Notification by the Czech Republic concerning visa reciprocity (1)

2013/C 360/11

Ambassador Martin Povejšil

Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the EU

Brussels, 19 November 2013

Ref. No 3494/2013-SZEU/JAV

Dear Director General,

I am pleased to inform you that on 14 November 2013 the Czech Republic was informed by the Government of Canada that as of that date, effective immediately, the Czech nationals will no longer require a visa while travelling to Canada. Based on this announcement, the Czech nationals could enter and stay in Canada for up to six months visa-free.

Herewith the Czech Republic would like to submit a notification in accordance with Article 1, paragraph 4, letter f) of the Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement — please see attached in the annex.

Since the restoration of visa-free regime was always considered as a very sensitive issue for the Czech Republic, I would like to thank you for the support and cooperation in this matter.

[Complimentary close]

Mr Rafael Fernandez PITA

Director-General

Directorate-General D

General Secretariat of the Council

Brussels

Notification by the Czech Republic

In accordance with Article 1 paragraph 4 point f) of the Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement as amended by the Council Regulation (EC) No 851/2005 of 2 June 2005, the Czech Republic hereby notifies that Canada has abolished the visa requirement for nationals of the Czech Republic with effect as of 14 November 2013.

Since 14 November 2013, nationals of the Czech Republic, holders of the Czech passports, are not required to have a visa to Canada for stays not exceeding six months.

Canada unilaterally introduced the visa requirement for nationals of the Czech Republic, holders of the Czech passports, as of 14 July 2009.

18 November 2013.

(1)  This notification is published in conformity with Article 1(4)(f) of Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 (OJ L 81, 21.3.2001, p. 2).