Health Alert – U. S. Embassy Prague, Czech Republic
March 1, 2021
Location: Czech Republic.
Event: Reduced U.S. Citizen services and appointments at U.S. Embassy Prague.
Embassy Services: Due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic here in the Czech Republic, the American Citizens Services (ACS) unit at U.S. Embassy Prague no longer has the capacity to offer appointments for routine services. We will be prioritizing emergency services (primarily emergency passports and other emergency services) for U.S. citizens here in the Czech Republic. If you are a U.S. citizen and have immediate, emergency travel needs to the United States, please email us at acsprg@state.gov and we will evaluate your request for an emergency appointment. For more information, please visit our website and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Beginning March 1, 2021 and continuing for the next three weeks, authorities in the Czech Republic will restrict the free movement of people throughout the country to control the spread of COVID-19. The 3-week lockdown measures are part of the recently declared State of Emergency, which is in effect until March 28, 2021.
From March 1, it will be forbidden to leave your district of permanent residence or domicile, without a fundamental reason, (i.e., for work or a doctor visit in a neighboring city). Confirmation from your employer will be needed for commuting to work in another district. People can do essential shopping within their districts only. The city of Prague counts as a “district.” Even within your district, daytime movements will be restricted to only necessary trips, such as commuting to work or shopping for essential items. Schools and daycares will close from March 1. Most retail shops and services will close. Only food stores, drugstores, pharmacies, opticians, and florists are allowed to remain open. The curfew between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. will remain in effect.
As part of the stricter health measures, FFP2 or N95 facemasks are required to be worn on all forms of public transportation, in shops, hospitals, public buildings, shared office spaces, and other outdoor public areas where a safe social distance cannot be maintained. Textile or other homemade masks will no longer be permitted.
Please reference the website of the Government of the Czech Republic , the Czech Ministry of Health, and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as our website https://cz.usembassy.gov/, for additional information on these new measures.
Actions to Take:
- Check our website for COVID-19 Specific Information and travel FAQs.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page for the latest information.
- Check with your airline regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
- Monitor the CDC website for latest guidance regarding testing requirements.
- Visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
- Click here for the Department of State COVID-19 FAQs Search Tool
- Monitor our U.S. Embassy Prague’s website for any updates and questions on travel restrictions.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Prague, Czech Republic
- Tržiště 365/15, 118 00 Malá Strana
- +420 257 022 000
- ACSPRG@state.gov
- https://cz.usembassy.gov/
- State Department–Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Czech Republic Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
