Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Visiting the US as a Czech citizen or a citizen of the EU may not be as straightforward as it seems, particularly since recent developments. This month, a Czech clarinetist was held at the border of the United States, interrogated for hours, and turned away as he tried to play unpaid concerts for Czech-American towns. This story spotlights the higher level of scrutiny travelers are encountering at U.S. entry points.
As worldwide travel is still affected by stringent border restrictions, particularly in the U.S., Czech and EU citizens who are thinking of traveling to the U.S. should check data on border regulations to avoid any unpleasant surprises. A practical travel checklist, complete with expert advice from lawyers who specialize in immigration, to help you guide yourself through U.S. entry without a hitch.

Advertisement
Visa Or ESTA: Which Is For U.S. Travel?
Traveling from Czechia. For citizens of Czechia, it is not required to get a visa to enter the US if you are visiting for less than 90 days. As EU citizens, Czech citizens can apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA allows E.U. citizens to come to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining the traditional visa, but there are conditions that must be met.

The most basic of those to qualify for an ESTA is having an acceptable biometric passport. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure from the U.S. Keep in mind that you should apply for your ESTA no later than 72 hours before departing. ESTA authorization does not guarantee entry into the United States, but is a prerequisite for admission. CBP officers at the airport have discretion to refuse entry.
Viktor Pak from the Czech Economic and Agrarian Chamber points out that travelers should not treat ESTA authorization as a guarantee of U.S. entry. “It’s important to have an appropriate travel document to justify your stay,” Vanourek warned. These documents can include:
Round trip and evidence that you will be hosted in the U.S.
Itinerary corresponding to your certified purpose of travel (tourism, study, business, etc.
Evidence of funds to pay for your visit, for example: your bank statements or your credit card. Remember that Americans use accepted (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) credit cards more than debit cards, which some places won’t accept.
Crucially, if you want to work, study, or remain in the country for more than 90 days, you’ll need to look at a different type of visa, like the B1/B2 visa, which permits visits of up to 180 days.
Visa for Work, Studies or Long-term Stays
Travelers who plan to spend more time in the United States or intend to study or work need a visa. The B1/B2 visa is the one most typically used for business and tourism visits. It allows for stays of up to 180 days each visit, is valid for up to 10 years, although each U.S. visit is determined at the port of entry by U.S. immigration officials.
However, applicants should be careful when declaring their ESTA application. False or erroneous information may lead to refusal of entry. And U.S. authorities are becoming increasingly stringent in examining the travel record of applicants. If a Czech national has visited countries such as Cuba (as of January 2021), or others like Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, and Sudan after March 2011, they also no longer have access to ESTA, and must apply for a visa.
Phones and Digital Content at the Border Devices and Content at the Border_CAPTURE Phones and Digital Content at the Border
In this digital age, it is worth remembering that United States border officers can legally search your phones and laptops if they have cause. This is normal, but it is something that surprises many travelers. Travel lawyers suggest that you limit the content you bring on devices: You don’t want to seem suspicious. Be careful about papers or information on electronic devices that might seem suspicious or raise questions.
Another consideration is that U.S. border officers can ask for access to the social media accounts of travelers, particularly nonimmigrant visa applicants like students and exchange visitors from the U.S. recurring quarters of the world. The U.S. Embassy in Prague has advised travelers to keep public social media profiles as the government conducts national security screenings, a policy that was implemented by the last administration.
Contact Information for Assistance
Should any issue or delays arise at the U.S. border, travel professionals and experts are advising Czech and EU citizens to have contact information for their local embassies in the U.S. handy. There are Czech embassies all over the United States in places like Washington D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles. It is also recommended to have information on local immigration lawyers who specialize in U.S. entry issues.
Tomáš Verčimák, a lawyer specialised in immigration law, also recommends keeping useful contacts to be used in emergencies. “Having local legal assistance can be invaluable if problems arise at the border or during your stay,” Verčimák said.
Final Words on Czech and EU Citizens Entering the U.S
To sum up, while traveling to the U.S. remains a frequent and much-desired trip destination for Czech and EU citizens, recent events show that you should get well-prepared for entry. By adhering to the steps in this checklist, which include applying for ESTA or the appropriate visa, having the required documentation and digital assets, and knowing who to ask for help, most problems traveling to the U.S. can be minimized.
New travel restrictions are very much a moving target in sensitive and difficult times, and travelers need to stay abreast with entry requirements by checking with official sources. Organization and preparation can help ensure you get through customs without extra waiting or a stamp denial.

(Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Czech Economic and Agrarian Chamber)

Advertisement
Tags: Chicago, Czechia, EU, Los Angeles, Prague, United States

I want to receive travel news and trade event update from Travel And Tour World. I have read Travel And Tour World’sPrivacy Notice.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Wednesday, July 23, 2025

source