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The United States has been put back on the Czech Republic’s list of very high-risk countries for Covid-19, which means unvaccinated Americans can no longer enter the country as of this week for nonessential reasons.
The Czech Republic opened to American travelers earlier this summer. They make up an important part of the tourism industry, ranking fifth place for tourism with overnight stays in 2019.
However, this week the Czech Republic made changes to its entry protocols putting the U.S. back on the list of high-risk countries.
United States Is Now Designated As A High-Risk Country
The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Health designates very high-risk countries as those that have a value of 500 or greater based on their two-week cumulative COVID-19 case rate, their testing positivity rate and the testing rate for the preceding week, which must be at least 300 per 100,000 persons.
Based on these factors, a decision was made to move the United States from the green category to the dark red one in line with the most recent data provided by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). This is effective from August 23.
This means unvaccinated Americans can no longer visit the Czech Republic for nonessential reasons, such as tourism.
According to the protective measure, certain exceptions apply, such as third-country permanent residence holders in the Czech Republic and to foreign nationals who have been in a low-risk country for at least 14 days before entering the Czech Republic.
In addition to the U.S, several European countries were put on the list, including Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.
“These countries shall also include those Member States of the European Union in which the community spread of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus predominates.” read the statement.
Canada is on the green list (lowest-risk).
Fully Vaccinated Americans Can Still Visit The Czech Republic
As of August 23, fully vaccinated American travelers can still visit the Czech Republic.
During the announcement, the Czech Republic confirmed that vaccination certificates issued in several third countries are now accepted as valid proof of immunity, including the white vaccination cards issued by the CDC.
“Vaccination of third-country nationals who have completed vaccination from a non-EU country with a substance approved by the European Medicines Agency or its equivalent vaccine approved by the World Health Organization for emergency use is also newly recognized,” the Ministry’s statement reads.
Fully vaccinated third-country nationals can enter Czechia without having to follow testing and self-isolation rules. They are only required to fill in an entry form.
While in the Czech Republic, travelers will need to show their vaccination certificate to check into your hotel, visit tourist attractions like museums, and attend public events.
Will Other European Countries Do The Same?
While some European countries have been open this summer to unvaccinated Americans like Portugal and France, it's possible as cases continue to rise in the U.S. that more EU countries will change their entry requirements for American travelers.
Read More:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19
New Updates Coming To UK Travel Restrictions
Airlines That Have Banned Cloth Masks for Passengers
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
ericgoeseverywhere
Tuesday 22nd of February 2022
Unvaccinated Americans can visit the Czech Republic now. Link: https://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Covid-19
To visit the Czech Republic: 1). Fill out passenger locator form 2). Have confirmation of negative PCR or RAT test before arrival (72 hours PCR, 24 hours RAT) 3). Undergo PCR test after arrival between 5th and 7th days.
So it would seem that if you're going to be visiting for 5 days or less, an unvaxxed American traveler would merely need a negative PCR/RAT test to enter.
I'm planning on visiting in April to see some friends of mine who run a popular food tour, and then head over to Slovenia to hang out in Ljubljana and Lake Bled.
Su
Friday 27th of August 2021
I thought they had stopped being communist.
Adam
Saturday 28th of August 2021
@Su, Apparently not.
Karl
Friday 27th of August 2021
Good :) Another country that antivaxxers were hailing for a while for ‘doing the right thing’ finally comes to its senses. It’s only a matter of time before there will be major fencing around the world for unvaccinated. I’m all for it :)
Now watch the “you’re a sheep 🐑” comments.
R
Saturday 28th of August 2021
@Karl, why are you so obsessed with what unvaccinated people do with their own body? Could it be that your precious vaccines don’t work? Sorry to burst your bubble but people will continue travelling, regardless of what nonsense totalitarian leaders try to implement.
Eduardo Gomez
Friday 27th of August 2021
@Karl, Czech, Austria, Poland, the least exotic, the most pro-germany 1938 countries, You go have them all for yourself.
Alex
Thursday 26th of August 2021
So does Czech government not read the news? Per the CDC the vaccines only ameliorates symptoms...they do not prevent transmission nor prevent infection. What then is the point?
Adam
Saturday 28th of August 2021
@Alex, The point is about making money. Lots of money. Covid tests are usually around $100, vaccines are ~$100 too (Pfizer/Moderna/JNJ/AstraZeneca they don't give them to govs for free).
Adam
Thursday 26th of August 2021
Another country joins the "we're so rich we don't want your money anymore" list.