Czechia

Travelers should make sure their passport is the original passport and valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the trip. Passport Card is not valid for international flights or entry into Europe.

Czechia is part of the Schengen Area. U.S. citizens can usually visit Czechia and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a tourist visa, as long as the visit is for tourism or pilgrimage and not for paid work.

Green Card holders, non-U.S. passport holders, and travelers with special travel documents should contact Carnival US as early as possible so the visa requirement can be reviewed based on nationality and residency status.

Travelers should bring:
Original passport
Visa or Schengen documents if required
Green Card if applicable
Travel insurance information
Hotel list and itinerary
Emergency contact information
Copies or photos of passport, visa, Green Card, and important documents

Important reminder: Do not place passport, cash, bank cards, medication, or important documents in checked luggage. Keep them with you in your carry-on or personal bag.

Each traveler usually may bring 1 checked luggage, 1 carry-on, and 1 personal item. The final allowance depends on the airline listed on the ticket.

Checked luggage:
Suggested size limit: total dimensions up to 62 inches / 158 cm
Economy class usually allows 50 lbs / 23 kg per checked bag
Pack clothing, shoes, toiletries, liquids, and items not needed during the flight
Pack light because the tour may include hotels, old towns, churches, cobblestone streets, and walking areas

Carry-on:
Keep passport, cash, cards, phone, medication, chargers, power bank, one extra outfit, and important documents with you
Liquids in carry-on must follow TSA and airline rules
Never place personal medication or travel documents in checked luggage

Walking shoes are very important. Travelers should bring 2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes that are already broken in. Avoid new shoes or high heels, especially for Prague, Brno, Mikulov, Velehrad, and pilgrimage areas.

Hotels in Europe, especially near old town areas, may be smaller than hotels in the United States. Elevators, hallways, rooms, and bathrooms may also be smaller.

Hotel reminders:
Check-in is usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Check-out is usually between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM
If rooms are not ready, the group may store luggage and continue the itinerary
Some hotel rooms require a keycard to activate electricity
Check the safe, drawers, outlets, bathroom, and closet before leaving
Do not leave passports, cash, jewelry, or valuable items visible in the room
Keep medication, passport, and important documents secure

Travelers should prepare personal medication such as headache medicine, stomach medicine, allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, bandages, and personal health items.

Carnival US will send the flight itinerary by email before departure. This document includes flight information and e-ticket details, but it is not the boarding pass. Boarding passes are available after online check-in or at the airline counter.

Main airport in Czechia:
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)

Travel reminders:
Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights
Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure, depending on the airline
If the ticket shows a codeshare flight, check in with the operating airline listed in the flight itinerary
After landing, check your personal items carefully and follow the tour guide or group sign to immigration and baggage claim

If travelers do not see the guide or group after landing, they should call the emergency phone number provided by Carnival US. Do not leave the airport alone before contacting the group.

When returning to the United States, travelers must follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules.

Travelers should keep receipts for valuable purchases, gifts, and souvenirs. Do not bring restricted items such as certain meats, fresh fruits, plants, seeds, soil, or agricultural products unless they are allowed under U.S. rules.

For souvenirs such as Bohemian crystal, religious items, chocolates, packaged snacks, postcards, and small gifts, keep receipts and make sure everything is packed safely.

Do not carry luggage, packages, or goods for other people, even if they are friends or members of the group. Each traveler should pack and control their own luggage.

Czechia is part of the European Union, but the official currency is the Czech Koruna / Czech Crown, not the Euro.

Euro may be accepted in some tourist areas in Prague, but the exchange rate is often not favorable. Paying in CZK or by credit card is usually clearer.

Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, larger stores, supermarkets, and tourist areas.

Travelers should carry a small amount of cash in CZK for:
Public restrooms
Water and snacks
Tips
Church candles
Small souvenirs
Local shops
Small purchases in Moravia or pilgrimage towns

Money safety tips:
Notify your bank or credit card company before international travel
Do not exchange money with strangers on the street
Check ATM fees and exchange rates before confirming a transaction
Use ATMs located inside banks, malls, hotels, or secure areas
Carry small bills and avoid showing large amounts of cash in public

Czechia participates in the European VAT refund system for eligible non-EU visitors.

If travelers purchase qualifying goods, they should ask the store for a Tax Free Form at the time of purchase. Keep the original receipt, tax-free form, passport, and purchased goods available for inspection.

