Health & medical care in Czechia

A hepatitis A outbreak was current in Czechia in 2026 and includes Prague. Practise good hygiene and keep vaccinations are up to date. Forest or rural areas might present a risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease (usually from spring to late autumn) or tick-borne encephalitis.

Pharmacies

When searching for a pharmacy, look for a sign displaying lékárna. The Dr.Max and Benu chains (each with more than 400 pharmacies) are the largest in Czechia. The sign apotéka is likely to label a business offering personal-care products, supplementary health products or organic or natural medicines rather than a pharmacy.

Medications

Carry a letter from a medical practitioner and the original packaging for any medication to avoid Customs issues at borders.

Prescriptions are not necessary to buy paracetamol or ibuprofen, which are available at some supermarkets, drugstores and some convenience stores, as well as pharmacies. But pharmacy-strength painkillers are kept behind the counter at a Czech pharmacy, while other stores sell lower-dose versions (200mg for ibuprofen and 500mg for paracetamol).

Be prepared to show identification when buying cold and flu medications containing pseudoephedrine and the details of these are likely to be recorded by pharmacists. Obtaining antibiotics will require a prescription.

Strong painkillers and sedatives are restricted and travellers carrying them should keep their prescriptions on hand at borders. Check with a Czech embassy or consulate before importing specialised medications, particularly for ADHD or chronic pain.