Prague Airport rolls out new measures to speed non-Schengen border checks amid EES queues
EU confirms ETIAS applications still closed; Czech travel industry told to prepare for later launch
Jazeera Airways to launch seasonal Kuwait–Prague service for winter holidays
Latest News
Moody’s affirms Prague Airport’s Aa3 rating, paving way for border-control upgrades
Moody’s has reaffirmed Václav Havel Airport Prague’s Aa3 credit rating, ensuring the airport can borrow cheaply to fund a €140 million expansion of its border-control facilities. The financing will accelerate projects aimed at easing EES-related queueing—good news for business travellers and global-mobility teams relying on Prague as a regional hub.
Czech PM heads to Brussels as EU summit puts migration reforms centre stage
Prime Minister Petr Fiala is in Brussels for the 15-16 October European Council, where migration tops the agenda. Czechia will support stronger external-border checks but seek flexibility on relocation quotas, aiming to protect resources for business-immigration programmes. Outcomes may affect 2027 visa-processing capacity and the rollout of EU digital-migration tools that Czech employers rely on.
EU adds real-time terrorist alerts to Schengen database ahead of busy winter travel season
From 15 October, Czech border guards will start receiving and issuing new "information alerts" in the Schengen Information System. The upgrade lets all Schengen states share real-time intelligence on suspected terrorists and serious criminals provided by trusted third-country partners, tightening external-border controls without adding extra paperwork for travellers. Czech companies should expect more frequent secondary checks on internationally mobile staff.
ETIAS launch pushed past 2026 as EU warns of 150 fake application websites
The EU has quietly postponed ETIAS again, removing all launch dates from its websites. Czech travellers and employers therefore do not need to pay any ETIAS fee yet—and should beware of more than 150 fraudulent sites already offering the non-existent permit. The delay eases pressure on Czech border checkpoints but heightens the risk of phishing scams targeting business travellers.
Jazeera Airways to Launch First-Ever Winter Flights Between Kuwait and Prague
Kuwait’s low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways will introduce twice-weekly direct flights between Kuwait City and Prague from 17 December 2026 to 7 February 2027, marking the first scheduled winter service on the route. The expansion, unveiled on 14 October, boosts Czech inbound tourism, shortens corporate travel times, and dovetails with Prague Airport’s EES preparations. Businesses gain a faster, non-stop option linking Gulf markets with Central Europe.
EU Visa Working Party convenes in Brussels to debate limited-territorial visas for Russians
EU visa experts, including Czech representatives, met on 14 October to discuss stricter rules on limited-territorial visas for Russian nationals. Any new harmonised guidance could lengthen application times for Czech events that still host Russian guests, signalling the need for earlier planning and robust justification letters.
Italy’s Meloni defends temporary Schengen suspension with Spain, raising questions for Czech road freight
Italy has re-established border checks on traffic from Spain ahead of the EU summit, a move the Italian prime minister called “habitual”. Czech exporters using Italian corridors to reach Iberian markets are facing hours-long holdups and extra costs, highlighting the knock-on effects that unilateral Schengen suspensions can have across the bloc.
Foreign Minister Petr Macinka to Meet Italian Counterparts and Czech Diaspora in Rome
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka will travel to Rome on 15–16 October for talks with his Italian counterpart on Schengen reform, consular cooperation and faster recognition of work permits. The mission includes meetings with Czech investors, expatriates and NATO personnel, highlighting practical mobility issues such as permit delays and passport services. Any agreement could ease business-travel friction for Czech companies with Italian operations.