Tourist & Visitor Family/Friends Visa – Czech Republic

Hassle-free visa processing for your travel needs.

Overview

The Tourist & Visitor Family/Friends Visa is intended for non-EU citizens who wish to visit the Czech Republic for leisure, sightseeing, or staying with family and friends legally residing in the country.

This visa is suitable for individuals who:

• Tourists: Those traveling for sightseeing, leisure, or cultural activities.
• Family & Friends Visitors: Individuals planning to visit relatives or friendslegally residing in Czech Republic.

Eligibility

To apply for a Tourist or Visitor Family/Friends Visa, applicants must:

• Hold a valid passport or travel document.
• Provide a UK eVisa printout from UKVI with a valid share code.
• Apply for a short-stay Schengen visaunder the relevant category (Tourist or Visitor Family/Friends).

Czech Republic Visa Processing Time

The embassy may request additional documents or interviews, which could extend processing times.

Applications can be submitted up to 6 months beforethe intended travel date.

The standard processing timeis 2 weeks, but additional time may be required based on nationality or embassy requests.

For certain nationalities, processing may take 3 weeksdue to mandatory consultation with other Schengen states.

Applicants should book appointments early, especially during peak travel seasons (Easter, summer holidays, and Christmas), as slots fill up quickly.

Documents Required for Czech Republic Tourist Visa

Standard Documentation

• Completed Visa Application Form – Fully filled, signed, and submitted in original.
• Passport (Original + Copy) – Must be:
  • Signed and valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
  • Issued within the last 10 years (extended passports older than 10 years are not accepted).
  • Contain at least 2 blank visa pages.
  • Include copies of previous Schengen visas (if issued within the last 3 years).
• UK Residency
  • Provide a UK eVisa printout from UKVI with a valid share code.
• Photograph (Original) – Recent passport-sized colour photo meeting Schengen visa requirements.

Supporting Documentation

Proof of Occupation (as applicable)

• Employed:
  • Recent, signed employer letter confirming job position, salary, and leave approval.
  • Last 3 months’ payslips.
• Self-Employed:
  • HMRC tax return or letter confirming Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and National Insurance Number.
  • Certificate of Incorporation for company directors.
  • Accountant’s letter verifying income.
• Students:
  • Official university/college letter confirming enrolment, signed and dated.
• Unemployed/Retired:
  • Benefits letter from Jobcentre or Pension Service.
  • If not receiving benefits, a self-declaration on financial status.
• Housewife/Househusband:
  • Spouse’s financial documents (employment proof, bank statements).
  • Marriage certificate (translated if not in English or Czech).

Proof of Finance

• Latest 3 months’ bank statements (UK current account) showing:
  • Applicant’s name, address, and balance.
  • Minimum balance of £30 per day of stay, plus outstanding accommodation and travel costs.
• Traveller’s cheques covering the same financial requirements.

Proof of Travel Arrangements

• Confirmed return travel tickets (flight, train, coach, or ferry).
• If driving:
  • Car registration and insurance.
  • Ferry/Eurotunnel ticket with car registration details.
  • If the applicant is a passenger, a signed letter from the driver confirming travel together.
• If booked through a travel agency:
  • Invoice, receipt, or payment confirmation from the agency.

Proof of Accommodation

For Tourist Visa Applicants:

• Confirmed hotel/hostel/camping reservations, showing:
  • Applicant’s name, travel dates, and accommodation details.
• If the applicant’s name is not on the reservation, a signed travel confirmation letter from the person booking the accommodation must be submitted, along with their passport copy.

For Visitor Family/Friends Visa Applicants:

• Original signed invitation letter from the host, including:
  • Exact dates of stay.
  • Address where the applicant will be staying.
• Copy of the host’s Czech ID (občanský průkaz) or passport bio page and Czech residence permit (if applicable).
• If the host has completed a formal obligation at the Czech Immigration Authority, this may replace some financial and accommodation requirements.
• If visiting multiple Schengen countries, applicants must provide a complete travel plan, detailing stay durations and accommodation addresses in each country.

Travel Insurance

• Must be issued by a UK-registered insurer and valid for the entire stay in the Schengen Area.
• Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.
• The insurance policy must clearly mention the applicant’s name.

Additional Requirements for Minors (Applicants Under 18)

In addition to the standard documents, minors must provide:

• Birth Certificate – Original and translated (if not in English or Czech).
• Parental Consent Letter – Signed by both biological parents, confirming consent for travel.
• Parents’ Passport Copies – Copies of bio pages and signature pages.
• Proof of Sole Custody (if applicable) – Court order or death certificate if one parent is deceased.
• Legal Guardianship Proof (if applicable) – Guardianship letter and passport copy of the appointed guardian.

 Photo Specifications

• Recent, colour passport-sized photograph.
• White or light background, no shadows.
• Neutral expression, no smiling.
• No sunglasses, hats, or head coverings, except for religious purposes.
• Must be glued to the visa application form.

If the submitted photograph does not meet these requirements, the visa application will be considered incomplete, and the applicant will be required to submit a new photo.