From Tuesday, May 26th, all Czech Republic’s border crossings with Germany and Austria will be open, with only random checks taking place. A negative test for covid-19 not older than four days will remain mandatory upon return to the Czech Republic. The change was approved by the Czech government on Monday afternoon. Photo: KK / Brno Daily.
Czech Rep., May 26 (BD) – “From Tuesday, we are opening all rail and road crossings with Germany and Austria, as well as the Hřensko river crossing, and abolishing comprehensive border checks. We have negotiated with our German and Austrian colleagues so that conditions will be similar from their side,” said the Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD).
The list of open border crossings can be found on the Interior Ministry website.
At the same time, airports in Brno, Ostrava, Karlovy Vary, Pardubice and Prague-Kbely will be opened for flights from within the Schengen area from Tuesday. Until now, only Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport has been open for international flights. “Ryanair now expects to resume the regular Brno-London (STN) route from 1st July 2020. According to the current schedule, the Brno-Milan (BGY) route will only resume with the winter flight schedule,” said Jakub Splavec, spokesman for Brno Airport, on Monday evening.
Controls at the Czech borders will remain in place until 13th June 2020, and crossing borders is prohibited until then outside of designated crossings. The Czech Republic will not yet allow tourists entry into its territory, and the conditions for entry are still regulated by the Ministry of Health.
Poland and Slovakia are still protecting their borders with the Czech Republic. However, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) reported at 6pm on Monday that, from Wednesday May 27th, Slovak and Czech residents will be able to travel between the two countries for up to 48 hours without the requirement to present a negative Covid-19 test. “It will be possible without tests and without quarantine. Slovak police should check it,” said Babiš.
