small villages, the events reflect the vibrancy of local culture and the diversity of human creativity.
In cities like Prague and Brno, music festivals and theater performances are among the favorite events for travelers. The annual International Theater Festival is enriched with both local and international stage gems. Concerts, opera performances and jazz nights provide lively excitement for music lovers.
Folklore festivals held in rural areas and small towns bring to life the traditional dances, costumes and music of the Czech Republic. Colorful carpets, embroidery and customs decorated with local patterns are able to make you feel the harmony of the past and the present. By participating in these events, travelers get to know both the local culture and the hospitality of the people better.
Modern Czech cities preserve historical monuments while also hosting innovative projects in the fields of art and design. Modern galleries, art exhibitions and design centers push the boundaries of creativity. Works by both local and international artists are exhibited in the city's streets and museums, offering travelers new perspectives that inspire.
Tips for Traveling to the Czech Republic
It is important for anyone planning a trip to the Czech Republic to study the following information in detail.
The Czech Republic's transportation system allows you to move around every part of the country with ease. An extensive network of trains, buses, and trams makes intercity and intracity travel easy. The metro system is especially popular in large cities like Prague. Using local tickets, subscription systems, and online apps to get around will make your trip both affordable and convenient.
Although Czech is the official language, English is also widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic phrases helps you communicate more effectively with locals and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. In the Czech Republic, where mobile communications and the internet are widespread, it is also easy to use smartphone apps to find information while traveling.
The Czech people are hospitable and friendly. Conversations with them help you learn about the country's customs, historical stories, and the intricacies of everyday life. Each encounter adds deep meaning to your trip and enriches your memories.
The Czech Republic will open new horizons in your life, make every moment more valuable, and will be an invaluable source of inspiration for your future travels. If you are also planning a trip to the Czech Republic, the land of fairy tales, you can make this dream come true with a Czech tourist Schengen visa.
Czech Republic Visa Types
Since the Czech Republic is included in the list of Schengen countries, it is possible to obtain this visa by applying for a Czech Schengen visa in order to carry out your temporary travel plans. The reasons for applying for this type of visa include tourism, meeting family or friends, business trip, medical examination or treatment, short-term education, exchange programs and similar non-permanent situations. If you wish to receive long-term education (such as bachelor's, master's, doctoral, etc.) in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days or to work permanently in an organization located in the Czech Republic, it is possible to apply for a Czech national visa if you have received an official invitation or acceptance letter from the relevant education and employment authorities. In this article, we will provide detailed information about the Czech Schengen visa.
Czech Republic Schengen Visa
There are both single-entry and multiple-entry types of Czech Schengen visas. It is important to note that our experience shows that the Czech Embassy has the highest number of single-entry visas issued among Schengen countries. The Czech Embassy in most cases issues a single-entry visa to applicants, which fully reflects the travel dates they have provided and only covers a certain “corridor” period. However, there have been rare cases where multiple-entry, six-month, one-year or two-year visas have been issued. After obtaining a Czech Schengen visa, you can freely enter any Schengen country. However, we always recommend that you make your first entry into the Schengen area from the country where you received the visa, namely the Czech Republic. Otherwise, if you do not take this into account when applying and try to enter the Schengen area from another country (especially Western European countries) with a Czech visa, the border service of that country may turn you back and deny you entry into the country. This has already been observed in many experiments, and we recommend that you avoid this risk.
Czech Republic Visa Application Documents
When applying for a Czech Republic Schengen visa, you must submit the following documents:
- Original and copy of the first page of your foreign passport
- Copies of your previous visas and entry-exit stamps, if applicable
- Copy of your ID card
- Certificate from your place of work* and, if applicable, an extract from your salary card (certificate from the educational institution for those studying) Certificate and extract from the bank account linked to the card in your name (Detailed information on the amount is listed below)
- Copy of the main page of your bank card
- Copy of the property extracts* and the passport of your car in your name, if applicable
- Proof of your civil status* (If married, a copy of your marriage certificate, if you have children under 18, a copy of their birth certificates or, if your marriage has been dissolved, a copy of the document on the dissolution of the marriage)
- 2 biometric photos of you, 3.5x4.5 in size, with a white background
- Airline tickets you have booked for your trip
- Signatures and stamped confirmation letters
- Travel insurance in accordance with Schengen rules that will fully cover your trip
- Application form filled out in English and in capital letters only
- Printed version of the document issued by the system confirming the appointment
- If you are applying for a visa for a business trip, not a tourist one, then an official invitation letter for that work, event or meeting
Documents marked with a “ ” must be submitted to the embassy in English. If the original language of the document is not English, but Azerbaijani, then each of these documents must be notarized and translated into English and submitted.
Once your documents have been accepted, the embassy may call you during your visa procedure and request additional documents.
The amount in your bank account will vary depending on the travel dates you provide – i.e. the length of your stay in Schengen, the prices of the flights and hotels you have booked, and other factors. In general, it is recommended that you have a minimum of 1,500–3,000 AZN (also the equivalent in euros or US dollars) in your bank account for a week of travel. This amount should fully cover your travel plans. When calculating the amount, it is recommended to plan for a slightly higher amount than you get, taking into account the cost of your flight and hotel reservations and the average daily expenses of 70–80 euros for each day you spend in Schengen.
