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Czech Republic is open to Americans, with just 1 requirement

June 24, 2021
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3 min read
Old Town Square in Prague Czech Republic
Czech Republic is open to Americans, with just 1 requirement
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The Czech Republic started welcoming U.S. citizens back this week, increasing the European travel possibilities for Americans this summer.

Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek announced the addition of the United States to its "green countries" list via Twitter on June 21, which means Americans can resume travel to the country sans a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine thanks to the Czech Republic's use of the traffic light system, which allows tourists from low-risk nations to bypass the otherwise required testing.

Overlooking the Old Town Square in Prague. (Photo by Alexander Spatari / Getty Images)

However, literally entering the country is about all you will be able to do without additional documentation. COVID-19-related requirements still remain for Americans and fellow visitors with low-risk entry status hoping to experience the country as tourists. In order to enjoy activities such as staying at a hotel, eating at restaurants, visiting museums and attending public events, you must show one of the following:

  • Negative PCR test taken within the past 72 hours.
  • Negative antigen test from the past 24 hours.
  • For single-dose vaccines, such as Johnson & Johnson, proof that 14 days have elapsed after the dose within the last nine months.
  • For double-dose vaccines, such as Moderna and Pfizer, proof that 22 days have elapsed after the first dose within the last 90 days, or proof that 22 days have elapsed after the second dose within the last nine months.
  • And finally, if you have recovered from COVID-19 within six months of travel, proof of such is required.

“We’ve been waiting for this for so long,” Michaela Claudino, director of Czech Tourism USA & Canada, said in a statement regarding the reopening. “We hope that tourists can take the time to see the famous sights, but also get to know some of the Czech Republic’s hidden gems. One look at the incredible architecture, culture, food, drinks, and fun will make your trip worth the extra effort.”

As previously reported, the Czech Republic was one of seven early users of EU Digital COVID Certificates, formerly known as “green passports." Although Americans are still not allowed to use them, the certificates allow EU travelers to digitally store and access the aforementioned requirements.

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Related: Country-by-country guide to reopenings

Additionally, be sure to pack designated respirator masks — most commonly known in the U.S. as KN95 or N95, both of which filter up to 95% of air particles per the CDC — as these are necessary to engage in most public spaces, including shops, airports and public transportation (including taxis and ride-sharing services). If you are outside and social distancing is not possible, also be prepared to don a mask.

Unlike other EU countries, the Netherlands for example, travelers from "dark red countries," considered to be at an “extreme risk of COVID-19 infection,” are still able to enter or return to the Czech Republic after undergoing an RT-PCR test before arrival, two tests after arrival and a period of self-isolation.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

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  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.