Starting July 15, 2020, Embassy Prague will resume processing limited categories of non-immigrant visa applications. At this time, we are still prioritizing services for U.S. citizens and U.S. residents of the Czech Republic. If you are interested in applying for a non-immigrant visa, please read through the instructions below to determine whether you qualify to apply for a visa at this time.
National Interest Exceptions
Certain categories of non-immigrant visa applicants (as well as those with already-issued, currently valid visas) may travel to the United States if they qualify for a National Interest Exception (NIE) under current Presidential Proclamations. Embassy Prague welcomes appointments to determine whether applicants may qualify for national interest exceptions under Presidential Proclamation 9993, which has suspended routine travel from the Schengen Area to the United States and Presidential Proclamation 9996, which suspended routine travel from the United Kingdom and Ireland to the United States. Appointments are now available in the following visa categories:
- F visas;
- M visas;
- J visas (Professors, Research Scholars, Short Term Scholars, or Specialists only);
- E visas;
- B1 visas (for travel that provides significant economic benefit to the United States only);
- P and O visas (only professional athletes, dependents, and essential staff).
- I visas
Application Process
Travelers in these visa categories who believe their travel is in the U.S. national interest should apply for their visas as normal. Please click here to begin your application process. A final determination regarding each applicant’s qualifications for a visa and for the NIE will be made by a consular officer at the time of the interview. Some conditions apply to travel, which will be explained at the interview.
If you have a valid previously issued non-immigrant visa, including B-1, P, O, E-2, or J-1, I, or have a valid ESTA for B1 travel, you may be able to travel to the United States, pending additional clearance by U.S. Embassy Prague. In order to determine your eligibility please send us an email at PragueESTA@state.gov. Your email should include your full name, date of birth, place of birth, passport number, a copy of valid U.S. visa, purpose of travel, and intended dates of travel.
If you have a valid previously issued F-1 or M-1 student visa there is no need to send us additional information. Those students with currently valid visas may travel to the United States and apply for admission on your current, valid visa, so long as you are in possession of a valid Form I-20.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
Other Exceptions
Embassy Prague will continue to process official and diplomatic visas pursuant to usual processes. In addition to the NIE categories listed above, Presidential Proclamation 9993 also provides a list of other enumerated exceptions, which includes air and sea crew members and spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. If you believe that you qualify for an exception, please make an appointment. For additional questions about whether you may qualify, please contact us at PragueESTA@state.gov.
