Security in Czechia

Prague is a safe place for travellers. The rest of Czechia is considered generally safe and Western countries recommend exercising normal travel precautions.

Remain wary and vigilant in the company of strangers who offer help. Occasionally local people pose as police in an effort to get travellers to hand over cash or documents. Ask to see identification.

Photography can be a sore point in Czechia. It's illegal to photograph some buildings, including indoor shopping centres. Do not photograph police, police stations or military facilities. Rules often discourage photography on public transport. Do not take or distribute photographs that reveal private information or could violate personal privacy.

The best rule of thumb is to avoid identifying individuals. If in doubt, ask local authorities before you take a photo. If asked by officials to delete images, comply.

Safety & crime

There is a difference between federal and city police (Městká policie) in Czechia. For general public order issues or assistance travellers can approach city police, while the federal police investigate major crimes.

In Prague, the police station at Jungmannovo náměstí 9 in the city centre, near the Můstek metro station, is open 24 hours and employs English translators.

Travellers should remain vigilant against petty crimes and minor theft such as pickpocketing in the tourist areas of large cities, especially Prague, in restaurants and bars, and on public transport. Passports should be carried but kept secure. Report thefts to police within 24 hours and get and record the report number. When describing Prague locations, check the nearest six-digit lamp post number or photograph the twin streets numbers.

Drink spiking is not unknown and travellers in bars should remain in trusted company. Drunken behaviour can lead to arrest and fines and there could be a cost for travellers who police arrest to sober up.

Public protests can quickly turn violent and should be avoided.

Terror: Western governments do not consider terrorism a particular threat in Czechia. But terror attacks, especially in public places, are possible anywhere in Europe and travellers should remain alert to threats and follow the instructions of local police or government officials.

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Emergency numbers

City police – 156
National police – 158
Ambulance & medical rescue – 155
Fire brigade – 150
Europe-wide general emergency number – 112
Violence against women victims’ hotline – 116016

Záchranka is a smartphone app, available in English, for general emergency calls or specific situations such as mountain rescue. It is downloadable in Czechia, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia only.

The app also allows users to send a precise location using GPS location and offers an SOS button with options of an emergency medical service or the general emergency line. Záchranka FAQs are available online.

Embassies & consulates

Home countries recommend their citizens register for ‘smart traveller’ services, which provide email updates to travellers detailing current advice and perceived threats.

Embassy contacts and office or consular hours

Australia
Australian Honorary Consulate
www.austrade.gov.au/cs/consulate-en
Klimentská 10, 11000 Prague
tel 0221-729260 (M-F 9-16)
Email: [email protected]

Canada
Embassy of Canada
www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/czechia-tchequie/prague.aspx?lang=eng
Ve Struhach 95/2, 16000 Prague
tel 0272-101800 (M-Th 8.30-12.30, 13-16.30, F 8.30-12.30, 13-14
Canadian citizens emergency number tel +1 613-9968885
Email: [email protected]

India
Embassy of India Consular Wing
www.eoiprague.gov.in
Milady Horákové 93, 17000 Prague
tel 0257-533490 (M-F 9-13, 13.30-17.30)
Indian citizens emergency number tel 0702-125338
Email: [email protected]

Israel
Embassy of Israel
embassies.gov.il/czechrepublic/en
Badeniho 2, 17000 Prague
tel 0233-097500 (M-Th 13-15.30, F 12.30-13.30)
Israeli citizens emergency number tel 0233-097532
Email: [email protected]

Malaysia
Embassy of Malaysia
www.kln.gov.my/web/cze_prague
Komornická 25, 16000 Prague
tel 0234-706600 (M-F 8.30-16.30)
Malaysian citizens emergency number tel 0733-181449
Email: [email protected]

New Zealand
New Zealand Embassy, Berlin
www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/germany/new-zealand-embassy/
4th floor, Friedrichstraße 60, 10117 Berlin
tel +49 30-206210
M-F 9.30-13, 14-16
New Zealand citizens emergency number tel +64 99202020
Email: [email protected]

Singapore
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Singapore
prague.mfa.gov.sg/
Opletalova 27, 11000 Prague
tel 0240-91388 (M-Th 8-16, F 8-13)
Singapore citizens emergency number tel +65 63798000
Email: [email protected]

South Africa
South African Embassy
www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/representatives-rsa/czech-republic-south-african-embassy
Ruská 65, 10000 Prague
tel 0267-311114 (M-Th 8.30-16.30, F 8.30-14)
South African citizens emergency number tel 0602-781235
Email: [email protected]

UK
British Embassy
www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-prague/office/british-embassy-prague
Thunovská 14, 11800 Prague
tel 0257-402111 (M-F 8.30-12.30, 13.30-17)
Email: [email protected]

US
US Embassy
cz.usembassy.gov
Tržiště 15, 11801 Prague
tel 0257-022000 (M-F 8-16.30)
US citizens emergency number tel 0257-022000
Email: [email protected]