October 2025: Everything you need to know this month in Czechia

From Oct. 1, Czechia begins a transition to a unified state social assistance benefit (a “super benefit”), replacing housing allowance, housing benefit, child welfare support, and living allowance. These existing benefits will continue until March 31, 2026, but must be replaced by the new benefit after. People have until Dec. 31, 2025, to apply for the super benefit during the transitional period. Applicants need to submit proof of income, housing costs, and family status to qualify.

As of Oct. 1, Czechia has imposed stricter rules for foreign workers under standard work contracts, including EU citizens. Employees may begin work only after employers complete and register all required documentation with the Labor Office. Failure to comply, even unintentionally, risks being deemed “undeclared work,” punishable by fines up to CZK 3 million and hiring restrictions. A five-day grace period applies if the worker is reported promptly. Employers must cancel registration if work does not start within 10 days to avoid penalties.

From this month the cost to apply for the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will rise from USD 21 to USD 40 (CZK 433 to CZK 826) the U.S. Embassy in Prague says. All Czech travelers visiting the U.S. for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program must hold a valid ESTA, including children. The authorization lasts two years and allows multiple entries. Travelers are advised to apply before the deadline to lock in the lower rate and ensure passports remain valid for at least two years.

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) begins operations on Oct. 12, 2025. Implementation will be gradual across participating countries’ external borders, with full coverage expected by April 10, 2026. The system will collect entry and exit data to enhance border security and streamline travel. Travelers should expect progressive changes at border checkpoints during this rollout period. The EES is not designed to monitor EU nationals (or their family members) within the EU. See more information here.

Starting Oct. 1, Prague’s Václav Havel Airport allows passengers departing from Terminal 2 to carry liquids in bottles up to two liters in hand luggage. The change follows the installation of advanced CT X-ray scanners, letting security staff screen bags without removing liquids or electronics. Standard exemptions for baby formula and medical liquids still apply. Terminal 1 will retain the older rules limiting liquids to 100 ml. Passengers should check regulations at their return airport, as rules may vary.

On Oct. 3-4, citizens of Czechia will head to the polls to vote in the country’s general election, taking place for the first time since 2021. The Spolu (Together) coalition, headed by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, is vying for re-election, while former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his ANO movement are hoping to return to power following their 2017-21 incumbency. ANO is currently the favorite, according to surveys. Polling stations will be in municipal offices, some schools, and churches: find a map here.

In Czechia, the heating season begins only when the average daily temperature stays below 13 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days and forecasts show no rise above 13 degrees the following day. You guessed it, the time is now. This year, the season is delayed by nearly two weeks compared to last year, with western, northern, and high-altitude regions starting first. Residents should expect costs to rise slightly this season due to higher energy prices and longer heating durations.

Get ready for that extra hour of sleep. Daylight Saving Time in Czechia will officially end on Sunday, Oct. 26. At 3 a.m., clocks will automatically roll back to 2 a.m., bringing us back to Central European Time (CET). That means darker evenings are on the way, but also brighter mornings to ease the start of the day. If you’re planning late-night travel or have an early shift, keep in mind the time change to avoid any confusion.

From Oct. 1, consumers can terminate a fixed-price electricity or gas contract if their supplier has not secured at least 70 percent of expected consumption. The Energy Regulatory Office (ERÚ) requires suppliers to publish a twice-yearly energy security index (end of March and September), showing how much energy is pre-purchased. This helps consumers spot risks when switching suppliers. Contracts may also be ended if the index is not published on time.

Flu season is here, and health experts advise everyone—not only seniors or those with chronic illnesses—to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19. The State Health Institute (SZÚ) highlights that flu complications cause around 1,500 deaths each year in Czechia. The SZÚ also states that vaccinations are recommended between October and December. The Ministry of Health’s official portal, Óčko Report, offers an up-to-date, interactive map showing vaccination locations and available vaccine types. From this month, the Benu pharmacy chain will offer vaccination at its pharmacies in a pilot project.

Starting Oct. 5 all the way through to Dec. 15, tram service between the Želivského and Nákladové nádraží Žižkov (Žižkov Freight Station) stops will be suspended due to reconstruction works. Line 10 is cancelled; sections will be replaced by reinforced lines 15 and 16, with adjusted routes for lines 5, 7, 11, 15, 16, 26, and 98. From Oct. 18-19, tram service between Vltavská and Holešovice Railway Station will also be disrupted. Replacement buses X11 (day) and X98 (night) will operate with stops along the affected routes. Find full details and new disruption updates on the English-language DPP site.

The 2025 Signal Festival takes place Oct. 16–19, from 7 p.m. to midnight daily, across Prague, with 20 installations this year. The event will feature two main festival circuits showcasing light and digital art in diverse locations, including monasteries, synagogues, waterfronts, palaces, and parks. Highlights include Bill Viola’s Tristan’s Ascension at St. Agnes Monastery, videomapping at St. Ludmila’s Basilica, and a projection on the Old Town Hall tower. The festival will also introduce Prague’s first digital gallery and feature interactive works by Czech artists.

Tuesday, Oct. 28 is a public holiday, marking the day Czechoslovakia declared independence in 1918. Traditionally, a memorial ceremony takes place at Prague’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Most workers, students, and school pupils get the day off. Retail stores over 200 square meters are closed, while pharmacies, petrol stations, and airport shops remain open. while a number of museums and institutions are open to the public for free. The National Museum, National Gallery, Straka Academy, and the Senate of the Czech Parliament open for free.

The autumn break stretches across three weekdays: Monday, Oct. 27, Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Wednesday, Oct. 29. With the preceding weekend, children will have five consecutive days off. Classes resume Thursday, Oct. 30, unless a school declares additional days of principal’s leave: up to five days each year are allowed for organizational or technical reasons, and the dates vary school by school.

As October gives way to November, Prague’s communities mark the season with a mix of traditions, from All Souls’ Day and Día de los Muertos to Halloween. The city observes this period by honoring ancestors with candles while also hosting lively celebrations that include parades, music, and food. Pumpkin enthusiasts can get their own pumpkins at the Pumpkin Exhibition event in the Botanical Garden in Prague, running from Oct. 10.

This month, the night sky will feature several notable events. A comet will approach Earth on Oct. 20, visible low above the horizon after sunset in the Czech Republic. Saturn will be well placed for observation, revealing its rings and surface details. The Orionid meteor shower will peak later in the month, offering a striking display. Key lunar phases include a full moon on Oct. 7 and a new moon on Oct. 21, attracting interest from astronomers and nature enthusiasts alike.