The US also includes some Pacific islands, such as Hawaii. The United States consists of 50 states and one federal territory with the capital and seat of the president (Washington District of Columbia), six dependent territories (Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Palmyra Atoll) and ten small islands or cliffs. With an area of 9.8 million square kilometers, the United States is the third largest country in the world and at the same time is the third most populous with 327 million inhabitants.

According to most criteria, they are the most militarily powerful countries in the world. Forty percent of the world's military spending is on the United States. American culture, especially pop culture, has gained global influence - Hollywood, Disney, jazz, rock n roll, rap, television series - as well as the American lifestyle - motoring, fast food - so much so that outside the US began to talk about American cultural imperialism or the Americanization of life. American science and education are achieving excellent results (the university system led by Harvard, the invention of the atomic bomb, the Internet, landing on the moon).

## Basic information about the USA

## Why go to the US

The United States of America welcomes us with countless attractions. When visiting the country, it is not possible to create an itinerary to see everything. There will always be a lot of interesting things missing. The American experience includes green pastures and waves-washed beaches, snow-capped peaks and endless pine forests, large cities teeming with restaurants and endless blue skies. There are iconic cities such as New York, San Francisco or Chicago. Lots of skyscrapers, large national parks.

## US capital

The capital, as many people believe, is not New York, but Washington. It was named in memory of the first American president George Washington. To avoid confusion with the US state of Washington of the same name, the capital was nicknamed D.C. or District of Columbia. Washington has a population of approximately 650,000.

The history of the city is not very long. In 1776, when the country declared independence, the idea arose to establish a new capital by 1800. It had to meet all the preconditions of the time. The area with a total area of 260km² was located along the Potomac River and between the cities of Alexandria and Georgetown. Today's territory is smaller as Alexandria was moved to the state of Virginia. Washington was built in 9 years and already in 1846 there lived over 50,000 inhabitants. After World War II, the city began to flourish. The Pentagon, the seat of the state's armed forces, was built here. To this day, it is the largest military building in the world.

When visiting Washington, we should not forget to see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington National Cathedral, the White House, the Library of Congress, the United States Capitol and much more.

## US States

- Delaware (December 7, 1787)
- Pennsylvania (December 12, 1787)
- New Jersey (December 18, 1787)
- Georgia (January 2, 1788)
- Connecticut (January 9, 1788)
- Massachusetts (February 6, 1788)
- Maryland (April 28, 1788)
- South Carolina (May 23, 1788)
- New Hampshire (June 21, 1788)
- Virginia (June 25, 1788)
- New York (July 26, 1788)
- North Carolina (November 21, 1789)
- Rhode Island (May 29, 1790)
- Vermont (March 4, 1791)
- Kentucky (June 1, 1792)
- Tennessee (June 1, 1796)
- Ohio (March 1, 1803)
- Louisiana (April 30, 1812)
- Indiana (December 11, 1816)
- Mississippi (December 10, 1817)
- Illinois (December 3, 1818)
- Alabama (December 14, 1819)
- Maine (March 15, 1820)
- Missouri (August 10, 1821)
- Arkansas (June 15, 1836)
- Michigan (January 26, 1837)
- Florida (March 3, 1845)
- Texas (December 29, 1845)
- Iowa (December 28, 1846)
- Wisconsin (May 29, 1848)
- California (September 9, 1850)
- Minnesota (May 11, 1858)
- Oregon (February 14, 1859)
- Kansas (January 29, 1861)
- West Virginia (June 20, 1863)
- Nevada (October 31, 1864)
- Nebraska (March 1, 1867)
- Colorado (August 1, 1876)
- North Dakota (November 2, 1889)
- South Dakota (November 2, 1889)
- Montana (November 8, 1889)
- Washington (November 11, 1889)
- Idaho (July 3, 1890)
- Wyoming (July 10, 1890)
- Utah (January 4, 1896)
- Oklahoma (November 16, 1907)
- New Mexico (January 6, 1912)
- Arizona (February 14, 1912)
- Alaska (January 3, 1959)
- Hawaii (August 21, 1959)

## USA flag

The US flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven of which are red and six white and blue canton, depicting fifty white five-pointed stars in nine rows. The stripes on the flag symbolize the founding unions of the country and the stars the current number of unions in the country. Throughout its history, the flag has undergone 27 changes. The last 28th change took place on July 4, 1960, when the last union, Hawaii, joined. George Washington is said to be behind the individual elements of the flag. The flag, as we know it today, was designed by a 16-year-old student from Ohio as part of his schoolwork and brought to Washington himself. From more than a thousand proposals, then-President Dwight Eisenhower chose this flag, as it was the only one transported to Washington in person.

