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Russian citizens with a valid Schengen visa or a valid residence permit (VNZh) from another EU country can generally travel within the Schengen Area. For a Russian citizen holding a Greek VNZh (biometric) and traveling to the Czech Republic (CZ), the VNZh from Greece grants the right to stay in the Schengen zone. While Czech Republic might have specific passport requirements, a Greek VNZh is often considered sufficient for entry and stay within Schengen. There's a possibility of a fine (20-200 EUR) for not having a biometric passport of the Russian Federation when required for certain stays, but this is unlikely to prevent boarding an aircraft or entering CZ, especially when traveling from another Schengen country like Greece. Travel by plane between Athens and Prague for a Russian citizen with a Greek VNZh is generally considered low-risk for entry and boarding.

Citizens of the Russian Federation holding a French VNZ (Vivre de nationalité étrangère) can enter the Czech Republic from Turkey without issues, provided their VNZ is valid and they are not directly entering from the Russian Federation. This is supported by anecdotal evidence from other travelers. Similarly, entry into Poland with an EU VNZ is also reported to be unproblematic. It is advisable to purchase tickets online in advance for attractions like the Prague Zoo to avoid long queues at the ticket office. The Prague Zoo is considered one of the best in Europe and requires a full day to explore. Ticket prices for the zoo are cheaper when purchased online compared to the on-site ticket office.

To obtain residency in the Czech Republic through marriage, be aware of the following: 1. A two-year commitment to the marriage is often required; early divorce can lead to deportation. 2. Police checks are common. Regarding alcohol consumption, Czech Republic ranks fifth globally with 13.7 liters of pure alcohol per capita annually (as of 2022 data). Russia ranks 29th with 10.5 liters. Notably, alcohol consumption has decreased in Russia and Belarus over the past decade, while slightly increasing in the Czech Republic.

If a Ukrainian international (zagran) passport is expired, it is permissible to use the internal Ukrainian passport for entry into Czechia. The process for renewing the international passport can be addressed subsequently. This procedure is relevant for applications such as temporary protection (docasne ohrany), rather than for tourism.

Obtaining temporary protection in the Czech Republic is generally straightforward if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. The process may take approximately half a day. Comprehensive information and detailed instructions are available on the official government website: ipc.gov.cz/docasna-ochrana/.

When applying for visas at centers like those for Spain or Greece, be aware that some visa application centers may attempt to charge for additional services or demand documents not listed on the official website. Examples include requesting extra bank statements, proof of funds for several months, electronic work records, or on-the-spot document printing. These services can range from 10,000 to 15,000 rubles per person. It is crucial to rely on the official list of required documents provided by the visa center and consulate. If a document is not officially required, it is not mandatory for submission. Visa centers are obligated to accept applications that meet the published requirements. While voluntary submission of additional documents can strengthen a case, do not be pressured into paying for services or providing documents that are not officially mandated. Calmly refer to the official list and assert your right to have your application accepted based on the stated requirements.

When entering the Czech Republic via another Schengen country, if the main stay is in a third country, are accommodation bookings in the Czech Republic required? The traveler has a biometric passport. General Schengen entry rules apply, including potential checks for travel plans and accommodation.