04.05.2020 / 12:31 | Updated: 04.05.2020

Information for foreigners residing in the Czech Republic whose visas or work permits expired during the state of emergency.

According to Government Resolution No. 198 dated 12.03.2020, foreigners who were legally present in the country at the time the state of emergency was declared (12.03.2020) — based on a valid Schengen visa, long-term visa, residence permit, or under 90-day visa-free stay — are allowed to remain in the Czech Republic for the entire duration of the state of emergency, regardless of their visa/residence permit expiration or exceeding the 90-day visa-free stay.

Any foreigner, whether under a visa or visa-free status, who found themselves in this situation during the state of emergency, has the right to stay in the Czech Republic for 60 more days after the end of the state of emergency (i.e., until July 17, 2020), and their stay will be considered legal.

Foreigners whose Schengen visa or visa-free stay expired during the emergency do not need to contact the immigration police to request an extension. Such persons will not have their visas extended, nor will they face deportation. Upon departure, each foreigner will receive an “exit stamp” (“výjezdní razítko”) in their passport, confirming the legality of their stay in the Czech Republic. This stamp, with the departure date, will also serve as confirmation of legal stay for the authorities of other countries through which the foreigner may transit on their way home, preventing them from being penalized. Authorities of these countries, including those neighboring the Czech Republic, have been informed about the existence and meaning of this stamp.

This 60-day transitional period also applies to permits issued by Labor Offices that expired during the state of emergency. This means that holders of Schengen visas for employment purposes and holders of employee cards may continue to work.

Holders of long-term visas or residence permits who wish to continue studying, working, or otherwise staying in the Czech Republic must submit an application to extend their stay at the relevant local office of the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.

Please note that all of the above information applies only to foreigners who were already present in the Czech Republic.