Up-to-date travel information

Message DROZD: EGYPT (27.10.2023)

Due to the missile strike that occurred in the Red Sea resort of Taba on the night of Friday 27/10/2023, apparently in connection with the ongoing fighting in the area, the MFA recommends exercising increased caution when in the country, monitoring local media and respecting the instructions of security forces. The location of the incident is close to the border with Israel.

In case of an emergency, the standard telephone contacts of the Czech Embassy in Cairo can be contacted during working hours, and its consular emergency hotline: 20 122 742 7513 outside working hours.

Delegates and on-site guides should always register with the DROZD system.

For more information, follow Current travel advisories from the MFA.

CK Chedok currently has seats available on today's evacuation flight from SSH. The flight is confirmed to depart at 18:45 LT at this time. If you have pax who need to return, please contact a colleague in our call centre on tlf number 739 648 512. CK Čedok/Edita Rendlová

FRANCE - DROZD alert (25.10.2023)

The highest security threat level "Vigipirate: urgence attentat" has been declared in France.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic warns that the highest security threat level is in force in France until further notice. On 13 October 2023, the French government declared a state of emergency called "Vigipirate: urgence attentat", or an imminent threat of terrorist attacks. The powers of security forces and protective measures have been strengthened across the country. The MFA recommends exercising increased caution and informing the French police immediately in suspicious cases. It is necessary to keep an eye on one's luggage at all times and to warn of abandoned foreign luggage. There have been anonymous reports of bomb scares across the country, leading to many closures and evacuations of airports and monuments (including major ones such as Versailles and the Louvre). The police are forced to clear such places. It is essential to strictly follow the instructions of local security forces and authorities and to follow the current situation in the local media and on social media.

The link to the French government website with relevant information is as follows:

https://www.gouvernement.fr/actualite/plan-vigipirate-niveau-urgence-attentat-declare

In the event of an attack and danger, the number to call immediately is 112 or 17 (if attacked on a train or subway, 3117 can be used or text to 31 177). It is requested that a suspected radicalised person be reported to 0800-005-696 (works free of charge). If a person witnesses a terrorist attack they must take cover, try to escape and warn others. It is necessary to silence the mobile phone but not to switch it off. The police should be called as soon as possible.

Updated information is available on the website of the Czech Embassy in Paris at the following link: Vigipirate - what to watch out for and how to behave in case of a terrorist attack

In an emergency, you can call the embassy emergency line.

Delegates and on-site guides should always register with the DROZD system.

Lebanon (Oct. 20, 2023)

In light of the deteriorating situation across Lebanon, the MFA warns against travel to the country and urges citizens to leave quickly. The functioning of Beirut International Airport and commercial flights cannot be guaranteed in the event of further escalation of the conflict. Make sure you have valid travel documents and insurance.

Protests and demonstrations continue to occur with varying intensity. The security situation may deteriorate rapidly during these, especially in Shiite areas and areas of the Palestinian refugee camps of Ain al-Hilweh, Burj al-Barajneh, but also in other locations.

If you are already in the country, exercise extreme caution and avoid places of demonstrations or large concentrations of people, and leave Lebanon immediately. It is essential to heed the instructions of local security forces and monitor the latest developments.

In case of emergency, you may contact the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Beirut, by calling the office's standard telephone contacts during working hours and its consular emergency hotline: 961 3 332 291 during off-hours.

The MFA strongly recommends registration with the DROZD.

People travelling to the UK without a visa will soon need to obtain an ETA. Currently, ETAs are only required to enter the UK for a few countries, but according to the official government website (here) the intention is to phase in ETA to other countries. According to information from the ETOA, the ETA launch date for EU citizens is currently expected to be announced in spring 2024, with an anticipated launch date in autumn/winter 2024.

• no transition or grace period is planned.
• ETA will be required when crossing into the UK (including the airport section).
• ETA will be required for all ages and all will be required to pay a £10 fee.
• The application form (on the app or online) will be in English only. The UK Home Office is working on the text used in the application form so that machine translation services display it correctly.
   

For the most up-to-date information, see the official government website (here) and on the ETOA and UK ETA websites (from).

Travel to Israel

On this page you can also find the current airline blacklist for download (here)