Since the start of 2020 the whole world has been massively hit by an unprecedented health crisis, caused by the quick spread of Coronavirus. Around mid-March the pandemia reached Czech Republic as well, who quickly implemented the state of emergency on the whole territory, just with some exceptions such as the purchase of food or necessary travel to health centres or work. Other than that, everyone was asked to stay confined home.

Whereas the virus spreads unequally in time and from a country to another, international travels have become impossible in most cases and in a near future. However, it seems that we start to see the light at the end of the tunnel around mid May, with first measures to release the confinement, step by step. In any case the virus will dramatically slow down the global economy, but the consequences are still hard to evaluate as of today.

What are the effects of the pandemia on relocation companies in the Czech Republic?

The impact on the relocation industry is significant and brutal. Nevertheless relocation companies in the Czech Republic, such as Santa Fe, managed to quickly adapt and fully operate, after implementing very strict hygiene rules: crew members wearing a surgical mask and gloves during any operations, respect of security distances, etc.

What is the impact on people relocating from or to the Czech Republic just before the peak relocation season?

The main question to ask is: what is the health situation in the country you intend to relocate to? As of today there is not one single answer to give. While the epidemic peak seems to be behind us in Czech Republic, as the country has started a deconfinement plan around mid April, this is far from being the case in the US, Australia or Western Europe. In the meantime different measures are being taken per country.

We recommend to check the information published by the ministry of interior in the country. Another reliable source is https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#news

What are the consequences on your upcoming relocation?

The first reaction of many global corporations was to freeze any relocations to protect the health of their assignees and their family. For most urgent cases, families have immediately been relocated back home, sometimes requiring their belongings to remain stored until the situation gets back to normal.

Some relocations happened, with some risks though, such as huge delays at the border crossing – due to higher controls or sometimes closed borders – compulsory quarantine – in Czech Republic, 14 days, etc.

As of today, relocating is technically possible, under some conditions.

Again, as mentioned before, it is still difficult to evaluate the consequences on the relocation transit time (delay at borders, late departure of vessels, congestions at ports, significant shortage of flights, extended customs inspections, health checks, etc.) and unexpected additional charges related to the above.

Our recommendations:

  • Do reach out to the Embassy of your new host country and check the website of the Ministry.
  • Be very careful and flexible regarding the date when you wish to vacate your current residence, as well as the new lease start date. Consider temporary accommodation and potential storage of your belongings while scheduling the relocation.
  • For EU citizens, even though this is not compulsory, we do recommend having your temporary residence certificate up to date. This will avoid you and your family any potential issues while dealing with the administration, among other complications.

Santa Fe has implemented an email where you can send questions or concerns about your relocation, case by case. Please do reach out to us so we can check in our network and listen to local expertise: prague@santaferelo.com or covidresponse@santaferelo.com.

Recently there are some positive signs that the global health situation is generally improving. However lots of countries are expecting a possible second wave of contamination due to the confinement release. Future measures taken by countries will depend on how the situation further develops.

Have a safe relocation!

Pierre has been living in Prague for over 16 years now. He works for Santa Fe Relocation, one of the leaders in the Czech Republic and globally.