## US population

The United States is a huge state, so it's no wonder that its population is very diverse. In the past, large numbers of immigrants from all over the world went to the United States. People came here mostly with the vision of a better life, fleeing poverty or religious customs. Because there was freedom, people had a vision of possible enrichment. Previously, mainly Europeans immigrated to the USA, and today they are mostly Asians or Latin Americans. The population is growing rapidly here, while in 2006 there were about 300 million inhabitants, in 2019 it is already 330 million.

According to the latest estimates from 2005, the racial composition of the population is approximately 74% of white Americans, which are people from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Hispanics. The second most numerous race is African Americans, who make up 12% of the population. Asian Americans make up 4.3%, American Indians less than one percent, and Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders make up 0.1% of the population. Of the total population, 47.9% are whites, 42.2% are other races such as brothers, etc., 2% are blacks and 1.6% are Asians and Indians.

## Holidays in the USA

- 1.1. New Year
- Third Monday in January - Birth of Martin Luther King
- Third Monday in February - Birth of George Washington.
- Good Friday. (Good Friday) - The crucifixion of Jesus Christ
- Last Monday in May - Remembrance Day. (Memorial Day) - in memory
- all American soldiers who fell in the wars
- 4.7. Independence Day. (Independence Day) - adoption of the Declaration of Independence
- July 4, 1776
- First Monday in September - Labor Day
- 12.10. Christopher Columbus Day - the day of the discovery of America
- 11.11. Veterans Day. (Veterans Day) - Celebration of the end of the First World War
- Fourth Thursday in November - Thanksgiving Day
- 25.12. Christmas Day

## USA sign

The US coat of arms consists of the obverse of the state seal. It was first used in public in 1782. The authors of this seal are Charles Thompson and William Barton.

The obverse of the emblem depicts the national symbol of the country, the bald eagle in flight. The eagle is designed to symbolize the thirteen founding states of the United States, the original immigrants, and the desire for peace. The eagle holds in its beak a ribbon with the Latin slogan E Pluribus Unum, which means "one of many". On the back of the seal is a brick pyramid with thirteen floors and above it an eye in a blue triangle. It is in a ring made of golden rays to symbolize God's providence. The foundations of the pyramid are set with a Roman inscription from the numbers MDCCLXXVI or 1776, which is the year of the Declaration of Independence with the establishment of the USA.

## Time shift

Time zones in the United States cover the length range
113 ° 17 ', which corresponds to the time difference of the easternmost and westernmost tip
territory of the United States 7.55 hours. This difference is administratively divided
up to 6 time zones. Seasonal time change is introduced in most areas.
The Federal Code of Laws of the United States of America defines nine standard time zones in relation to UTC. At the same time, the actual territory of the USA lies in six zones and three zones are intended for territories outside. The boundaries of the zones and the determination of the seasonal change of time are within the competence of the Department of Transportation.

What time is it in major American cities when it's 5 pm in Prague:

- Washington, D.C - 11h (-6h)
- Los Angeles - 8h (-9h)
- New York : 11h (-6)
- Las Vegas: 08h (-9h)
- Chicago : 10h (-7h)
- Miami : 11h (-6h)
- Boston : 11h (-6h)
- Houston : 10h (-7h)
- New Orleans : 10h (-7h)
- Honolulu: 05h (-12h)
- Phoenix : 08h (-9h)

## US currency

The main and only currency in the USA is the US dollar. It was introduced on July 6, 1785. We can also meet here with the colloquial name "buck". The US dollar is also the official currency of other countries, such as Panama, Ecuador, El Salvador, East Timor and Zimbabwe. It is the most widely used currency in international transactions. In April 2004, nearly $ 700 billion was in circulation, about two-thirds outside the United States. The reason is that many central banks hold it together with gold as a reserve (especially in the Middle East).

In the US, paying by card even in cash, even in larger cities, card payment is preferred. If you go to America, make sure you go with the card embossed. This is one that has printed letters. They do not have electronic terminals everywhere and payment is made by fingerprinting the card data.

