Czech Republic Is Surging The Tourism Industry With New Visa Free Entry Policy For 61 Countries Including UK, USA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES And Schengen Countries

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Czech Republic, is a landlocked country visa free for 61 countries in Central Europe.Prague ranks as the second-best European city for art and gallery offerings, standing out among Europe’s major metropolises. Glamping offers a unique blend of beauty, luxury, and camping amenities in serene natural settings, far from civilization yet equipped with modern comforts. Iconic landmarks like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Jewish Quarter are must-visits in Czechia.

Visa-Free Travel to the Czech Republic

Citizens from a diverse group of 61 countries enjoy visa-free travel to the Czech Republic. These countries include Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, East Timor, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, the Vatican, and Venezuela.

Tourism Recovery in the Czech Republic (2022-2023)

In 2022, the Czech Republic began to see a significant recovery in tourism following the pandemic. The country welcomed approximately 22.1 million tourists to collective accommodation establishments throughout the year, a notable increase from the previous year when travel restrictions were still impacting travel.

Surge in Tourism in 2023

The positive trend continued into 2023. During the first quarter, the number of tourists rose by 33% year-on-year, reaching a total of 3.8 million visitors, including 1.7 million foreign tourists. This surge among foreign visitors marked an increase of nearly 90% compared to the same period in 2022. The total number of overnight stays reached about 10 million, reflecting a 25% increase from the previous year. This upward trend persisted into the second quarter of 2023, with 5.8 million guests staying in accommodation facilities, representing a 14.3% increase year-on-year.

Top Sources of Foreign Tourists

Throughout 2023, the most significant numbers of foreign tourists came from Germany, followed by Slovakia and Poland. Despite the overall increase, the number of tourists had not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.

Electronic Visa System Implementation

The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a new Electronic Visa System that will enable visa applicants to complete the procedures online. This system will also assist the country’s embassies in processing visa applications more efficiently, as reported by Schengen.News. As one of the Schengen member states, Czechia processes a substantial number of visa applications annually. In 2023, Czechia received 138,840 Schengen visa applications, approving 114,058 and rejecting 24,218 of them.

Visa Ban Extension for Russian and Belarusian Nationals

The Czech government extended the ban on the issuance of new visas and residence permits to Russian and Belarusian nationals until March 31, 2024. This ban has been in place since March 2022 and remains in effect indefinitely.

Digital Transformation in Tourist Accommodation

The Ministry of Regional Development is working on a new approach to the registration of tourist accommodation. This initiative aims to reduce the administrative burden and adapt the tourism sector to new technologies. A single digital location will be used to register tourists, providing real-time data beneficial to various government bodies. This system will also include tourists using online accommodation platforms, ensuring compliance with European Union regulations.

Future Developments in Tourism

In 2024, the involvement of artificial intelligence (AI) in the portals Kudy z nudy and Visit Czechia will be analyzed to make user experience more efficient. CzechTourism is currently aiding the Ministry of Culture with a project marking the 200th anniversary of composer Bedřich Smetana’s birth, designating 2024 as the Year of Czech Music.

Key Communication Themes

Active tourism is set to be the main communication theme for Czech tourism over the next two years. The CzechTourism agency’s campaign, “Unexpected Wellbeing,” will highlight how travelers can engage in sports, relax, and unwind in Czechia. This campaign builds on the success of the previous “Unexpected Traditions” visual and aims to attract more international travelers.

Economic Impact of Tourism

Tourism plays a crucial role in the Czech economy, contributing CZK 95 billion to the GDP and providing 214,000 jobs, meaning one in 25 Czechs works in the tourism sector.

Passenger Traffic for Inbound Tourism (2022-2023)

Airline Traffic

In 2022, the Czech Republic saw approximately 9.8 million inbound passengers via air travel, primarily through Prague Václav Havel Airport, Brno-Tuřany Airport, and Ostrava Leoš Janáček Airport. By 2023, this number increased to around 10.5 million.

Rail Traffic

Rail traffic also contributed significantly, with around 2.3 million passengers entering the country by train in 2022. This number grew to approximately 2.6 million in 2023, with key routes connecting to Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland.

Hospitality Sector

The hospitality sector recorded 19.2 million overnight stays in 2022, with an average hotel occupancy rate of 68%. In 2023, overnight stays rose to 20.4 million, with an increased average occupancy rate of 72%.

Top Hotels in the Czech Republic

1. Four Seasons Hotel Prague
2. Mandarin Oriental, Prague
3. Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague
4. Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa
5. Aria Hotel Prague
6. Hotel Kings Court
7. Golden Well Hotel
8. The Emblem Hotel
9. Grand Hotel Bohemia
10. Art Deco Imperial Hotel

Cruise Traffic

Cruise tourism welcomed about 250,000 inbound passengers in 2022, increasing to 280,000 in 2023, with major river routes along the Vltava and Elbe rivers.

Top 5 Things to Do in the Czech Republic

1. Explore Prague’s Historic Center

• Wander through Prague’s Old Town.
• Visit landmarks like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Astronomical Clock.

1. Discover Český Krumlov

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a boat ride on the Vltava River.

1. Relax in Karlovy Vary

• Visit the spa town known for its hot springs.
• Attend the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

1. Hike in Bohemian Switzerland National Park

• Discover sandstone formations and gorges.
• Hike to the Pravčická Brána.

1. Visit Kutná Hora

• Explore the historic town known for its silver mines.
• Visit the Sedlec Ossuary and St. Barbara’s Church.

Beyond renowned institutions such as the National Gallery, DOX Centre in Prague, and Moravian Gallery in Brno, unexpected art treasures await in unconventional locations across the country—a majestic Jesuit college, a former distillery, a power station, or amidst picturesque mountain meadows.