Czechia Travel Risk

Exercise normal precaution in Czechia.

Czechia is generally a safe destination for travelers. Travelers should remain vigilant against petty crime, such as pickpocketing and other minor theft, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation. Follow local laws and guidance from Czech authorities during your stay.

Review our travel guidance for the Czech Republic to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Czechia

Terrorist attacks in Czechia cannot be ruled out.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public places, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Political situation

Public protests may happen at short notice. These have been peaceful but take care in crowded places and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Crime

If you are victim of crime, immediately call 112 for assistance.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Petty theft is a problem, especially in major tourist areas in Prague. There is a risk of pickpocketing:

• on busy metro and bus routes from Prague airport to the city centre
• on trams to popular tourist sites like Prague Castle
• in busy tourist areas

Take care of yourself and your belongings in the same way as you would do in the UK. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended.

Report thefts in person to the nearest Czech police station within 24 hours and get a police report crime number for insurance purposes.

Prague police station (Jungmannovo namesti 9, Prague 1, nearest metro stop is Mustek) is open 24 hours a day and would provide English speaking interpreters.

You can also get a police report from the police station at the airport. See Prague police station contact details (in Czech).

Every lamppost in Prague has a 6-digit number posted at eye level. These codes will help you tell the police where you are if you cannot give them an exact address.

Drink spiking

There is a risk of drink spiking in bars and clubs. Be careful not to take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended.

Scams

Beware of criminals pretending to be plainclothes policemen who ask to see your foreign currency and passport. Czech police officers do not have the right to do this. Do not show them your money. Instead, offer to go with them to the nearest police station. You can also call 112 to check their identity.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

It is a legal requirement to carry ID. Always carry your passport. The police may fine or arrest you if you do not. They will normally accept a scan of your passport if you have not committed a crime.

Drunken and offensive behaviour

Stag groups are not allowed to enter some city centre bars and restaurants. You may be arrested or fined for drunken or offensive behaviour. Police may take you to ‘sober-up’ facilities for a temporary period, and you will have to pay for your stay.

Illegal drugs

The possession, sale and distribution of drugs, including cannabis, is illegal, and the drugs are often dangerous counterfeits. Some shops, particularly in Prague, advertise ‘cannabis products’, which contain trace amounts of THC permissible under Czech law.

You should expect severe penalties such as a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. Convictions carry sentences of up to 18 years.

Airports in Czechia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships and civil partnerships are legal in Czechia, but same-sex marriages are not recognised in Czech law. Registered same-sex partnerships are awaiting presidential approval. Same-sex couples showing affection in public could receive unwanted attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Surrogacy

It is illegal to earn money from a surrogacy arrangement.

The police may charge you if you are:

• a surrogate mother
• a British national who plans to take a child born through surrogacy
• an agent organising the handover

FCDO advises against making surrogacy arrangements in Czechia or moving surrogacy arrangements from other countries.

You should get specialist legal advice in the UK and Czechia. See surrogacy arrangements in foreign countries.

Risk level

Czechia - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Czechia.

Crime

Violent crime is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common.

Organized groups of pickpockets often use distraction techniques and are particularly active in:

• main cities, including Prague
• public transportation hubs, including Prague main railway station (Praha hlavní nádraží)
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants, patios and outdoor cafés
• tourist attractions

Car thefts and break-ins are common, particularly in major cities.

Gangs of thieves may use jostling and swarming techniques to rob your belongings. They often target subway stations, particularly:

• Malostranská
• Můstek
• Muzeum
• Staromĕstská

They also target tram routes, such as:

• tram 22, which runs to and from Prague Castle
• the tourist trams 41, 42 and 43

Robberies also occur on overnight trains.

While in Czechia:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash
• carry a photocopy or digital copy of your passport identification page, driver’s license, train or airline tickets and credit cards
• don’t leave luggage unattended at airport check-in or ticket counters, car rental desks or hotel lobbies
• don’t leave luggage or valuables in a vehicle, and always park your vehicle in secure facilities
• be cautious when travelling on public transportation and overnight trains

Reporting a crime

If you are a victim of a crime, you should go to the nearest police station to report it. In Prague, a 24-hour police station dedicated to assistance to foreign victims of crime is located at Jungmannovo náměstí 9, near the Můstek metro station.

Keep a copy of your report, as you may need to make a claim to your insurance provider.

捷克风险等级为蓝色（低风险）