Travel, business meetings, or seasonal employment—these are just a few of the many reasons why third-country nationals come to the Czech Republic. If you are one of them, you will likely need a short-term Schengen visa. In this article, we explain how and where to get it, along with all the essential requirements for your application.
What you will learn in this article:
What a short-term Schengen visa is
Where to apply for a short-term Schengen visa
What documents you need for your application
When and where you can apply for a visa extension
Requirements for travel medical insurance for a short-term Schengen visa
For Holidays and Work Alike
A short-term Schengen visa is issued by authorities to citizens who intend to stay in the Czech Republic for a maximum of 90 days. People visit for various reasons, including:
- Employment
- Studies
- Tourism
- Conference attendance
- Spa or medical treatment
You can receive a visa valid for the entire Schengen area, or one restricted to specific Schengen member states.
90 Days Within 180 Days
As mentioned above, a short-term Schengen visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days. However, keep in mind the so-called 90/180-day rule. This rule states that you can stay in the Czech Republic (or any Schengen area countries) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
This 180-day period starts on the day you enter the Czech Republic or the Schengen area. Once your 90 days are up, you must leave the Czech Republic and the Schengen zone. You can return only when a new 180-day window allows it.
Applying Before Your Departure
You can only apply for a short-term Schengen visa at a Czech diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) abroad. To find the Czech embassy or consulate serving your home country, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, where you will find all contact details.
Keep in mind that the Czech diplomatic mission will only process your application if the Czech Republic is competent to issue the visa. This means the Czech Republic must be your sole or main destination. If your main destination cannot be determined because you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, the Czech Republic must be where you will spend the longest period of time.
Passport, Please—And Other Documents
Here is a list of the documents you will need when applying for a short-term Schengen visa:
- Passport
- Passport-sized photo (35 x 45 mm)
- Completed Schengen visa application form (available for download in English, Czech, French, Spanish, or Ukrainian here)
- Proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic or the Schengen area
- Proof of intent to leave the Schengen area (e.g., a return flight ticket or bus/train ticket)
- Proof of valid travel medical insurance
In addition to these documents, officials will ask you to prove sufficient financial means. You can demonstrate this with a bank statement, an international payment card, or proof of a scholarship. You will also need to show the purpose of your trip, such as a travel booking or event confirmation. Be prepared to pay the visa fee and provide your fingerprints.
Extending Your Schengen Visa? Yes, But…
It is possible to extend the validity of a short-term Schengen visa, but only under exceptional circumstances. According to the Visa Code, extension requests are granted mainly due to force majeure or humanitarian reasons that prevent you from leaving the territory of the member state before your visa or allowed period of stay expires.
Visa extensions are handled by the local Foreign Police Inspectorate in the Czech Republic. You must submit your extension application no earlier than 30 days and no later than 3 days before your permitted period of stay expires.
Getting Insured Online
As noted above, proof of travel medical insurance is a mandatory component of your visa application. This insurance must cover:
- Repatriation for medical reasons
- Emergency hospital treatment
- Expenses related to death
It is essential that your policy is valid across all Schengen states for the entire duration of your stay. The minimum coverage limit required by law is €30,000.
You can easily arrange and pay for your insurance online using our specialized comparison engine at Healthio.com. Designed specifically for medical and travel insurance for trips to the Schengen area, it allows you to compare competitive offers from reputable insurance providers clearly and thoroughly.
You will receive the required insurance certificate for your visa application instantly by email. All insurance plans available through our service also include 24/7 international assistance services.