## Prices in the USA

Approximate prices. Food prices in large centers:

- 2 liter soft drink for $ 1
- milk 1 liter approx. $ 1-2
- bread 1.5 - 2.5 $
- Eggs (12 pcs) approx. $ 2
- Yogurt approx. $ 0.7
- package of sliced cheese approx. $ 3
- package of sliced ham approx. $ 3
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) (1 kg) approx. $ 7
- 1 kg of apples approx. $ 2
- 1 kg orange approx. $ 1.20
- Potatoes (1 kg) approx. $ 2
- 1 kg of bananas approx. $ 1
- vino 1 litr 4 - 8 $
- beer 0.4 l 2.5 - 5 $
- Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) $ 6
- Petrol (1 liter) approx. $ 1
- Taxi 1km (Normal tariff) $ 1.5

Eating out in restaurants is relatively expensive, but you can choose from a wide range of ready meals. The restaurant costs $ 6-12 for lunch, and $ 8-15 for dinner. You can indulge in beer for $ 2.5-5 (alcohol from the age of 21). Prices in fast food (McDonald, Burger King) are comparable to prices in the Czech Republic. The Big Mac costs about $ 3.5 and the cheeseburger costs 75 cents.

## Visa to the USA

If you do not intend to stay in the US for an extended period of time (more than 90 days), simply fill out a simple form that will allow you to enter the country. It is a visa-free travel so-called ESTA. Thanks to the fact that the Czech Republic has been participating in the visa-free program since 2008, it is enough to fill in this electronic form. ESTA is charged $ 14 and consists of a processing fee and an approval fee. You will not receive a notification of the application by e-mail, but you will receive it directly on the ESTA website. The visa is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires. During this time, you can travel to the United States repeatedly.

Detailed information is available here:

- <https://cz.usembassy.gov/cs/visas-cs/visa-waiver-program/>
- Fill out the ESTA registration at <https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/>

## Interesting facts about the USA

Ferris wheel - The first ferris wheel in the world was built in Chicago, which was more than 80 meters high. Unfortunately, in 1906 it was deified and the first place was taken over by the ferris wheel in Singapore. But the Americans did not delay for a long time and built a larger, 167.6 m high ferris wheel in Las Vegas and then in New York with a total height of 192 meters.

Traffic Control - In America, traffic control is taken very seriously. If your car is stopped, you have to stop the car's engine, lower all 4 windows so that the policeman can see the whole car. Your hands should be placed on the steering wheel. If your documents are in the compartment, you must warn the police officer that you need to reach for them.

How are you? - If you meet an American and ask you, "hi, how are you?", It doesn't mean he's interested in how you're doing, but it's a polite form of greeting that only answers "hello. “.

Obese People - A diet high in sugar and fat and a variety of calories explains the fact that the average American is not just "chubby" or "paid," but almost "obese." Two-thirds of women and three-quarters of men have weight problems. 13% of the population is medically obese, making it the most obese population on Earth.

Gun - Statistics show that an average of 9 out of 10 Americans own a gun.

## Important contacts

**Where to call in case of an emergency in the USA?**

- 911 emergency line
- 911 Police
- First aid 911
- Firefighters 911

**US phone code is +1.**

**Contacts at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington DC:**

**Address:**

> Embassy of the Czech Republic
> Embassy of the Czech Republic,
> 3900 Spring of Freedom Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20008

Phone: 202-274-9100

Email: washington@embassy.mzv.cz

Further contacts can be found at www.mzv.cz/washington

Guide to the United States

## Basic information about Cuba



## Why go to Cuba

There are two ways to visit Cuba. The first is adventurous travel with only a backpack and the second is to stay in one of the inexhaustible number of more or less luxurious hotels. Traveling with a backpack has the advantages of seeing Cuba differently, experiencing local customs, getting to know the Cubans and seeing less touristy places. But if you are traveling for luxury and comfort, use the services of hotels. Whatever you decide to travel to Cuba, this country, known for its cigars and rum, cannot bore or disappoint you.

## The capital of Cuba

The capital of Cuba is Havana (La Habana) with more than 2.2 million inhabitants. The total area of Havana is 720 km2 and the banks of this city are washed by a warm Gulf Stream. Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the most visited city in the Caribbean. The symbol of the city is a lighthouse with a shiny metal dome. Two fortresses used to protect the city from pirates - El Morro y San Salvador, which are located behind the lighthouse.

