New data reveals which foreign nationals most often overstayed in Czechia

Foreign nationals from Ukraine, Moldova, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Russia accounted for the majority of illegal stay cases recorded in Czechia in the first half of 2026, according to new Foreign Police figures.

Police detected 5,358 cases linked to illegal migration between January and June, a 5.9 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The vast majority, 5,158 cases, or 96.3 percent, involved foreigners found staying in Czechia illegally, including those who had exceeded their permitted period of stay.

Citizens of the six most frequently recorded countries made up 78.2 percent of illegal stay cases, police said.

The number of people detected attempting to transit through Czechia illegally remained low, with 169 cases recorded.

Although this was a 225 percent year-on-year increase, police said the figure represents only a small share of overall cases. Most transit migrants were heading to Germany, with Russian and Afghan citizens the most frequently detected groups.

At Czech airports, police recorded 200 cases involving people crossing the external Schengen border, most commonly citizens of Georgia, Moldova and India.

The Foreign Police also reported carrying out nearly 97,000 residence checks in the first half of the year, inspecting more than 274,000 foreigners across Czechia.

According to an FAQ on their website, Czech Foreign Police carry out residence checks in a range of places where foreigners may be staying, including accommodation facilities, markets, department stores, train stations, workplaces, and locations connected with employers and businesses.

During a check, foreigners must be able to prove their identity and legal status. Police say this usually means presenting a travel document with a valid visa or a long-term residence permit showing the purpose of stay in Czechia.

Foreigners may also be asked to provide proof of required travel health insurance, depending on their type of stay.

If someone cannot provide the necessary documents during a check, police may need to verify their identity and residence status through official records or take further steps to establish who they are.