Traveling to the US from Czechia? An essential entry checklist for smooth passage

Earlier this month, a Czech clarinetist was detained, questioned for hours, and ultimately denied entry to the U.S. while attempting to perform a series of unpaid concerts for Czech-American communities.

The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny travelers face at U.S. borders. To help you navigate the complexities of entry, here is a practical travel checklist for American expats with Czech and EU citizens planning a trip to the States (scroll down to the bottom of the article).

We also contacted several lawyers and immigration specialists. Here are their recommendations for ensuring smooth passage through the border. 

As EU nationals, Czech citizens may enter the U.S. either with an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a visa.

Under the Visa Waiver Program, EU citizens can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business trips up to 90 days without a visa, provided they have a valid biometric passport and complete the ESTA registration at least 72 hours before departure. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned U.S. departure date.

The ESTA is valid for two years and costs CZK 480 (approximately USD 21).

Viktor Pak, an attorney at the Czech Economic and Agrarian Chamber, told Expats.cz that “receiving authorization to travel to the U.S. through ESTA does not guarantee entry.”

He stresses the importance of bringing documents that clearly support and justify your trip, as U.S. authorities may ask to see them.

These documents can include a return ticket and proof of accommodation, an itinerary that aligns with your approved travel purpose, whether tourism, study, or business, proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, and an internationally recognized credit card, since debit cards may not be accepted everywhere.

Work, study, or extended stays require a different visa type. Providing false information on your ESTA application can result in denial of entry. Job-related documents (CVs, work emails), or anything suggesting unauthorized employment should also be left at home.

For longer visits, the B1/B2 visa allows stays of up to 180 days per visit and is valid for ten years; it costs CZK 4,233 (around USD 185).

Note that work, study, or extended stays require a different visa type. Providing false information on your ESTA application can result in denial of entry.

Your past travel history also matters when it comes to entering the U.S. Czech citizens cannot use ESTA if they have visited Cuba after Jan. 12, 2021, or North Korea, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Syria, or Sudan after March 1, 2011: a visa is required instead.

It’s just as important to avoid bringing unnecessary documents or digital content that could raise questions. U.S. border officers can legally search phones and laptops if they have reason.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Embassy in Prague advised nonimmigrant visa applicants—including students and exchange visitors—to keep their social media accounts public to support national security screenings, a policy introduced under the Trump administration.

A final piece of advice from specialist travel lawyer Tomáš Verčimák also reminded Expats.cz of the importance of having contacts if something were to go wrong.

“We highly recommend that Czech and EU citizens have contact details of the locally competent Czech embassies in the U.S. (DC, Chicago, Los Angeles) ready, and in case of any problems, also contacts for local lawyers specializing in immigration law.”