## Flag of Cuba

The flag of Cuba, also known as "La Estrella Solitaria", was created in 1850. The flag indicates great simplicity and is displayed in three colors (red, blue and white) in perfect harmony. It consists of three blue stripes, which represent the compartments in which the island was divided at that time; two white stripes symbolizing the power of the ideal of independence; and the red triangle, which symbolizes equality, freedom, and brotherhood; in the center of which is a lone star, with five points, as a symbol of absolute freedom among other nations.

## Population of Cuba

The current population in Cuba is 11,328,214. The population density in Cuba is 106 inhabitants per km2. The average age is 42.2 years. Cuba ranks 83rd in the world in terms of population. The most numerous ethnic component consists of Mulati (51%), 37% White (especially Spaniards). The rest are blacks and Chinese.

## Holidays in Cuba

The Republic of Cuba has a calendar of holidays divided throughout the year. Officially, Cuba has five official holidays and many other national holidays. During these days, most official institutions and public institutions, such as banks, will remain closed.

date, holiday

- January 1: Liberation Day
- May 1: Labor Day
- July 26: National Uprising Day, along with 25 and 27 of the same month
- October 10: Anniversary of the beginning of the War of Independence in 1868.
- December 25: Christmas

## Sign of Cuba

The original Cuban coat of arms, also known as the La Palma Real coat of arms, was created in 1849. However, the current version is somewhat different, as some elements it contained have been removed because they may have been associated with ideologies that contradict those that were desirable at the time.

## Time in Cuba

Time zone: GMT - 6, which means that the time shift to London is -5 hours during winter and summer time. However, the time does not change on the same date as in England, so for a limited time (usually two weeks in spring and two in autumn) the difference is usually only -4 hours.

## Currency of Cuba

Cuba has a dual economy. The official currencies in Cuba are the Cuban Pesos (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). It is theoretically assumed that tourists can only use convertible pesos (CUC), but in practice there is nothing to prevent them from visiting Cadeca (exchange offices) and exchanging convertible pesos for Cuban Pesos with an approximate exchange rate of about 25 Pesos for a convertible peso. 1CUC =0.759004 GBP but it is always good to check the current exchange rate, for example here: <https://https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=CUC&To=GBP> It is important to mention that exchanging US dollars for convertible pesos are taxed at 10%; while the change to other currencies, such as euros, pounds or Canadian dollars, is without this tax.

Although the Cuban economy works mainly with cash, credit and debit cards are accepted and you can pay with them at resorts and ATMs. The most common are Visa and Mastercard. Cards issued by US banks are not accepted in Cuba.

**Tip: If you plan to experience a real Cuba, we recommend that you exchange and always have the local menu (CUP) with you. Not only will your holiday be significantly cheaper, as you can only pay in local currency in local shops. But it will also force you to visit local businesses, buy fruit in small street stalls and especially talk to the locals. Of course, to get the local currency, you will need some knowledge of Spanish, but you will definitely not experience authentic Cuba without CUPs in your wallet.**

## Prices in Cuba

Prices for tourists in Cuba are lower compared to Europe but also compared to other countries in South America and the Caribbean. In general, prices in tourist areas are higher, as business has grown in Cuba in recent years. However, if you try to pay in their national currency and use their local stores, prices in Cuba will be very low.

- water 0,33l bottle 0.94CUC
- Water 1.5L - 1.5CUC
- Coca-Cola / Pepsi (33cl bottle) 1.66 CUC
- Cappuccino coffee 1.77 CUC
- Imported beer (33cl bottle) 2.00 CUC
- National beer (0.5 liter) 1.50 CUC
- Havana Rum 3 years 1l - 5CUC
- Mojito 2 CUC
- Lunch for two in the a la carte restaurant (two courses and dessert) 30.00 CUC
- Meals in a cheap restaurant (daily menu) 4- 6.00 CUC
- Food at stand 1-2 CUC
- Accommodation in casa particular 20-30 CUC / room
- Accommodation in hotel 40-70CUC

## Visa to Cuba

Bilateral visa application applies. To the citizens of England - for the purpose of tourism, the so-called tourist card (tarjeta del turista) is enough. If you are travelling from another country to Cuba, we recommend contacting a tourist agency or airline, which provides these cards in many countries. The tourist card is valid for 30 days of stay. For purposes other than tourism, visas are required to apply to the Embassy of Cuba. Upon entry, it is necessary to prove with a valid health insurance and a return ticket.

