Czech republic gradually loosens restrictions

10 May 2020 07:37 Economy

Our colleague, Vladimir Dobos, Head of the Port of Hamburg Representative Office in Prague, reports on current developments in the Czech Republic, as the government announced a further loosening of emergency measures last week.

As of May 11th, the Czech Republic will reinstate international rail and bus services that had been suspended from 14th March. The borders had already been reopened to nationals on April 24th. Nevertheless, citizens are still required to present a negative coronavirus test result upon entry, which must not be older than four days. Otherwise the returnees must undergo a two-week quarantine. Non-residents may only travel to the Czech Republic for work purposes and for a maximum of three days, provided that they, too, have tested negative for the coronavirus.

According to the Czech Foreign Minister, all borders with neighbouring countries are expected to be reopened from the beginning of July. Negotiations with Austria and Slovakia have shown immense progress and travel to Bulgaria, Hungary or the Baltic States will soon be possible. When and to what extent travel to Germany will be permitted depends on the local developments and regulations imposed by the German government.
By August, Czech citizens could travel not only to Croatia, Slovenia and Greece, but also to non-European destinations such as Canada, Australia and Japan. However, travel outside the continent is dependent on the reinstatement of international air traffic.

The exchange rate of the Czech currency against the euro and the dollar fell significantly during the coronavirus pandemic. Since mid-March, at a rate of 27.15 Czech koruna to one euro, it has lost 6 percent against the European currency and as much as 10.7 percent against the American currency at 25.01 CZK to the US dollar.
 

Czech republic gradually loosens restrictions