Summer is here—and so is the season of holidays and international travel. If you’re a third-country national (non-EU citizen) living in the Czech Republic, it’s important to consider your residence status and travel documentation before heading abroad.
Here’s a checklist of key rules to keep in mind when travelling this summer:
📕 1. Always Carry Your Passport and Residence Permit
Before leaving Czechia—even for a short weekend trip—make sure:
Your passport is valid (some countries require 3 or 6 months of validity for entry),
You carry your Czech residence permit or long-term visa with you.
These documents are essential for returning to Czechia or travelling within Europe.
🇪🇺 2. Travelling Within the Schengen Area
If you hold:
A long-term visa (vízum k pobytu nad 90 dnů),
A long-term residence permit (povolení k dlouhodobému pobytu), or
A permanent residence permit (povolení k trvalému pobytu),
…you are allowed to travel within the Schengen Area without needing additional visas.
⏳ But be careful: Your total stay in other Schengen countries cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
This includes both tourism and short business trips, so be sure to track your travel days.
🌍 3. Travelling Outside the Schengen Area
Planning a trip to the UK, Turkey, or another non-Schengen country?
➡️ Your Czech residence permit does NOT entitle you to enter non-Schengen countries.
Always check the entry requirements of your destination country in advance—including whether you need a visa.
✈️ If you have a single-entry visa, make sure it allows re-entry to Schengen before you leave.
⏳ 4. Bridging Visa (Překlenovací štítek) While Waiting for Extension
If your residence permit or visa has expired and your extension is still being processed, you may:
Stay legally in Czechia based on the confirmation of your application,
But you cannot travel outside the country without additional documentation.
📌 If you need to travel, apply for a bridging visa (překlenovací štítek) at the Ministry of the Interior. This sticker allows you to leave and return to Czechia legally while your new permit is being processed.
🚑 5. Don’t Forget Travel Health Insurance
Even if you have Czech public or commercial insurance, many non-EU countries may require additional travel health insurance.
✔️ It’s a good idea to arrange short-term travel insurance that covers medical costs, hospitalisation, and possible repatriation during your trip.
✅ Summary: Before You Travel
| Checklist | Notes |
|---|---|
| 🛂 Valid passport | Some countries require 3–6 months’ validity |
| 🪪 Residence card or visa | Always carry it when leaving Czechia |
| 🕒 Schengen limit | 90 days in any 180 days in other Schengen countries |
| 🌍 Non-Schengen travel | Requires separate visa or entry approval |
| 🪪 Bridging visa | Needed if permit has expired and is under renewal |
| 🏥 Travel insurance | Strongly recommended, especially outside EU |
📩 Get in touch with us at Expat-Tax.cz – we can advise you on your current status, help you apply for a bridging visa, or point you to resources for safe and legal travel planning.