Border checks and EES hold-ups: What to expect traveling to and from Czechia

Traveling to or from Czechia this holiday season? Factor in extra time for airport queues and land border checks in Germany, Austria, and Poland.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 22.12.2025 10:46:00 (updated on 22.12.2025) Reading time: 3 minutes

Travel
Prague Airport
Prague Airport

If you’re setting out for holiday travel, there are some important updates to know about. As of Dec. 22, travel to and from Czechia is facing a combination of seasonal pressure and new regulatory changes that affect both land and air travel.

Entry/Exit System strains European airports

Air travelers across Europe are facing longer waits and mounting frustration this holiday season as the Schengen Area’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to impact airport operations. The system, which came into effect on Oct. 12, 2025, records biometric data from non-EU visitors and automatically flags overstays.

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EES primarily impacts non-EU citizens (including UK and US nationals) traveling for short stays of up to 90 days, whereas non-EU nationals with valid residence permits or long-stay visas are generally exempt from EES registration. However, exempted travelers often have to stand in the same physical queue as the tourists who are currently causing the EES-related backlogs.

#day trips #tipsfortrips #travel #travel in czechia
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