COVID 19: Internationals with Expired Visas Can Stay in Czech Republic for 60 Days

The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs has allowed all foreign nationals to stay in the Czech Republic for another 60 days – that is, until July 17 – after the state of emergency ends on May 17. The statement released is entitled ‘End of State of Emergency Stay of Foreign Nationals’.

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According to the statement, foreign nationals legally residing in the Czech Republic when the country declared a state of emergency on March 12 are allowed to stay until May 17 when the state of emergency comes to an end, even if the Schengen Visa or Czech Visa or residence permit has expired.

This will apply to all foreign nationals-those needing visas or residence permits to remain in the Czech Republic as well as those foreign nationals who can live visa-free in the country. The foreign nationals’ stay in the Czech Republic from May 17 to July 17 will not be deemed illegal.

After the conclusion of the state of emergency, foreign nationals will not be barred for staying in the Czech Republic for a further 60 days (up to July 17 2020) without a valid visa or residency permit.

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At this time, they don’t even have to deal with the expired validity of the stay at the Czech Republic’s Ministry of the Interior or Police offices, “reads the statement from the Foreign Ministry.

During these 60 days, internationals are obliged to leave the Czech Republic. During border controls, the validity of the stay of foreign nationals is checked by a special stamp in their passport, as they return to their home nations.

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Amid the outbreak of Coronavirus, the Czech government agreed to extend its border controls for another month while expanding the number of places from which internal borders can be crossed.