How to Extend your Stay in Prague?

Planning a trip to Prague for a few days or weeks? Making the most of your trip abroad can often require more time than planned and that’s where extending your stay can come in handy. With the vibrant city of Prague and its plethora of attractions and activities, it’s sure to be an adventure of a lifetime. In this guide, we’ll be looking into the options at hand to help you make the most of your stay in the beautiful city of Prague.

What are the Requirements for an Extension?

Before you begin the process for extending your stay, make sure you meet the visa requirements for the country of Czech Republic. Depending on your citizenship and nationality, you’ll need to apply for a different type of visa. Those from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will generally only require a Schengen visa. Other nationalities may require a long-stay visa in order to be able to apply for a longer stay in Prague. As such, it is important that you check with your nearest embassy or consulate for the updated visa requirements for Czech Republic’s embassies in your home country before filing for an extension or applying for a visa.

How to Extend Your Stay in Prague

After you have checked and met the necessary requirements needed to enter Czech Republic, you have several options if you wish to extend your stay in Prague.

Option 1: Apply for Long-Term Student Visa or Employment Visa

The best way to extend your stay in Prague is to apply for a long-term student visa or an employment contract if you’re looking to work while staying in the city. For both options, you’ll need to provide a valid passport and other documents that can illustrate why you are applying for the visa or employment contract (including proof of funds). As such, it is important that you research each option carefully and provide any necessary paperwork. Additionally, it is important that the application for an employment contract is submitted at least three weeks in advance.

Option 2: Apply for a Schengen Visa

Another option for those who don’t qualify for a long-term student visa or employment contract is to apply for a Schengen visa. This visa is generally easier to obtain than other types of long-term visas, but it only allows you to stay in Prague for a period of three months at most. In order to obtain this type of visa, you’ll need to provide proof of funds, travel documents and meeting the necessary visa requirements established by the Czech government. You can find more detailed information regarding the application process on the official website.

Option 3: Apply for an Extension at the Police Department

If you are already in Prague and plan on extending your stay beyond 90 days, you can also apply for an extension at the Police Department in your district (Department V). This form requires collecting certain documents such as two sealed passport photographs, proof of residence (rental agreement, lease or proof of ownership) and filled out application forms that can be downloaded from the official website. When completing this form, make sure that all submitted documents are originals or certified copies and have been translated into Czech language by an authorised translator otherwise they won’t be accepted. Additionally, some documents may require being notarised before they can be accepted such as marriage documents or university diploma.

Overall, this option may take as little as three days or up to one month to be processed—which oftentimes will come with fees as well—depending on your individual request to extend your stay.

Closing Thoughts

It is important that before traveling you research the requirements needed in order to stay in Prague for an extended period of time. The most viable options for an extension are obtaining a long-term student or employment visa. However, if your trip is shorter and doesn’t exceed 90 days, then a Schengen visa should be sufficient. Additionally, if you are already in Prague it may be possible to apply for an extension through the local Police Department depending on how long you wish to remain in Czech Republic.

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Exploring Prague

Prague is one of Europe’s most alluring destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year. It brims with stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious food, and while it’s true that you can visit the most famous landmarks in a few days, the city has much more to offer. To discover the hidden gems of Prague and extend your stay, follow this insider’s guide.

Local Attractions: A Hidden Gem on Every Corner

Prague is full of lesser-known attractions that are well worth the visit. If you’re craving an authentic experience, head to Krymská street, a trendy neighborhood where locals love to gather. Take a stroll around the Vršovice district, known for its beautiful parks and Art Deco architecture. Additionally, the Vyšehrad fortress is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of the city, and the Strahov Monastery boasts some of the most magnificent halls in the city.

Dining Spots: Local Cuisine and Interesting Anecdotes

If you’re looking for authentic Czech cuisine, head to a traditional pub, or ‘hospoda,’ where you can try hearty dishes like pork knuckles or goulash. One of the best local spots is U Vystřelenýho Oka, known for its relaxed atmosphere and affordable prices. If you’re feeling adventurous, try smažený sýr, a traditional Czech fried cheese dish eaten by locals. For drinks, visit a traditional Czech beerhouse, where you can taste exceptional lagers known around the world. Unwind at U Zlatého Tygra, a lively and bustling pub where you might even be seated at a shared table to chat with the locals.

Cultural Experiences: Traditions, Festivals, Art, Music, and Customs

Prague boasts a rich cultural heritage and has a plentiful offering of concerts, festivals, museums, and galleries. If you’re a music lover, make sure to visit the Estates Theatre, where Mozart’s Don Giovanni first debuted in 1787. Classical music isn’t the only attraction in Prague, though. The city has a thriving jazz scene, with Jazz Dock, Jam Sessions, and Reduta Jazz Club as must-visits. If art is your passion, head to the Veletržní Palace to explore the outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art, or the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art for the latest contemporary exhibitions. The traditional customs of Prague are celebrated in a variety of festivals throughout the year, such as Easter and Christmas markets, the Prague Spring International Music Festival, and the Khamoro World Roma Festival, among others.

Local History: Captivating Stories from the City’s Past

Prague is filled with fascinating stories from its past, many of which explain the legends surrounding its stunning landmarks. For example, the Charles Bridge is named after King Charles IV, and it’s stated that egg yolks were added to the mortar to strengthen the construction. Moreover, the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square depicts the “Walk of the Apostles” every hour, but did you know that the clockmaker, Hanuš, went blind to prevent him from creating another masterpiece?

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique and Unforgettable Experiences

If you want to break away from the usual sights and sounds of Prague, try a few unconventional suggestions. The Petřín Hill Observation Tower is a stunning viewpoint from which you can see the entire city. The Neustadt Brewery in the Smíchov district offers a unique beer spa experience, where you can relax in beer-infused saunas and baths while drinking unlimited beer. Finally, if you want to learn more about Czech craftsmanship, visit the Prague Easter Markets, where you can watch artisans create Easter eggs and other delightful objects by hand.

Conclusion

Prague is an exciting and bustling city with so much to see and experience. To extend your stay and discover the city’s hidden gems, follow this guide to immerse yourself in local culture and traditions, taste delicious food, hear captivating stories, and have unforgettable experiences. Remember to leave enough time to explore all the treasures Prague has to offer!