Allowing enough time (roughly between 4-6 weeks is ideal) for scheduling depositions in the Czech Republic is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes. However, with teams living on-the-ground throughout Europe, we are often able to cover last-minute requests.

Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can agree to stipulate the oath and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

The Czech Republic is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention.  Prior permission for taking depositions of Czech Republic citizens is not required.  If you need assistance, contact the Planet Depos International Scheduling Department.

For specific information, please consult the U.S. State Department for Judicial Assistance.

1. Select the deposition services needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer
   • Any language interpreter
2. What is the location of the deposition in the Czech Republic?
   • Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?
3. If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist).
   • Do you need a location in the Czech Republic?
   • Will you need a location in the United States?
   • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?
   • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
   • Document Production
   • Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?
4. Select your deposition date
   • Start time
   • End time
5. Visa Restrictions:
   • There is no visa required for travel to the Czech Republic at this time; however, your passport must be valid for 90 days beyond your intended period of stay.  It is highly recommended that you have at least 6-months’ validity past the point of your return to the U.S. on your passport for travel to any European country.  For more information, please consult the U.S. State Department or contact Planet Depos’ International Scheduling Department.
6. Make travel arrangements
   • Flight
   • Lodging
     • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
   • Car rental
7. Send a protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)
8. Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:
   • Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
   • Who should receive the Rough ASCII and final transcript
   • The number of realtime laptops that are needed
   • Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)
9. Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos
10. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation:
    • Notice of deposition
    • Complaint
    • Subpoena
    • Previous transcript(s)
    • Word index
11. Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives
12. Provide emergency contact information of counsel

Travel safely to the Czech Republic and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Did you know?  The Czech Republic was once a part of the former country, Czechoslovakia.

With teams living on the ground in Europe, Planet Depos offers 24/7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in the Czech Republic. Our teams have been covering depositions in the Czech Republic for over 15 years, and are therefore considered one of the leading experts in anything pertaining to covering depositions there. We will be more than happy to share this expertise and guide you through the scheduling process, travel and document assistance in the Czech Republic.

Entry Requirements for the Czech Republic

There are no special visas (tourist or business) required to enter the Czech Republic for a stay of less than 90 days. A valid passport is required, showing at least 90 days validity post departure date from the Czech Republic. Planet Depos does recommend traveling with at least 6 months validity on your passport, however. You will need 2 blank visa pages to visit the Czech Republic. You will also need to check any countries you pass through to determine if a separate transit visa is required, as there will likely be a stopover in another country en route to the Czech Republic from the U.S.

For more information, you can also contact the Czech Embassy in the United States (3900 Spring of Freedom St NW Washington DC 20008)

Czech Embassy

Flying to the Czech Republic

There is one major international airport in the Czech Republic:

• Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) – Prague (Prague Airport)

Airlines flying to the Czech Republic from the U.S. include:

• United (www.unitedairlines.com)
• Delta (www.delta.com)
• Air France (www.airfrance.us)

Travel in the Czech Republic

For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the State Department’s webpage at:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/czech-republic.html

You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Staying in the Czech Republic

There are several locations where U.S. depositions may be taken in the Czech Republic. For example, major metropolis Prague offers many luxury hotels to choose from for your lodging and conference room needs. We are more than happy to assist you with your conference room needs and hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has many good medical facilities with English-speaking doctors. For a list of medical facilities and English-speaking doctors in the Czech Republic, please visit:

U.S. Embassy – Czech Republic

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and recommended or required immunizations, please visit the Czech Republic specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:

CDC – Czech Republic

Money Matters

The Czech Republic, like most of Europe, uses the Euro as its currency. ATMs are available in all major cities, and major credit cards are usually accepted. You should carefully verify charges before signing for purchases, however, and keep all receipts, then check your credit card accounts online to ensure you are being billed properly for credit card payments.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather

The Czech Republic has a temperate climate. Summers start in June and are mild but humid with occasional hot spells. By September, summer gives way to autumn. Falls are chilly, but beautiful with the changing leaves. Winters are cold and cloudy, as well as wet and often icy. Winters last from November through March. Springs begin in mid-March, but start out quite chilly (low 30’s) then slowly warm up and flowers start to bloom. By May temperatures are in the 60’s-70’s.

Interesting Czech Fact

The Czech Republic has been brewing beer since 1118, and has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world.