Can you help? I’ve booked a three-day holiday in Prague very spontaneously, changing from the first idea of Venice. Now I’ve read that there are inoculations that are advised for hepatitis B and a visa is required. Will we need to cancel the trip?
— Teresa Toop, Hillingdon
I’m intrigued about the sources of information about the beautiful Czech capital. Your trip should prove entirely trouble-free, good value and a rewarding alternative to Venice, given the wealth of historic sights and atmospheric places to eat and drink.
Now, when you book a trip anywhere, you are solely responsible for identifying and dealing with any health or visa issues. But in this case, there are none to worry about.
In 2008, there was an outbreak of hepatitis A in parts of the Czech Republic but this has now dissipated. The advice from the NHS was “to practise strict food, water and personal hygiene precautions”. A possible vaccine against hepatitis A was suggested “for those who are at increased risk”. But the weekend visitor need not fret.
On the visa front: in the old days, until 1989, a visa was required for Czechoslovakia and was exasperatingly difficult to obtain — besides the tedious red tape at the consulate in Notting Hill, independent travellers had to procure “foreign exchange certificates” designed to prop up
the fictitious official value of the crown. Now, happily, there are no such controls.
The only advice I want to give is about petty crime, which is rife on public transport and around tourist attractions. Keep aware at all times — and always keep your passport with you. The Foreign Office warns: “Police officers may fine you or arrest you if you fail to do so.”
Email your queries to s@hols.tv
