A passport is the basic document you need to travel outside the European Union. But before you head off to the exotic, you must first navigate the bureaucratic jungle. But thanks to our article, you’ll find out how and where to get a passport, how much it costs, what a fast pass is and when you need to get your passport replaced.
Any citizen of the Czech Republic can obtain a passport. Regardless of age, even a newborn child who is going on holiday with his/her parents. Children are issued a passport by a legal representative. According to the Act on Travel Documents, the application must be submitted either in person or through an authorised person with a certified power of attorney.
A passport is required for all travel outside the European Union – for example to the USA, the UK, Turkey, Thailand or Egypt. For most EU and Schengen countries, a valid ID card is sufficient, but some non-EU countries (e.g. Serbia or Albania) may still require a passport. Therefore, check the entry requirements with the Foreign Office before you travel.
If you are planning to travel and do not have a passport, start arranging one in advance. It can take up to 30 days to process a passport under normal procedures. And if you find out at the last minute that your passport has lapsed, be prepared to hold your nerve and your wallet, because you’ll pay extra for fast passes.
Whether you’re dealing with the loss of your passport abroad or an application problem, our lawyers can advise you quickly and clearly. We can help you online and in person.
You can apply for a passport at any municipal office in a municipality with extended jurisdiction (e.g. a municipal office in a district town). In Prague, you apply at the office of the relevant municipal district. According to the law, the passport is issued by the office you apply to. It is therefore not necessary to go only to the place of permanent residence.
If you live abroad, you can apply at a Czech embassy (consulate or embassy). The exception is honorary consulates, which do not accept passport applications.
To apply for a passport you will need:
The photograph and signature are now taken directly at the office, so you do not have to carry a photo (the exception is for passport applications without biometric data). The official will take your photo, fingerprint you and make a digital signature. This completes the application.
Passport prices vary according to the age of the applicant and the speed of issue. The current rates of administrative fees according to the Ministry of Interior decree are:
Standard processing within 30 days:
Fast pass (within 5 working days):
Fast pass (within 24 hours, weekdays only):
A normal person will not get a discount on the passport fee. Exceptions apply only for special cases – for example, for diplomats or officials on business trips who are issued a passport by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The normal processing of a passport takes up to 30 days from the date of application. If you apply at an embassy, the time limit is extended to 120 days. Therefore, if you know you will be travelling to a non-EU country, it is always advisable to apply for a passport well in advance.
But if you are pressed for time (for example, you have to go on an unexpected business trip or you want to take advantage of a super last-minute offer from a travel agent), you have two options:
This fast pass cannot be issued at an embassy abroad.
When collecting the passport, the technical functionality of the chip with biometric data is verified. If the chip is damaged, the passport will be replaced free of charge. The authorities can send you a notification that your passport is ready for collection by text message or by email if you have provided a contact on the application form.
Tip: Many of us still remember to carry our ID card at all times and never go out without it. But this has not been the case for many years. Find out when and to whom you must show your ID card.
The validity of a passport depends on the age of the applicant – children under 15 are issued for 5 years, while older persons are issued for 10 years. This period cannot be extended in any way and once it expires you must apply for a new passport.
However, a passport replacement is also necessary in other situations. For example, if you change your surname, your passport will cease to be valid three months after the change.
You also need to replace your passport if you have a significant change in appearance, for example after plastic surgery, a radical change in hairstyle, weight loss or, for men, after growing or shaving a beard.
It is also necessary to replace your passport if it is damaged, illegible or if you have lost it, had it stolen or managed to destroy it.
Have you lost your passport? Don’t panic. As a first step, you should immediately report the loss of your passport to the local authority or the police. According to the law, your passport is no longer valid at this point.
When abroad, contact the nearest Czech embassy. They can issue you with a so-called travel pass, which is a one-off document that allows you to return to the Czech Republic. This travel document is usually valid for only a few days and may be issued subject to identity verification.
Losing your passport is no joke. That’s why we recommend always having at least a backup copy online or physically separate from the original. This will make it easier to get a new document abroad.
A passport is essential for travel outside the EU and is processed at the local authority or embassy abroad. The standard issue takes up to 30 days, while the fast passport can be obtained within 5 days or 24 hours, but for a higher fee. The price of the passport varies according to the age of the applicant and the speed of issuance. The passport is valid for 5 years for children under 15 and 10 years for adults, and cannot be renewed – a new one must be issued when it expires. Passport replacement is also required if your name is changed, damaged or lost. If lost abroad, the consulate will help by issuing a travel card. The application for a passport must include biometric data, a signature and, in the case of minors, the consent of the legal guardian.
At any municipal office of the municipality with extended jurisdiction or abroad at an embassy (except for honorary consulates).
The standard deadline is within 30 days. Fast passes can be obtained within 5 days or 24 hours, but at a higher administrative fee.
It depends on the age of the applicant and the period chosen. For example, an adult will pay CZK 600 for a regular passport, but up to CZK 6,000 for a passport within 24 hours.
Upon expiration, name change (e.g. after marriage), loss, damage or if there is a significant change in form.
Contact the nearest Czech consulate immediately. They can issue you with a travel card for your return to the Czech Republic. Report the loss at home after you return.
Our team of experienced attorneys will help you solve any legal issue. Within 24 hours we’ll evaluate your situation and suggest a step-by-step solution, including all costs. The price for this proposal is only CZK 690, and this is refunded to you when you order service from us.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
In person and online. Just choose the appropriate service or opt for an independent consultation when you are unsure.