### Extension of stay

The stay with a tourist card can be extended for another 30 days at the immigration office in Havana as well as in other capitals of the provinces of Cuba. Confirmation of accommodation must be submitted with the application.

## Interesting facts about Cuba

- Cuba is the largest island of all the islands in the Caribbean.
- From the air, the island resembles a crocodile
- In 1492, Columbus arrived in Cuba and declared it Spanish territory
- Cuba remained under Spanish rule until the Spanish-American War in 1898, when the country became part of the United States.
- In 1902, however, it gained independence
- The United States had great influence over the island until 1959, when communist revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro took the lead.
- The country is now one of the four self-proclaimed communist states in the world, although Castro himself withdrew in 2008 due to health complications.
- Cuba is known for its music, musicians play everywhere on the streets of Havana
- Sugar grown from sugar cane is the main crop grown in Cuba, followed by tobacco used to make cigars by hand.

## Vaccination

No vaccination is mandatory in Cuba. When traveling to Cuba, standard vaccinations are recommended. For longer stays, it is advisable to check with the Department of Exotic Diseases at the relevant local hospital about the possible need for vaccination against dengue fever and tropical viral infections.

## Security

There are no known serious security risks in Cuba, but there are petty thefts, especially in tourist-frequented places (crowded discos, etc.).

Cuba is a very safe place for the whole family. Children can travel to Cuba without any problems; and women can walk the streets alone with complete freedom and confidence.

## Important contacts

### Where to call in an emergency in Cuba

Emergency line: 106 Police: 106, 867 7777 Fire brigade: 105 First aid: 83+ 1185, 831 2185, 201 2811-4

**Cuba Phone Code +53.**

**Contacts at The British Embassy in Havana:**

Phone: +537 214 2200

Further contacts can be found on the website: <https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-havana>

Guide to Cuba

## Why go to Canada

Canada is one of those countries that attracts all the right people for the right reasons. If you want to spend a holiday in the fresh air and enjoy life in nature, then there really is no better destination on this planet. Hockey lovers will also enjoy themselves when visiting the NHL.

## The capital of Canada

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, although it is not the largest.

It is the second largest city in Ontario with the seat of the Canadian Parliament and has about 880,000 inhabitants. This attractive, landscaped and culturally vibrant city is divided by the picturesque Rideau Canal and is separated from the smaller town of Hull (Quebec Province) by the Ottawa River. It is just a 2.5 hour drive from Montreal and a 5 hour drive from Toronto. The nearest major US cities - Boston and New York - are about 8 hours away by car, but are easily reached by short (up to 90 minutes) direct flights.

## Flag of Canada

The flag of Canada in its current form was adopted on February 15, 1965. Therefore, February 15 is annually celebrated as Canadian National Flag Day. The national flag of Canada consists of two red rectangles on either side, a white square between them and an 11-pointed red maple leaf centered on a white square.

## The population of Canada

The current population of Canada is 37,690,124 (as of May 2020).

The population of Canada represents 0.48% of the total world population and thus ranks 39th in the list of countries by population. Due to the huge area of Canada, the population density is very low, at 4 people per km2. Canada's population density is so low, mainly because much of the country, especially in the north, is uninhabited. Most residents are concentrated along the US-Canadian border.

## Holidays in Canada

When planning a vacation in Canada, it may be helpful to review this list of public holidays in Canada in 2020. Most businesses, governments, banks, and stores are closed on the following days:

CALENDAR 2020

- New Year: January 1
- Good Friday: 10 April 2020
- Easter Monday: 13 April 2020
- Victoria Day / National Patriot: 18 May 2020
- Quebec Public Holiday: 24 June 2020 (Quebec only)
- Canada Day: 1 July 2020
- British Columbia Day: 3 August 2020 (BC only)
- Heritage Day - Alberta: 3 August 2020 (Alberta only)
- Labor Day: 7 September 2020
- Thanksgiving: 12 October 2020
- Memorial Day: 11 November 2020
- Christmas: 25 and 26 December 2020

## Canada sign

The coat of arms of Canada was awarded by the British King in 1921. The shield of the coat of arms is divided into 5 fields.

Field 1 - England - three lions on a red field
Field 2 - Scotland - Red lion on a yellow field
3rd field - Ireland - golden harp on a blue field
4th field - France - 3 lilies on a blue field
Field 5 - Canada - 3 red maple leaves on a white field

## Canada time zone

There are six time zones in Canada covering four and a half hours. From the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March, the zones are referred to as standard time zones. From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, most of Canada follows daylight saving time. The boundaries of the standard time zones do not necessarily have to be the same as the boundaries of the corresponding daylight saving time zones. The borders are shifting because some municipalities decide not to take part in summer time.

