Visa & Immigration

Need Help? Book Lab Visit

Czech Republic Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)

The Czech Republic Visitor Visa is a Schengen short-stay visa (Category C) issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for foreign nationals visiting family or friends in the Czech Republic. According to the Ministry’s official portal, applicants should lodge a Schengen visa application for the purpose of “visiting family or friends” if the visit is based on an unofficial (informal) invitation, or under the “Invitation” purpose category if the visit is based on an official invitation certified by the Alien Police. As a Schengen state, a Czech Visitor Visa permits short-term travel of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. As with all Czech Republic Visa categories, the final decision on approval rests solely with the competent Czech consular authorities.

Eligibility

Based on official Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance, applicants for a Visitor Visa must generally:

Be a foreign national travelling to the Czech Republic specifically to visit family members or friends.
Hold a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the applicant’s last day of stay in the Schengen territory, with at least 2 blank visa pages.
Provide either an informal invitation letter from the host (family member or friend), or an official invitation certified by the Czech Alien Police inspectorate, depending on the nature of the visit.
For spouses and children (under 21) of EU/EEA citizens: provide marriage or birth certificates as proof of the relationship.
Provide a document proving intention to leave the Schengen Area.

Government Visa Fees

Under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official visa fee schedule (based on EU Regulation No. 810/2009, the Visa Code):

Fee Type	Amount
Schengen Visa (Type C) – standard rate	EUR 90
Schengen Visa (Type C) – children aged 6–11	EUR 45
Schengen Visa (Type C) – children under 6	Free of charge
Reduced rate for citizens of certain countries with facilitation agreements	EUR 35
INR Equivalent	Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances

The visa fee is paid at the time of application submission and is not refunded in case of refusal. Family members of EU/EEA citizens are exempt from the visa fee.

Processing Time

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EU Visa Code, standard Schengen visa applications, including for visiting family or friends, are generally decided within 15 calendar days of submission. This can be extended up to 30 days in individual cases, and up to a maximum of 45 calendar days in exceptional circumstances. Applicants should coordinate with their host in the Czech Republic to gather invitation documents early and apply well in advance of their intended travel date.

Required Documents Checklist

Original Schengen visa application form (mzv.cz/visaform), completed and signed

Proof of payment of the visa fee

Passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the last intended day of stay, with at least 2 blank visa pages

Copy of the passport data page

Recent passport-sized photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm, colour)

Informal invitation letter from the host, clearly stating the host's and invitee's names, addresses, birthdates, official identification numbers, occupation, purpose of visit, length of stay, and accommodation and cost arrangements, plus a copy of the host's ID — OR an official invitation certified by the Alien Police inspectorate

For spouses/children of EU/EEA citizens: marriage or birth certificate

Document proving intention to leave the Schengen Area

Proof of sufficient financial means for the stay

Travel medical insurance valid for the Schengen Area, covering at least EUR 30,000

Step-by-Step Application Process

Ask your host in the Czech Republic whether they will provide an informal invitation letter, or arrange an official invitation certified by the Alien Police inspectorate.

Complete the Schengen visa application form at mzv.cz/visaform.

Gather all required documents, including the invitation, relationship evidence (if applicable), finances, and insurance.

Schedule an appointment with the relevant consulate or visa centre.

Attend your appointment in person, submit your documents, and provide fingerprints if required.

Pay the applicable visa fee (unless exempt as a family member of an EU/EEA citizen).

Await the consulate's decision (standard timeline: 15 days, extendable up to 45 days).

Collect your passport with the visa sticker once a decision has been made.

Important Notes

A Czech Visitor Visa is a Schengen visa, allowing family/friend visits throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The invitation letter must clearly identify both host and invitee, along with the purpose, length of stay, and accommodation arrangements.

An official invitation certified by the Alien Police may be required in certain cases instead of an informal invitation letter.

Family members of EU/EEA citizens are exempt from the visa fee and benefit from simplified documentation requirements.

Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.

Each applicant must submit their own invitation and supporting documents; a group cannot share one invitation letter.

Providing false or incomplete information may result in visa refusal.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Czech Republic Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) requires accurate documentation, proof of your relationship with the host, and compliance with Czech Republic and Schengen visa regulations. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with visa application forms, invitation letters, relationship documents, accommodation details, travel itineraries, financial evidence, and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review every document to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your application meets the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Czech Republic Visitor Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Czech Republic immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Czech Republic Visitor Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between an informal invitation and an official invitation?

An informal invitation is a letter written directly by the host (family member or friend), while an official invitation is one certified by the Czech Alien Police inspectorate, which may be required in certain circumstances.

2. How much does a Czech Republic Visitor Visa cost?

The standard fee is EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6–11; children under 6 apply free of charge. Family members of EU/EEA citizens are exempt from the fee.

3. How long does it take to process a Czech Visitor Visa?

Standard processing is 15 calendar days, extendable up to 45 days in certain cases requiring further scrutiny.

4. What should the invitation letter include?

It should identify the host and invitee by name, address, birthdate, official ID number, and occupation, along with the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who is responsible for accommodation and costs.

5. Can my whole family use one invitation letter?

No. Each individual applicant must submit their own invitation letter and supporting documents; a group cannot share a single invitation.

Our Services