The Czech Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east and Poland to the northeast. The capital and largest city, Prague, has over 1.2 million residents. The Czech Republic includes the historical territories of Bohemia, Moravia, and Czech Silesia.
The Czech economy gets a substantial income from tourism. Prague is the fifth most visited city in Europe after London, Paris, Istanbul and Rome. In 2001, the total earnings from tourism reached 118 billion CZK, making up 5.5% of GNP and 9% of overall export earnings. The industry employs more than 110,000 people – over 1% of the population. The country's reputation has suffered with guidebooks and tourists reporting overcharging by taxi drivers and pickpocketing problems mainly in Prague. Since 2005, Prague's mayor, Pavel Bém, has worked to improve this reputation by cracking down on petty crime and, aside from these problems, Prague is a safe city. Also, the Czech Republic as a whole generally has a low crime rate. For tourists, the Czech Republic is considered a safe destination to visit. The low crime rate makes most cities and towns very safe to walk around.
There are several centres of tourist activity. The spa towns, such as Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně and Jáchymov (very high radioactivity), are particularly popular relaxing holiday destinations. Architectural heritage is another object of visitor's interest – it includes many castles and chateaux from different historical epoques, namely Karlštejn Castle, Český Krumlov and the Lednice–Valtice area. There are 12 cathedrals and 15 churches elevated to the rank of basilica by the Pope, calm monasteries, many modern and ancient churches – for example Pilgrimage Church of Saint John of Nepomuk is one of those inscribed on the World Heritage List. Away from the towns, areas such as Český ráj, Šumava and the Krkonoše Mountains attract visitors seeking outdoor pursuits.
The country is also known for its various museums. Puppetry and marionette exhibitions are very popular, with a number of puppet festivals throughout the country. Aquapalace Praha in Čestlice near Prague, is the biggest water park in central Europe.
The Czech Republic has a number of beer festivals, including: Czech Beer Festival (the biggest Czech beer festival, it is usually 17 days long and held every year in May in Prague), Pilsner Fest (every year in August in Plzeň), The "Olomoucký pivní festival" (in Olomouc) or festival "Slavnosti piva v Českých Budějovicích" (in České Budějovice).
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Tourist Visa Requirements:
Note: The air ticket submitted along with the visa application should show the departure date after at least seven working days. The Embassy will not accept cases which show the travel date before the required processing time.
- The applicant should have a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the date of expiry of the requested visa (photocopies of the pages with photograph, validity, present address and all valid visas of UK, USA, and other Schengen Countries). Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
- Original visa application form, can be downloaded from the site. The first 3 pages of the form must be filled out completely with a ballpoint pen (no red ink) or a typewriter.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35 x 45 mm) against a light background, 60-80% face coverage, glued (not stapled to the upper part of the first page of the application). Photograph should not be more than 3 months old.
- A Covering letter from the Applicant explaining the purpose of the visit.
- Confirmed onward/ return air ticket.
- Documents regarding assurance of the means of stay e.g. Hotel Voucher. Overseas travel medical insurance valid for all Schengen-countries .The insurance has to cover the applicant for at least.
- Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for duration of stay in all Schengen states. The insurance should be valid for another 15 days from the date of return to India from Schengen State. We provide Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa.
- In case of long stay, a recent Bank Statement or a letter from the host or sponsor in the Czech Republic confirming support during the visit and the capacity to do so. The Czech Immigration Officer at border crossings might request such documents.
- Bank Statements for the last six months (photocopy).
- Educational Certificates and Leave Certificate.
- The duration of the visa issued is dependent on the air ticket and on the discretion of the embassy.
- Processing time could be 7 to 10 working days or more.
- In some cases the decision making process can last up to 30 days. The Embassy cannot guarantee issuance of any visa. Their decision is final and irrevocable.
Business Visa Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the date of expiry of the requested visa.
- Photocopies of the pages with photograph, validity, present address and all valid visas of UK, USA, and other Schengen Countries).
- Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document.
- It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
- Original visa application form.
- The first 3 pages of the form must be filled out completely with a ballpoint pen (no red ink) or a typewriter.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35 x 45 mm) against a light background, 60-80% face coverage, (not stapled to the upper part of the first page of the application).
- Photograph should not be more than 3 months old.
- A Covering letter from the Indian Company explaining the purpose of the visit.
- The Applicant must submit a valid invitation verified by the Foreigner's Police of the Czech Republic (in original).
- Applicant must also have evidence of financial resources of at least US $500.
- Refundable caution money may also be asked. It depends on case to case.
- Confirmed onward/ return air ticket.
- Documents regarding assurance of the means of stay e.g. Hotel Voucher.
- Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for duration of stay in all Schengen states. The insurance should be valid for another 15 days from the date of return to India from Schengen State. We provide Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa.
- In case of long stay, a recent Bank Statement or a letter from the host or sponsor in the Czech Republic confirming support during the visit and the capacity to do so. The Czech Immigration Officer at border crossings might request such documents.
- Bank Statements for the last six months (photocopy).
- Educational Certificates and Leave Certificate.