If you are an entrepreneur, you can submit documents to the embassy that will replace the certificate from your workplace (a copy of your TIN, a certificate of your turnover from the Ministry of Taxes, an extract from the company register). If you are unemployed, studying, or sponsoring another person to cover your travel expenses, in this case, a copy of that person's ID card, a certificate from your workplace (if the sponsor is an entrepreneur, the documents listed above), a certificate and extract from your bank account (this bank account can be in both your and the sponsor's name), if you have a family relationship, a document confirming this (for example, if you are a parent, your own birth certificate; if you have a brother or sister, both birth certificates) and a sponsorship letter must also be submitted. If the applicant is under 18 years of age, in this case, if he is traveling alone, if he is traveling with both parents or one of his parents, a copy of the exit permit from the other parent must also be submitted.
It should be noted that each of the documents you submit, such as your TIN, a certificate of turnover from the Ministry of Taxes, your company's extract from the register, or a sponsorship letter or permission letter, must be notarized and translated into English.
Hotel and Airfare
When applying for a visa at the Czech Embassy, you can present your flight tickets in the form of a reservation. This means that you do not need to purchase and pay for your tickets in advance; you just need to provide proof of your reservation. If you plan to stay in other Schengen countries besides the Czech Republic, in this case, in addition to your entry and exit tickets to the Czech Republic, you will need to provide documents confirming your travel between those countries (e.g. flight tickets, bus tickets, train tickets or reservation documents).
In the case of hotels, when applying for a visa to the Czech Embassy, you must show that you have booked the hotels you will stay in during your trip and that you have received a signed and stamped letter confirming this reservation. That is, there is no need to pay for the hotel in advance or fully secure your accommodation; it is sufficient to provide a signed and stamped confirmation letter from the hotel. However, in most cases, you will need to make a payment to receive such a confirmation letter from the hotel. If you indicate that you will stay not only in the Czech Republic but also in other Schengen countries, in this case you must obtain and submit signed and stamped letters confirming the reservations of the hotels you will stay in those countries. If you are booking your accommodation through Airbnb, then you must present the reservation confirmation sent by Airbnb, the payment receipt and a bank card statement to the embassy.
Visa Procedure
The Czech Republic Schengen visa application is made at the VFS Global visa application center of the Czech Embassy. The decision on the visa is made by the consul at the consular department of the Czech Embassy. In order to submit documents, it is important to make an appointment in advance on the VFS Global platform through the online system. Making an appointment in advance is mandatory; however, it is possible to submit your documents without waiting for the “Premium Lounge” service by paying an additional 144 AZN. The visa application can be made no earlier than 6 months before the travel date. All applicants, except for applicants exempt from fingerprinting, are required to be present in person when submitting documents. Applicants exempt from fingerprinting are not required to be present in person if they have notarized a power of attorney for the submission of documents to another person.
Individuals Exempt from Fingerprinting Are Divided Into The Following Groups:
- Persons who have received a Schengen visa in the last 5 years and have their fingerprints in the system
- Children under 12 years of age
- Persons who are physically unable to provide fingerprints
- Holders of diplomatic or special passports and accredited to diplomatic or consular posts in the Czech Republic
- Diplomatic or consular personnel who will be assigned to an international organization with a headquarters or representation in the Czech Republic and their family members (spouses and dependent children)
The Schengen visa procedure usually takes 10-15 calendar days (excluding official holidays) from the date of application. After your visa decision is issued, you can collect your passport again from the VFS Global center.
When submitting documents, a visa fee of 35 euros, a visa center service fee of 23 euros, and an SMS service fee of 3 AZN for notifying that the passport is ready are paid. This fee can be paid in cash, as well as by card in euros or manats. The manat equivalent of the visa fee is adjusted by the embassy based on the daily exchange rate.
Chances of Getting a Schengen Visa
As with any visa application for a country, your chances of obtaining a visa in the Czech Republic depend on the status of your personal profile. The stability of your job and the normality of your position, the fact that your monthly income is within the standard salary range (in practice, visas have been issued to people earning a monthly income of 200–400 AZN), the presence of sufficient funds in your bank account to cover all travel expenses, and the presence of factors that tie you to the country (for example, property registered in your name, the presence of your family and children) are the main factors that increase your chances of obtaining a Czech Schengen visa. It should be noted that for a Czech visa, it is not additionally required to have a rich travel history, i.e., to have previous Schengen visas. Experience shows that the Czech Embassy is one of the most convenient places to issue visas for the first Schengen visa applications of people who have not previously had a visa and have not traveled to Europe. This is, of course, provided that your other documents are in order. If your documents are in order and you have paid attention to the nuances mentioned above, your chances of obtaining a Czech Schengen visa are quite high.
Visa Support to the Czech Republic
We, as Vizam.az, are ready to provide you with full support during your Czech Republic Schengen visa application. If you use our visa support services, our services include making an appointment on your behalf at the visa center, filling out the application form, professionally preparing and submitting your documents, booking flight tickets for your trip, obtaining confirmation letters from hotels, providing travel insurance that will fully cover your trip, consulting and monitoring your visa procedure. Please note that the travel insurance fee is calculated in addition to our service fee; usually, the insurance fee for a 1-week trip is in the range of 16–18 AZN, and you can provide this insurance yourself. We can also assist you with notarizing and certifying your documents into English; the additional fee for each document is 16 AZN. In general, the price of our Czech Republic Schengen visa support service is 79 AZN per person.
You can click here to place your order. For more information, please contact 010/50/55-3000135.
Don't forget to visit the "Land of Fairy Tales" while traveling through Europe.
Happy travels!