## 10 provinces of Canada

Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories in the north. The provinces are in alphabetical order: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan. The three territories are the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon.

The difference between a province and a territory is related to their administration. The territories have, in principle, been transferred under the supervision of the Canadian Parliament. They are grouped and ruled by the federal government. On the contrary, the provinces exercise constitutional powers independently.

## Currency in Canada

In Canada, it is paid in Canadian dollar, which consists of 100 cents. The coins come in denominations of 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, $ 1 and $ 2. Banknotes are worth $ 5, $ 10, $ 20, $ 50 and $ 100.

Current exchange rates for the Czech Koruna on 5.5.2020 1 CAD=17.6830 CZK [Source: xe.com](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=100&From=CZK&To=CAD1)

## Prices in Canada

If you travel anywhere in the world, it is always recommended to bring a cash mix and a bank / credit card. It's no different in Canada either.

ATMs are located in all major cities across the country. Credit cards are also generally accepted, although some facilities such as small hotels and shops, especially in remote areas, can only accept cash.

Restaurant:

- Boarding, cheap restaurant 16.00 C $
- Meals for 2 people, Middle-class restaurant, three-course menu 70.00 C $
- McMeal at McDonalds 10.00 C $
- Homemade beer (0.5 liter) 6.00 C $
- Imported beer (0.33 l bottle) 7.50 C $
- Coca Cola / Pepsi (0.33 l bottle) 2.30 C $
- Water (0.33 1 bottle) 1.90 C $

Trade:

- Milk (1 liter) 2.50 C $
- White bread (500 g) 2.90 C $
- Apples (1 kg) 4.05 C $
- Banana (1 kg) 1.70 C $
- Oranges (1 kg) 4.00 C $
- Water (1.5 l bottle) 2.30 C $
- Bottle of wine (medium range) 16.00 C $
- Homemade beer (0.5 l bottle) 2.97 C $
- Imported beer (0.33 l bottle) 3.70 C $
- Cigarettes 20pcs (Marlboro) 15.00 C $

Transportation:

- One-way ticket (local transport) 3.25 C $
- Monthly ticket (regular price) 97.00 C $
- Start of a taxi (normal tariff) 3.90 C $
- Taxi 1 km (normal fare) 2.00 C $
- Waiting for 1 hour taxi (normal tariff) 34.00 C $
- Petrol (1 liter) 1.20 C $

## Visa to Canada

Residents of the Czech Republic do not need a visa for a short-term stay in Canada for a period of 6 months with a tourist plan. However, before departure, it is necessary to obtain a travel registration ETA, which is mandatory and without it will not let you on board the aircraft.

The State Department recommends using only the [official website of the Government of Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply1.html) to complete the ETA registration. This avoids intermediaries, who in some cases charge up to several administration fees for this service.

In order to apply for an ETA, you must have:

- Valid passport (biometric).
- Credit / debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or prepaid credit card.
- E-mail adress.
- The price for submitting an application is 7 CAD.

An ETA visa application is always submitted individually (one person, one application).
If you are traveling to Canada with the whole family, it is necessary for each individual and separately to apply for an ETA.

## Interesting facts about Canada

- Canada has the longest coastline in the world with a length of 202,080 km.
- Canada has more than 31,700 large lakes over 300 hectares in size. In fact, more than half of all lakes in the world are located in Canada.
- The longest Canadian river is the McKenzie River in the northwest. The river is 4,241 km long.
- The highest mountain in Canada is Mount Logan with a height of 5,959 meters in the Yukon Territory on the border with Alaska.

## Important contacts

**Where to call in case of emergency in Canada?**

Rescue service, fire brigade, police: 911

**Canada dialing code is 001.**

**Contacts at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ottawa:**

**Address:**

```txt
Embassy of the Czech Republic 251 Cooper Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0G2
```

Phone: 001 - 613 562 3875

Email: ottawa@embassy.mzv.cz

Office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, Friday from 8.00 am
until 2.30 pm

In the event of an emergency after working hours, you can contact the emergency number 001 - 613 794 2277. Only questions whose resolution cannot be postponed to the next working day will be answered on this number.

Further contacts can be found on the mzv.cz website

North and Central America

Guide to the United States