Czech Embassy in Bogotá Halts New Employee-Card Appointments After Annual Quota Reached
EU Finalises Overhaul of Air Passenger Rights—Big Win for Czech Travellers and Carriers
Latest EES Report Highlights Q1 Border Trends; Czech Police Gear Up for Summer Rush
Latest News
Reports Suggest ETIAS Launch May Slip to 2027, Prompting Cautious Response from Prague
A July 13 ETIAS UK article claims the EU’s new pre-travel authorisation may be delayed to 2027 because of ongoing technical issues. Czech authorities say they remain on track for a late-2026 start but are monitoring developments. Airlines see breathing space, while mobility teams face planning uncertainty and should watch for rapid timetable shifts.
Interior Ministry launches ETIAS awareness drive as Czech border authorities prepare for 2026 go-live
The Interior Ministry has kicked off a public-information campaign explaining how ETIAS will work at Czech borders. The €20 pre-travel authorisation will become compulsory for visa-exempt visitors by late 2026, with real-time data sharing to Czech border police. Companies are advised to integrate the new step into their travel-approval workflows and ensure posted workers remain compliant.
Last day for visa submissions at Czech Consulate in Hong Kong as services shift to mainland China
The Czech Consulate in Hong Kong stops taking visa applications after 13 July 2026; future Schengen files must go to a VFS Global centre in Shenzhen and long-term permits to the Czech Embassy in Beijing. The switch may lengthen processing times and add travel costs for applicants, so employers and relocation providers should adjust timelines and budgets accordingly.
EU strengthens air-passenger rights: what it means for Czech travellers and airlines
EU ministers approved an overhaul of air-passenger rights on 13 July. The regulation introduces automatic cash refunds, caps delays before mandatory re-routing and bans hidden fees. Czech travellers gain stronger protection, while airlines have until early 2027 to adjust systems and publish transparent pricing.
Czech government clears new legal framework for the stationing of foreign armed forces
The Czech cabinet has endorsed a bill establishing a single legal regime for foreign troops entering or residing in Czechia. It streamlines border formalities through digital pre-authorisation, introduces a special residence permit for service members and their families, and aligns national rules with NATO and the Czech-US defence pact. The reform is expected to speed up exercise planning and bolster local economies, but still needs parliamentary approval.
Government signs off tourism-strategy progress report; eyes new incentives for regional business events
The cabinet has approved a mid-term review of the Tourism Development Strategy and green-lit fresh incentives to lure international conferences beyond Prague. An upcoming “Green Conference” grant and a December 2026 e-Visa portal promise smoother entry for business events, with potential knock-on benefits for regional economies.
Foreign Minister Macinka leads 30-company trade mission to Israel
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka is in Israel 13-14 July with a 30-company delegation to deepen cooperation in defence, cyber and green tech. The mission includes talks on reciprocal business-visa facilitation and showcases Israel’s new digital-nomad visa, signalling shorter lead-times for Czech firms sending staff on project assignments.
Prague Europa Experience hosts public debate on new EU passenger-rights rules
The European Parliament’s Prague office is hosting a public forum this evening to explain the freshly adopted EU passenger-rights regulation and gather stakeholder feedback. Business-travel managers can quiz lawmakers and regulators on compensation processes and multimodal ticketing impacts.
EU warns Caribbean CIP states over visa-free access, signalling future changes for Czech border checks
Brussels has given five Caribbean CIP countries an ultimatum: end citizenship-by-investment schemes or lose visa-free Schengen access by 2028. Although traveller volumes to Czechia are modest, Prague Airport and Czech consulates must prepare for new visa processing and ETIAS-based refusals.