Czech Republic – Covid 19 – Immigration update

To check the real time evolutions concerning international mobility all over of the world, discover the GoWork – COVID-19 Digital Card.

Update: September 02nd, 2020

Test required after 14 days for workers from ‘red countries’

What is the change?

The Czech Republic has begun requiring workers from “red countries” to be tested for the COVID-19 virus 14 days after entering the country.

Key Points:

  • Foreign workers who entered the country on or after Aug. 25 and who are not from a country that is on the Czech Republic’s list of low-risk countries must take a second RT-PCR COVID-19 test after they have been in the country for 14 days.
  • The test is also required for any foreign nationals who have spent more than 12 hours in the past 14 days in any country that is not on the list of low-risk countries.
  • Employees must provide their test results to their employers or a client for whom they are working.
  • The new rule does not apply to international transport workers supported by appropriate documentation; it does apply to both foreign students and teachers.
  • The countries for which tests are not required are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and Vatican City.
  • Belgium, Bulgaria, Luxembourg and Malta currently appear on the low-risk list, but with an asterisks next to their country’s name. Officials are at this time requiring tests after 14 days for workers from these countries.

Rules are being tightened for foreign workers from “red countries,” e.g., Russia, Turkey and the United States, that are not considered low-risk for the spread of COVID-19. Employers should make sure employees from such countries complete the test as required after 14 days.

Update: July 30th, 2020

Foreign travel restrictions eased

What is the change?

The Czech Republic recently relaxed travel restrictions for foreign travelers.

Key Points:

  • Foreign travelers coming from countries on the low-risk list are allowed to enter the Czech Republic. The list includes most EU/Schengen Area countries and six from outside of Europe: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand. (A link to the list can be found in the second section of the Ministry of the Interior Web page.) Third-country nationals from countries not on the low-risk list are prohibited from entering, except for the individuals listed below. Foreign nationals who are temporary or permanent residents of countries not on the low-risk list are also prohibited from entering, unless they hold a Czech Republic permit or visa.
  • The following individuals are allowed to enter the country:
    • Foreign nationals with a long-term residence permit or permanent residence permit for residence in countries with a low risk of COVID-19.
    • Holders of a valid long-term visa or a long-term, temporary or permanent residence permit card for residence in the Czech Republic.
    • Foreign nationals with a short-term visa issued by the Czech Republic after 11 May.
    • Foreign nationals whose entry into the country is in the interest of the Czech Republic, with a reason for entry supported by adequate documentation.
    • International transport workers with a reason for entry supported by adequate documentation.
    • Diplomats and officials of international organizations registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Foreigner travelers entering the Czech Republic are required to have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR medical test certificate issued by a doctor or public health authority no more than four days before entry, combined with a laboratory confirmation. Foreign travelers entering the country without these documents are subject to 14-day quarantine.
  • EU nationals and non-EU nationals with EU long-term resident status may enter the Czech Republic without a negative PCR test and do not have to prove the purpose of travel if they are arriving from a low-risk country.
  • The Czech Republic has begun to open up embassies and consulates around the world. As of 15 July, 16 of its diplomatic missions abroad had fully resumed operations, while 28 had partially resumed them. Check this website for up-to-date information.

The relaxing of travel restrictions for foreign travelers coming from low-risk countries is good news for employers wishing to send employees to the Czech Republic

 

Sophie Carlei

Sophie est Managing Director au sein de l’équipe Mobilité Internationale de Lyon et dirige l’équipe immigration. Elle conseille les groupes français et internationaux et intervient tant pour des clients travaillant dans […]

Fatia Bouteiller

Fatia Bouteiller a rejoint Deloitte Société d’Avocats en 2017 pour renforcer l’équipe Immigration. Fatia dispose d’une expérience de 15 ans en mobilité internationale dans les domaines du droit de l’immigration, […]