VAT refund is usually processed at the final airport before leaving the European Union. Travelers may need to show the purchased items before checking in luggage.

Important reminders:
Not all purchases qualify
Services, hotel stays, restaurant meals, and used items usually do not qualify
Refunds may be reduced by service fees
Allow extra time at the airport if requesting a VAT refund
Do not carry tax-free goods for another person

When visiting churches, basilicas, shrines, monasteries, and sacred places, travelers should dress modestly and respectfully.

Recommended clothing:
Shoulders and knees should be covered
Bring a light scarf, shawl, or jacket to cover shoulders when needed
Avoid sleeveless tops, very thin clothing, short skirts, short shorts, or revealing outfits at religious sites
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip
For Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Brno, Mikulov, and Velehrad, use the most comfortable shoes of the trip
Bring layers because weather can change between morning, afternoon, and evening

A pilgrimage is not only about visiting holy places, but also about entering them with a spirit of prayer, respect, and humility.

eSIM is a convenient option for travel in Czechia and Europe. Travelers may purchase a Czechia or Europe data plan before departure from a trusted eSIM provider.

International roaming is also available through U.S. carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or other providers. Travelers should check pricing before departure.

Hotel Wi-Fi is usually available and often free. WhatsApp, iMessage, Viber, and email are useful for staying in touch with family and the tour group.

Internet may be slower in smaller towns, older hotels, pilgrimage areas, or during long transfers. Download important documents, maps, hotel names, and itinerary details before leaving the hotel.

European Emergency Number: 112
Medical Emergency / Ambulance: 155
Fire Department: 150
Police: 158
Municipal Police: 156

Travelers should also keep the tour leader’s phone number, hotel address, bus information, and Carnival US emergency contact information with them at all times.

Czechia uses 220–230V / 50Hz electricity.

Common plug types:
Type C
Type E
Type F

Travelers from the United States should bring a universal travel adapter. Most phone chargers, laptop chargers, and camera chargers are dual voltage, but travelers should check the label before use.

Hair dryers, curling irons, and other heat appliances may r

Czechia is generally safe for travelers, but visitors should be careful in crowded tourist areas.

Safety tips:
Watch for pickpockets at Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, metro stations, tram stops, train stations, and crowded areas
Wear bags in front of the body
Do not keep wallets or phones in back pockets
Do not walk alone late at night in quiet or unfamiliar areas
If going out independently, inform the tour leader or another traveler
Carry the hotel address and make sure the phone has enough battery
Return to the group meeting point on time
Do not accept packages, luggage, or goods from others
Be careful on cobblestone streets, stairs, wet pavement, and old town areas

Respectful behavior is especially important inside churches, shrines, and places of prayer. Speak quietly, turn off phone sounds, and follow local rules for photography.

Czech cuisine is hearty and often includes meat, sauces, bread dumplings, potatoes, soups, and baked goods. Meals may feel heavier and less vegetable-focused than what some travelers are used to.

Tour meals may include hotel breakfast and scheduled group dinners. Depending on the day and local arrangements, meals may be European-style or Asian-style.

European-style meals often include an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Main dishes may include meat, fish, bread, potatoes, pasta, or local specialties.

Travelers may bring snacks, instant noodles, or personal seasoning, but bringing outside food into restaurants may not always be convenient or allowed.

Food allergy / dietary note:
Travelers should notify Carnival US in advance if they have food allergies, vegetarian needs, dietary restrictions, or cannot eat certain meats. The team will try to support requests when possible, but options may depend on the restaurant and local conditions.

Czechia is a land where faith is often expressed quietly, through old churches, sacred hills, Marian shrines, and the spiritual memory of generations. From Moravia, where the Christian heritage of the Slavic peoples is deeply connected with Saints Cyril and Methodius, to Prague, where devotion, history, and sacred art meet, this pilgrimage invites travelers to slow down and listen with the heart.

The journey brings pilgrims through meaningful places such as Velehrad, Brno, Mikulov, the Infant Jesus of Prague, Loreto Prague, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Charles Bridge. Each site offers more than history; it becomes a place for prayer, gratitude, and personal reflection. In Czechia, pilgrims are reminded that faith does not always speak loudly. Sometimes it is preserved through silence, endurance, beauty, and simple trust in God.