The Czech Republic is a very beautiful country with a pleasant climate and incredibly diverse nature. There is much to see and several activities that will make your stay an adventure. But, of course, you can also relax.
For German citizens, a national ID card or passport is sufficient for entry to the Czech Republic for tourist stays (exceptions apply for emigrating or working abroad). Children need a child passport.
Additionally, there is a registration requirement within 30 days of entry with the local foreign police. Hotels and guesthouses take care of this for guests.
Pets need an EU pet passport, in which the pet's identification through a microchip must be recorded. For pets identified before July 3, 2011, a clearly readable tattoo is sufficient. The pet passport also serves as proof that the animal is vaccinated against rabies.
The official language in the Czech Republic is Czech. The language is similar to Polish, Russian, and, for example, Croatian. About 10.6 million people speak Czech.
The Czech alphabet consists of 31 letters, some of which are supplemented with various signs, such as accents.
Although many Czech traffic rules align with German traffic rules, there are some important differences that should be considered to ensure your safety and avoid penalties. We list the key differences and updates in this section.
If you want to learn more about traffic rules or read detailed articles on specific topics related to traffic rules, feel free to check out the traffic rules.
Toll fees are used in the Czech Republic, like in many other countries, to finance infrastructure projects. The fees collected are used to maintain, expand, and modernize the road network.
Since 2021, the digital vignette is required for highways and expressways in the Czech Republic. The sticker vignette, known as the "klebe picker," is no longer required and has been abolished as part of this reform.
In the Czech Republic, you need a digital vignette if you are traveling with a motor vehicle with at least four wheels and a maximum permissible weight of 3.5 tons. Motorhomes up to 3.5 tons also need a digital vignette. Motorcycles/trikes and trailers are exempt from the vignette requirement.
Vehicles over 3.5 tons gross vehicle weight require an electronic device, the On-Board Unit 5051.
However, there are some exceptions: You can drive almost the entire D0 highway, as well as parts of the D1 and D5, without a vignette. Country roads in the Czech Republic are also exempt from the vignette requirement. These roads are free to use, and you can recognize them by the highway sign with the crossed-out vignette.
Exemption is granted for vehicles that run on electricity or hydrogen.
Find more about vignettes, tolls, and the specifics, prices, and vignettes in the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic is a popular destination for drivers and electric vehicle owners. Refueling and charging in the Czech Republic is generally easy and straightforward. However, there are some things you should know before your trip.
The gas station network in the Czech Republic is well-developed, covering both urban and rural areas. In large cities such as Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, as well as along highways, you will find numerous gas stations and charging stations. The most popular gas station chains include Benzina, OMV, and EuroOil, which are represented nationwide.
Charging an electric vehicle in the Czech Republic is becoming easier. There are now around 2,000 charging stations in the country, primarily in urban centers and along main roads. In rural areas, the infrastructure is less dense.
The fuel types are referred to as follows in the Czech Republic:
At most gas stations in the Czech Republic, you can pay with both cash and credit card. Keep in mind that the official currency is the Czech Crown (CZK). Some stations, particularly in border areas or tourist regions, also accept Euros, but usually at a less favorable exchange rate. Therefore, we recommend paying in crowns or using a credit card. Mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet are also becoming more common in larger cities.
Here you can find more information and tips about fueling and charging in the Czech Republic.
Petty crime such as pickpocketing, vehicle thefts, and burglaries occur, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Prague and other vacation spots in the Czech Republic.
Only park in guarded parking lots or closed garages. Keep a close eye on your valuables.
Be cautious when taking taxis, as they are often unlicensed.
Do not exchange money on the street, as you could be handed counterfeit bills or money of significantly lesser value by third parties.
In bars and other establishments, inflated bills may be presented. Additionally, the use of narcotics and assaults is not uncommon. Keep an eye on your drink and food and be cautious. Before dining or visiting a bar, make sure to check the prices.
Do not respond to strange emails, accept unfamiliar calls, or take up dubious offers. Additionally, do not share personal information until you are sure about the credibility of a person or website.
Fraudsters posing as police officers may attempt to demand fines from you. Czech police officers wear a visible badge number on their uniform, usually on their shirt pocket. Pay attention to this. If something seems suspicious, you can speak with the staff at the police station at Jungmannovo náměstí in Prague, where English and German-speaking personnel are available.
Expect border controls. Check the validity of your travel documents (passport, ID, child passport, pet passport) before your trip and make sure to bring them with you. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to fines and other penalties. A pet passport is also required for animals, including proof of rabies vaccination and microchipping.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry to the Czech Republic. However, certain vaccinations are recommended. Please check the current requirements before your trip.
Despite well-trained doctors, the standards of medical care may differ from Western European standards. Medical care is not always available at the highest level, and language and communication may pose a challenge. In larger cities and tourist areas, you can expect acceptable standards, unlike in rural areas. Remember to bring your health insurance card and any regular medications. We recommend purchasing private travel health insurance for the duration of your stay.
The consumption, trade, and possession of drugs (even small amounts) is illegal in the Czech Republic.
Photography is prohibited in some (military) restricted zones and in most museums and certain landmarks, unless special permission is granted.
Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited between 24:00 and 9:00 in many public places, such as the riverside in Prague. High fines apply for non-compliance with this rule.
The best time to travel is from May to September.
The Czech Republic has a temperate continental climate. This means there are four seasons, with an average annual temperature ranging from 7°C to 12°C. During the summer months, bush and forest fires can occur, as well as flooding from snowmelt and heavy rain. Flooding can also happen as early as spring. In winter, there is a risk of avalanches, particularly off marked pistes and trails. Be sure to check in advance if any of these dangers have occurred and do not ignore warning signs.
The Czech Republic is located in Eastern Central Europe. To the west and northwest, it borders Germany. To the north and northeast, it borders Poland. To the southeast, it borders Slovakia, and to the south, it borders Austria.
There is no time difference between the Czech Republic and Germany, as both countries are in the same time zone.
The currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown (CZK). The exchange rate for the Czech Crown is currently 1 Czech Crown = 0.04 Euro (as of February 17, 2025).
The Czech Republic offers several attractions. Here, we list four of the most popular ones as inspiration:
The Czech Republic is a beautiful country with diverse nature, stunning landscapes, scenic cities, and exciting activities. A visit is definitely worthwhile! Be sure to remember to get a vignette to avoid stress and fines.
If you're interested in other exciting topics related to the Czech Republic, feel free to check out our text on culinary specialties, the most popular cities in the Czech Republic, and our Travel Diary.
