Illegal Migration in the Czech Republic Remains Low – Germany the Main Destination

Illegal migration in the Czech Republic remains largely stable. While most cases involve violations of residence regulations, illegal transit through the country continues to play a relatively minor role. Germany remains the main destination.

According to the latest figures from the Czech Foreign Police, a total of 8,050 people were registered in connection with illegal migration between January and September 2026. This represents a decrease of 74 people, or 0.9 per cent, compared with the same period last year.

The vast majority of cases involved people staying in the Czech Republic without a valid residence permit, often because they had exceeded their permitted period of stay.

More Than 7,700 Cases of Illegal Residence

A total of 7,736 people were recorded as residing illegally in the Czech Republic, accounting for 96.1 per cent of all registered cases. More than three-quarters of these individuals (78.7 per cent) came from six countries: Ukraine, Moldova, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Russia.

A further 314 people (3.9 per cent) were detected at the external Schengen borders (international airports). These were mainly nationals of Georgia, India, Moldova and Uzbekistan.

Photo: Policie ČR | X

Germany Remains the Number One Destination

Illegal transit migration through the Czech Republic remains at a low level despite an increase. During the first nine months of the year, 194 people were recorded passing through the country illegally. This represents just 2.4 per cent of all registered cases. Germany was the intended destination for the vast majority of those involved. Russian (114) and Afghan (41) nationals were particularly frequently detected.

According to the Foreign Police, two main migration routes can be identified:

Overland via the Balkan route: A large proportion of Russian nationals reached the Czech Republic after entering Croatia illegally via the Western Balkan route and subsequently travelling through Hungary, Slovakia or Austria. From there, they intended to continue their journey to Germany.

Flights from Greece: Another route involved intra-Schengen flights from Greece. A total of 41 people were detected, including 36 Afghan nationals. They travelled using altered or invalid documents, or without valid travel documents.

Photo: Policie ČR | X

Czech Police Strengthen Cooperation with Greece

To curb illegal migration on flights from Athens, the Czech Foreign Police have stationed a specialist in travel documents and migration matters at the airport in the Greek capital. The measure has been in place since 1 March 2026. According to the authorities, the deployment has proved effective and is having a significant preventive impact.

Significantly More Checks Across the Country

At the same time, the Czech Foreign Police have stepped up their inspection activities. Between January and September 2026, a total of 144,179 residence checks were carried out nationwide. This represents an increase of twelve per cent compared with the same period last year.

As part of these checks, officers inspected a total of 416,736 foreign nationals, as well as 23,434 accommodation establishments and 14,124 business premises across the Czech Republic.

The latest figures therefore indicate that illegal migration remains largely stable. Despite a significant percentage increase in transit migration, its share of all registered cases of illegal migration in the Czech Republic remains low.