Travelers and Residents (2024)

Although a parental travel consent letter is not compulsory, it is highly recommended for minors traveling without both parents or legal guardians. If a child (under the age of 19) is traveling with only one parent or someone who is not the child’s parent or legal guardian, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Customs & Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that the adult traveling with the minor have a note from the absent parent, or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, aunts/uncles, sisters/brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents.

CBP does not require a specific parental travel consent form, but does recommended that the letter include a statement from the absent parent(s) acknowledging permission for their child to travel, for example, “I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter. He/She/They has/have my permission to do so.” Having the letter notarized is not necessary but highly recommended.

For further information and guidance on parental travel consent letters please review the CBP’s website.

Personal Security

While violent crime in Czech Republic is rare, theft is, unfortunately, quite common. ‘Pickpockets’ are especially frequent near tourist attractions and on public transportation. Thieves often work in groups, allowing them greater access to unsuspecting tourists and opportunities to escape. Below are some tips to prevent personal theft.

• Carry only what you need. When touring, only take the minimum amount of cash you expect to need.Carry only one credit card and piece of identification. Keep a copy of your passport with you, rather than your actual document.Remember to lock your items in a security box at the hotel; do not hide the valuables in your luggage.

• Be watchful of your purse/wallet.Carry a purse that zips and hold it tightly under your arm, with the zipper opening in front. Put your wallet in your front pants pocket. If you carry a backpack, wear it in front or lock the zippers.

• Travel safely.Avoid poorly lit areas and late night travel on public transportation.

• Be aware of your surroundings.Crowded areas are often the setting for thefts. Watch the people around you, and maintain a grasp on your belongings.

Some common techniques used by thieves are:

• On public transportation:Several people may crowd around you, making it less noticeable if someone steals your personal belongings. Also, a thief may rush past, grabbing your purse/wallet, and get off the metro or tram just as the doors close. Thieves may ask if you need help with your luggage, gaining full access to your items.
• On the street:Thieves often attempt to create a distraction while a counterpart steals your items.Distractions can range from a staged fight on the sidewalk to several people crowding around you to someone trying to sell you a souvenir. While you are focused on something else, it is easier for the thief to take your belongings.

• At the ATM: Avoid using ATMs near tourist attractions. Scams have been reported involving machines manipulated to read your transaction, thereby gaining your PIN, and keep your ATM card. Be careful to cover the keypad as you enter your PIN, as cameras strategically placed could capture your entry.