Travel Vaccines and Advice for Czechia
The Czech Republic (now known as Czechia), has a rich history as an always growing and changing nation. This long history, rich in culture and stories is seen throughout the country, even today.
The capital city is Prague with other major cities including Ostrava and Kladno.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Czechia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Czechia
Do I Need a Visa for Czechia?
What Is the Climate Like in Czechia?
How Safe Is Czechia?
Visiting Cesky Krumlov
What Should I Take to Czechia?
U.S. Embassy in Czechia
Do I Need Vaccines for Czechia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Czechia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Czechia: hepatitis A, polio, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Tick-borne Encephalitis –
Ticks –
Present throughout country. Czechia has the highest number of cases of any European country. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Czechia |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
Tick-borne Encephalitis | Ticks | Present throughout country. Czechia has the highest number of cases of any European country. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Czechia |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travelers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Tick-borne Encephalitis – Tick-borne encephalitis, transmitted by infected ticks, poses a risk to individuals in forested areas. Protect yourself by wearing appropriate clothing, using repellents, and getting vaccinated.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects mammals and spreads through the saliva of infected animals, primarily through bites or scratches. Preventing rabies involves vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking immediate medical attention if exposed. The rabies vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a potent shield against this liver virus, recommended for all travelers and crucial for healthcare workers. Alongside vaccination, practicing safe sex and avoiding needle sharing are essential in hepatitis B prevention.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. To combat these threats, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is imperative. This two-dose vaccine not only shields individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Czechia
Prevent Bug Bites in Czechia
If you get bitten by bugs, clean the area, resist scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone or antihistamines to relieve itching. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Czechia
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travelers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Do I Need a Visa for Czechia?
A passport that is valid for at least six months is required for entry into Czechia. You don’t need a visa if your stay is under 90 days.
Czechia Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Czechia? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Czechia and U.S. State Department
If you plan to stay longer to work or study, you will need to get a visa. You should apply for this visa at least 3-4 months before traveling.
What Is the Climate Like in Czechia?
Czechia has a temperate climate with four seasons. Prague, the capital, is mild in spring, warm in summer, mild in fall, and cold in winter. Cesky Krumlov, a medieval town in southern Czechia, has similar weather to Prague but cooler temperatures in the winter. Karlovy Vary, a spa town in western Czechia, has milder weather than Prague with warmer summers and milder winters. Brno, the second-largest city in Czechia, is warmer than Prague in the summer and colder in the winter.
Czechia is a great place to visit all year round. Every season has its own charm and activities. But, the summer months are the busiest, with more people around, and winter can be quieter with some attractions closed.
How Safe Is Czechia?
To stay safe in Czechia, tourists should be aware of their surroundings and avoid dangerous areas. Crowded areas like the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge can be targets for pickpockets, it’s important to keep valuables close.
Only use official taxis with yellow roof lights and company logos to avoid being overcharged or taken to a different destination.
Drinking alcohol is common in Czech culture, but it can be dangerous if consumed in excess. Be careful with alcohol and don’t accept drinks from strangers.
Scammers may target tourists in popular areas. Don’t give personal information or money to strangers.
Use common sense and avoid risky situations to enjoy your trip without any problems.
Visiting Cesky Krumlov
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Cesky Krumlov is a town in Czechia that people like to visit because it has old buildings that are very pretty. The town is also near a river and surrounded by nature, so visitors can do outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Cesky Krumlov has a lot of culture too. People can enjoy music festivals, parades, and traditional markets. The town has many restaurants and cafes with local food and drinks. Visitors can try tasty Czech dishes and beer.
Cesky Krumlov is a good place for people who like to learn about history and see beautiful things. The town has a castle complex, a tower, and a garden. People can walk on the old streets and look at the old buildings.
Cesky Krumlov is also a nice place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
What Should I Take to Czechia?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Czechia:
- No matter what season you’re planning to visit Czechia in, temperatures can range from day to day. Bring layers so you can be comfortable in a variety of temperatures.
- The cities in Czechia are very walk-able and walking is the best form of transportation. Make sure you bring shoes that are comfortable for walking.
- American electronics will not fit the outlets in Czechia. Make sure you buy a 220v converter before traveling.
U.S. Embassy in Czechia
All Americans visiting Czechia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Czechia, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Prague
Tržiště 15
118 01 Praha 1 – Malá Strana
Czech Republic
Switchboard: (+420) 257 022 000
Be sure to check the embassy’s website for the most up-to-date information before planning a visit.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Czechia
“I just completed my second visit to Passport Health in Greenville. First was for a trip to India in early 2013. This one for the Czech Republic. I was extremely satisfied with the help and assistance that I received. Sonia was very professional, courteous and informative. I could not have been more satisfied or thankful for the assistance. I have already passed the recommendation on to my colleagues.”
“In preparation for an upcoming trip to India I visited the Lakewood office to obtain the appropriate vaccinations. The representative was EXTREMELY helpful, walked through the packet of the Czech Republic information that was assembled to me. Was very thorough in describing all diseases and vaccinations for the area and was very friendly. After the shots was very attentive to ensure no side effects. I was very impressed and would gladly recommend to anyone traveling abroad.”
“I have a business trip in the Czech Republic so I needed vaccinations. The staff at the office I went to was very friendly, informative and answered every question I had. I would definitely recommend Passport Health and will use this office again if needed.”
“My experience preparing for my trip to Czech Republic with Passport Health has been great. They are kind, professional, caring and relational. Thank you”