The Czech Republic captivates visitors with its fairytale castles, medieval towns, and rich cultural heritage. From Prague's stunning architecture to the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and the natural beauty of Bohemian Switzerland, this Central European gem offers diverse experiences for every traveler.
Czechia is among the safest countries in Europe and globally. The US State Department rates it Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Prague and other Czech cities have very low rates of violent crime against tourists. The primary concerns are petty crime (pickpocketing), taxi overcharging, and restaurant bill fraud in tourist-heavy areas of Old Town Prague.
Current safety advisory
Low Risk
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (US State Department, January 2026). Czechia ranks 7th globally on the Global Peace Index. No elevated threat levels apply to Prague or other primary tourist destinations. A Hepatitis A outbreak was reported in Czech Republic in 2025–2026; ensure vaccination is current before travel.
Last updated: January 2026
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unlicensed airport taxis
Touts at Prague Airport approach arrivals with offers of 'cheap taxi'; they charge CZK 1,700–2,500 ($77–114) vs the CZK 500–650 metered fare.
How to avoid: Use Bolt, Uber app, or pre-booked AAA Taxi (+420 14014). Official airport taxi rank is outside the terminal — not inside the arrivals hall.
Restaurant bill overcharging
Tourist restaurants in Old Town add items not ordered, charge tourist prices for the same dishes listed cheaper elsewhere on the menu, or add 'mandatory' service charges.
How to avoid: Check the bill itemised before paying. Query any items not ordered. Avoid restaurants with staff aggressively pulling customers from the street.
Pickpocketing
Most common on trams (especially 22 near Castle), Charles Bridge, Old Town Square during Astronomical Clock shows, and at Christmas/Easter markets.
How to avoid: Use front pockets or an inside jacket pocket for valuables; use an anti-theft bag; be aware when crowds form around street performers or clock-strike times.
ATM dynamic currency conversion
ATMs and card terminals offer to convert the amount to USD/GBP/EUR; the exchange rate is typically 5–15% worse than the card company's rate.
How to avoid: Always select 'Pay in CZK' — never accept 'dynamic currency conversion.' Decline it on both ATM screens and payment terminals.
Rigged arcade games / prize shell games
Shell games and rigged carnival-style games on Wenceslas Square; impossible to win.
How to avoid: Simply walk past; never place a bet or participate.
Currency exchange touts
Exchange booths near Old Town Square advertise '0% commission' but set disadvantageous exchange rates.
How to avoid: Calculate what you'll actually receive for 100 USD/EUR before exchanging. Use bank ATMs for CZK.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Overview
- Czech Republic has an excellent healthcare system. EU/EEA citizens with European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) receive free emergency treatment. Non-EU visitors should carry comprehensive travel insurance. Pharmacies (lékárna) are well-stocked; many are open 24 hours in Prague.
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- Concern
- Hepatitis A
- Advice
- Outbreak reported in Czech Republic 2025–2026; vaccinate before travel and maintain hygiene (wash hands, avoid raw shellfish, drink bottled water)
- Concern
- Water safety
- Advice
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Czechia; Prague tap water is tested and meets EU standards
- Concern
- Vaccinations
- Advice
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, diphtheria, polio) should be current; Hepatitis A recommended; no mandatory vaccinations required for entry
- Concern
- Medical care quality
- Advice
- Excellent hospital care in Prague and major cities; English-speaking doctors available at Canadian Medical +420 235 360 133 (V Parku 2308/10, Praha 4)
- Concern
- Pharmacies
- Advice
- 24-hour pharmacies: Lékárna Palladium (náměstí Republiky 1, Praha 1); Lékárna U Zeleného kříže (Jakubské nám. 2, Praha 1). Look for 'lékárna' signs.
- Concern
- Medical insurance
- Advice
- Travel insurance with medical coverage strongly recommended; non-EU visitors are billed for healthcare; costs can be substantial without insurance
- Concern
- Tick-borne encephalitis
- Advice
- Risk in forested areas May–October; vaccination recommended for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting Bohemian or Moravian forests
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Prague is very safe for solo travellers of all genders. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Exercise standard city precautions: keep valuables secure on public transport, avoid empty metro carriages late at night, use reputable bars and clubs. The main risks are the non-violent scams above. Prague's LGBTQ+ scene is welcoming and visible.
Female travellers
Prague is generally very safe for female solo travellers. Standard urban precautions apply: trust instincts when approached by strangers, use reputable transport at night (Bolt/Uber rather than walking alone in unfamiliar areas after midnight), be aware of drink-spiking risk in nightlife venues. The Prague Police Women's Crisis Line is available at +420 731 458 157.
Families
Czechia is an excellent family destination with very low crime rates, clean cities, and child-friendly infrastructure. Czech cities are well-equipped with pharmacies, pediatric hospitals, and family facilities. The main child-safety concern is Prague Old Town traffic; teach children to cross at designated crossings only and hold hands on crowded Charles Bridge.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Czechia is the most LGBTQ+-tolerant country in Central/Eastern Europe. Same-sex civil partnerships have been legal since 2006; same-sex marriage became law in 2024. Prague has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene centred around Vinohrady (Náměstí Míru area). Prague Pride (August) is a large and welcoming event. Public displays of affection are generally accepted in Prague.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 158 (Czech Police / Policie ČR)
- Ambulance
- 155 (Medical Emergency / Záchranná služba)
- Fire
- 150 (Fire Brigade / Hasiči)
- European Emergency
- 112 (multilingual, works without SIM card or credit, operates 24/7)
- Tourist Police
- Prague City Police: +420 156 (municipal police); State Police non-emergency: +420 974 823 456
- Us Embassy Prague
- +420 257 022 000 — Tržiště 15, Praha 1-Malá Strana; emergency after hours +420 257 022 000
- Uk Embassy Prague
- +420 257 402 111 — Thunovská 14, 118 00 Praha 1
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