Directory A–Z - Prague and Czech Republic - page 670

challenging mobility issues, and many older buildings, including hotels and
museums, are not wheelchair accessible.
The situation is better with newer buildings, which are required by law to
make doorways and lavatories accessible. Many McDonald's and KFC res-
taurants are wheelchair-friendly.
In terms of public transport, Prague is slowly making progress on accessib-
ility. Some buses and trams are low riders and, in theory, should accommod-
ate a wheelchair. These services are marked on timetables with a wheelchair
symbol. A handful of metro stations, including newer stations, are equipped
with lifts.
In the USA, travellers with disabilities may like to contact the Society for Ac-
cessible Travel & Hospitality ( www.sath.org ) . In the UK a useful contact is
the Royal Association for Disability & Rehabilitation ( www.radar.org.uk ).
Some helpful local groups include the following:
Prague Wheelchair Users Organisation (Pražská organizace vozíčkářů; 224 827
210; www.pov.cz ; Benediktská 6, Staré Město) This is a watchdog organisation for
the disabled. While it's mostly geared toward local residents, it can help to or-
ganise a guide and transportation at about half the cost of a taxi, and has in-
formation on barrier-free Prague in Czech, English and German.
Czech Blind United (Sjednocená Organizace Nevidomých a Slabozrakých v ČR; 221 462
146; www.braillnet.cz ; Krakovská 21) Represents the vision-impaired; provides in-
formation but no services.
Visas
Citizens of EU countries do not need a visa to visit the Czech Republic and
can stay indefinitely.
Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan and
many other countries can stay in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days without
a visa. Other nationalities should check current visa requirements with the
Czech embassy in their home country. There's more information on the Czech
Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( www.mzv.cz ) website.