Czech Republic
Entry requirements
Find your program in the chart below to determine which entry requirements apply to you. Learn more about visas and European Travel Information and Authorization (ETIAS) below. EU citizens do not need a visa.
Note that as of January 8, 2025, all U.S. passport holders and students from many other countries must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa to enter the UK—even if you’re only in the UK for a travel layover. Learn more.
| Program Name | Visa and ETIAS Information |
| IFSA Tech Career Accelerator | U.S. citizens need a long-term visa for the purpose categorized as ‘other.’ Non-EU citizens likely need a visa. If you have a long-term visa, you do not need an ETIAS. Learn more. |
| IFSA in Prague Quarter Program | U.S citizens do not need a visa unless planning to stay in the Schengen area past the 90 day limit. Non-EU citizens may need a visa. If you are not an EU citizen, you need an ETIAs. Learn more. |
| IFSA in Prague Semester Program | U.S. citizens need a long-term visa for the purpose categorized as ‘other.’ Non-EU citizens likely need a visa. If you have a long-term visa, you do not need an ETIAS. Learn more. |
| IFSA Summer Internships in Prague | U.S. citizens do not need a visa. Non-EU citizens may need a visa. If you are not an EU citizen, you need an ETIAS. Learn more. |
| IFSA Summer in Prague | U.S citizens do not need a visa unless planning to stay in the Schengen area past the 90 day limit. Non-EU citizens may need a visa. If you are not an EU citizen, you need an ETIAs. Learn more. |
European Travel Information and Authorization (ETIAS)
At some point in 2025, U.S. and non-EU citizens will be required to register online and secure an ETIAS. This system authorizes visa-exempt travelers to be in most European countries—ETIAS does not apply to the UK or Ireland. The fee will be €7, about $8. ETIAS is valid for over two years or until your passport expires.
Learn more, and beware false ETIAS websites.
Visas
After you’ve been accepted to your program, we’ll send you a guide to U.S. consulates to help you identify which one to apply to and what it requires. Some consulates allow you to apply by mail or online; others require you to make an appointment and visit in person. Gather the documents required and apply as directed.
- Documentation: Valid passport, two passport style-photos, and more. We’ll send you a complete list.
- Fees: Approximately $113 U.S.
- Processing time: 60 days for a long-term visa for study; 90 days for a long-term visa for “other” purpose
- Learn more here.
If you plan to travel before or after your program
In 2025, U.S. passport holders and students from other non-EU countries who plan to travel in the EU while abroad will need a travel permit from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). We’ll keep students advised on how to proceed as soon as information is available. Beware of false ETIAS websites.
Until ETIAS goes into effect, be aware of the Schengen Zone guidelines, which specify the European countries you can enter and how long you can stay. Without a visa, U.S. passport holders can stay in the EU for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.
As noted above, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa to enter the UK. Learn more.
Good to know
- If you’re not a citizen of the U.S. or the EU, be aware that you may need an FBI background check that can take up to two months and a background check from your own country (duration varies). This is in addition to the normal two- to three-month processing time that U.S. passport holders experience. To allow for this lengthy process, it’s ideal to confirm enrollment in your Czech Republic program two months before the IFSA application deadline.