PROCESSING TIME

After submitting all the necessary documents, the processing time can take up to 2 weeks.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

• All visa applications must be made in person, well in advance at the Embassy or Consulate in whose jurisdiction you reside,
• according to your residence in the USA, where to apply for visa.

When submitting an application for a Visa for a stay of up to 90 days, a family member of a European Union citizen is (required) obliged to
only submit:

1/ Travel document

• Recognized by the Schengen countries with a validity that exceeds the intended stay of the applicant by at least 3 months,
• please make sure that the passport has a blank page to affix the visa - it must contain at least 2 blank pages,
• passport must not be older more than 10 years.

2/ Document confirming that he/she is a family member of a European Union citizen

a) a family member of a citizen of the Czech Republic:

• An original or notarized copy of a Czech marriage certificate - in the case of a spouse,
• an original or notarized copy of a Czech birth certificate - in the case of a child,
• other document certifying applicant´s relationship to relatives (passport, etc.).

If you dont' have the Czech documents please see the requirements for a family member of a European Union citizen -b)

b) a family member of a European Union citizen:

• A notarized copy of a marriage certificate - in the case of a spouse, certified by Apostille with a translation into Czech language of the marriage certificate,
• a notarized copy of a birth certificate - in the case of a child, certified by Apostille with a translation into Czech language of the birth certificate,
• other document certifying applicant's relationship to relatives (passport, etc.).

3/ Original of valid Alien Registration Card (Green Card) or valid US visa with sufficient expiration date.

• Students should also submit the original validated I-20, DS-2019 or IAP-66.

4/ One recent passport photograph

• Of one's entire face, which shows a clear and exact likeness of the applicant,
• without sunglasses or head covering, unless it is on account of religious or medical reasons,
• the photo must be taken against a plain, light background with a good contrast in color or black and white,
• it must be of clear and good quality and printed on regular photographic paper,
• children travelling with their parents on their parent's passport do need their own visa with a photo (free of charge),
• however, applicants should also submit one recent passport size photograph for every child travelling with them,
• please make sure that you have enough pages to affix the visas for you and your child(ren).

5/ Complete application form

• This form can be completed and printed online but you have to sign the form in front of the visa officer.

6/ Visa fees

• Visa for family members of the EU citizens are free of charge.

7/ Please enclose a pre-paid, self-addressed, over-night envelope

• If you want to have the passport with the approved visa sent to your home or business address,
• We only accept USPS mail service - EXPRESS MAIL only (the postage is $25.50 - for more information please contact USPS),
• It is required to fill in complete information about sender and recipient. The Consulate General is not responsible for lost or damaged documentation.

If your visa is approved, anyone can collect the visa with the coupon you received at the time of application.

Please note!

• The Consular Department has full authority to evaluate and request more documents than those submitted by the applicant,
• the applicant is hereby informed that submitting the aforementioned documents does not guarantee automatic issuance of the visa,
• prior to your visit of the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago, please arrange an appointment. The business hours are from Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and newly also on Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm.