The Czech Republic earlier known as Bohemia is one of the oldest nations in Europe. Its creation in the late 9th century and incorporation into the Holy Roman Empire allowed the country to flourish. During the reign of King Karel IV who became the Holy Roman Emperor the country saw its golden age. The emperor turned the capital city Prague into a cultural and intellectual center. The Czechs were the first to secularise the church from the state by the initiative of Jan Hus, a famous theologian whose ideology became the predecessor to Protestantism. Besides the incredible history of the country, Czech people boast fantastic food and incredible beer also being one of the top beer consumers in the world. Beer is so routed into the local tradition that even beer spas have opened in it’s over a millennium old capital. Although the Czech Republic offers to experience its vibrant culture and its many attractions there are risks and hazards that go along with it.

Traveling info

Because the Czech Republic is a member of the Schengen convention all members of this agreement may move freely to the Czech Republic for tourist, business, starting a new life or any other purpose without the requirement to obtain any sort of a visa document. The only document required to cross the border is an ID card. There are several countries who are outside of the European union however they are a part of the Schengen convention. These are Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland. Nationals of countries which are not part of this convention are required to obtain a Schengen visa that will allow them to move freely within the boundaries of the Schengen convention nations. (list of countries in sources). Schengen visa is normally admitted once per half a year for a duration of 90 days. Schengen visa holders can not work or study during their stay within the Schengen boundaries. Tourists who decide to drive vehicles in the Czech Republic are required to have their driving license, vehicle registration documents and certificate of insurance with them at all times whilst driving. Citizens of EU and the EEA can drive in the Czech Republic using their domestic driving permits however tourists who are holders of non-EU permits or permits issued outside of the EEA are required to have an International driving permit. Beware that the IDP does not replace a domestic driving license which must be carried along with the IDP while driving and also beware of scams in relation to obtaining an IDP. Such a document may only be issued by the driving department of the tourists country of origin. In order to drive legally on the Czech highways, a vignette is required. The vignette is a highway tax in form of a windshield sticker which may be purchased at any gas station/store around the country. Once bought it should be placed visibly on the inside of the car windshield. These stickers are not permanent and come with a validity of 10 days, a month or a year. The Czech law requires drivers to have their headlights on at all times whilst driving.

Travelling hazards

Czech Republic scores quite high on the road fatalities rate in Europe being amongst the most dangerous in the EU. Although this is still relatively low comparing to non-first world countries, drivers should stay vigilant on the roads and be careful when driving in congested traffic. Wild animals on rural roads are a possible danger, therefore, sticking to the speed limits is highly advised. Road signs usually warn of the potential areas where wild animals crossroads. Czech roads are generally in good condition however the highway infrastructure is not as extensive as its western neighbors.

Environmental hazards

There are no large populations of any dangerous mammals in the Czech Republic. Wolves in the country count up to 20 specimens whilst bears are very few and usually cross the border with Slovakia in the mountainous areas. Meeting any of these animals is rather extremely rare and unlikely. These animals would attack a human in rather exceptional circumstances. Any dangerous encounters are virtually unheard of. There are much more widespread threats around the country. The common European vipers inhabit most of the country and can usually be found around wet areas particularly rivers and ponds. Although its venom is relatively weak, it can cause serious harm even be fatal for children and the elderly. Grown adult fatalities are rare however and untreated bite might lead to death or lengthy rehabilitation. Ticks are common in most of Europe and often carry Lyme disease. The disease is very dangerous and attacks organs including the brain, the nervous system, and even joints. It usually leads to death within 10 years of contraction. Early stages of the disease can be cured however in later stages it is very difficult to completely cure the disease. If being bitten by a tick, carefully remove it and submit it to a laboratory for Lyme disease testing so that in case of contraction, it can be treated as quickly as possible for the maximum effect. The Czech Republic is a landlocked country however its lakes are perfectly safe to swim in.
The country does not suffer from any major earthquakes nor does it have any volcanoes. Floods, however, are becoming a serious problem being almost seasonal in recent years. Landslides in the mountainous areas after heavy rains are also a possibility.

Health hazards

There are currently no outbreaks of any diseases in the Czech Republic nor are there any vaccination requirements in order to enter the country. To ensure a disease-free journey there are several recommended vaccinations. These are the routine vaccines, hepatitis A and B and rabies vaccine. The quality of service offered by the Czech public and private healthcare systems is among the best in Europe. Czech citizens enjoy universal healthcare coverage through their employers. Expats, however, are expected to pay for their service with the exception of the European health insurance card holders. The EHIC can only be obtained by the citizens of the European Union. Those who are not eligible for an EHIC or are not citizens of the EU should consider purchasing health insurance to avoid the expenses of medical treatments which can be very costly.
In case of an emergency dial 112.

Crime

Crime level in the Czech Republic is quite low. Violent crime is rare and barely affect tourists however petty crime is common. Petty crime affects both tourists and locals. Visitors unaware of their surroundings may easily fall a victim of such crime. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim, visitors should stay vigilant and apply certain precautions such as avoiding to expose signs of wealth by wearing overly expensive clothes or jewelry and to never leave valuables unattended. Being aware of surroundings is important as it is easy to stray into a dangerous alley in large cities of the Czech Republic. Tourists should be extra vigilant if approached by the local Romani peoples who often work in groups to steal from unaware tourists. Wearing a money belt is a great way to store money, important documents such as an ID, passport or credit card out of sight and reach of pickpockets. When exploring Prague or any other Czech city at night it is advised to stick to popular tourist areas. Many dark and secluded alleys of Prague hide dangers lurking for unsuspecting tourists. Czech drug laws are among the most liberal in the world. Although no narcotics are legal, there is a specified amount which is only considered an infraction rather than a criminal offense meaning that jail sentences are not handed out to those in possession of a certain amount of certain narcotics. These amounts are up to 15 gram of marijuana, 40 pieces of magic mushrooms, 5 grams of hashish, 5 LCD laced papers, 1.5 grams of heroin, 1 gram of cocaine and 2 grams of methamphetamine. It is important to note that these are not legal! Although possession of these amounts does not result in jail time, it may result in a fine and will go onto the criminal record.

Summary

The Czech Republic is mostly visited for its incredible capital city Prague and for the availability of winter attractions in the cold season. The Czech Republic is certainly a place to visit for its incredible atmosphere and endless attractions. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/czech-republic-visa/
https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/information_for_aliens/short_stay_visa/list_of_states_whose_citizens_are/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/czech-republic