How to Ship to the Czech Republic from the US
To send a parcel from the US to the Czech Republic (Czechia), you can use USPS or a courier such as DHL, FedEx or UPS. USPS passes the parcel to Česká pošta, the Czech postal service, which delivers it. A small parcel under 8 oz costs $21.85 by USPS at the Post Office.
As an EU country, Czechia charges VAT on every import from the US. The rate is 21% on most goods. Online orders worth €150 or less also carry a €3 EU duty since July 1, 2026. USPS also warns that many goods need a Czech import license, so check with your recipient before you mail anything unusual.
Typical 1 lb cost
$29.95–$69.40 by USPS (retail, July 2026)
Typical transit
USPS quotes 6–10 business days for Priority Mail International to major markets; express couriers take a few business days
Carrier Options to Czech Republic
USPS First-Class Package International
From $21.85 (up to 8 oz) and $29.95 for 1 lb at the Post Office, July 2026. Up to 4 lb and $400 in value.
USPS Priority Mail International
From $69.40 for 1 lb at retail, up to 70 lb. Insurance can be added for merchandise.
USPS Priority Mail Express International
From $81.40 for 0.5 lb. Delivered as Zrychlená pošta/EMS. No coins, jewelry, watches or other valuables in this service.
DHL, FedEx or UPS
Door-to-door express with customs clearance included. Prices depend on weight, size and speed — get a quote.
Customs Forms Required
Every parcel needs a customs form; it prints with your label when you buy postage online. USPS says the Czech Republic wants the country of origin of each item, your EORI number if you have one, and a phone number and email for both you and the recipient.
Commonly Prohibited Items
- ✕By USPS: chain letters and playing cards
- ✕By USPS: perishable biological substances and radioactive materials
- ✕By USPS: publications, pictures or recordings against Czech public order
- ✕Restricted: coins, paper money, securities and raw gold, silver or platinum need authorization from the State Bank
- ✕Restricted: medicines need an import permit from the Czech health authorities
- ✕Restricted: gift parcels must come from private people, not companies
Czech Republic-Specific Shipping Tips
- 💡 A 1 lb parcel costs $29.95 by First-Class Package International but $69.40 by Priority Mail International. Use First-Class up to 4 lb
- 💡 Plan for 21% Czech VAT on most goods, at any value
- 💡 Ask the recipient before mailing food, medicine, plants or anything for resale. USPS warns many goods need a Czech import license
- 💡 Put phone numbers and emails for you and the recipient on the customs form. USPS says Czechia asks for both
- 💡 Czech postal codes have five digits, often written as 110 00. Write them before the town name
USPS Prices to the Czech Republic (July 2026)
All prices are for postage bought at a US Post Office counter, valid since July 12, 2026. Online postage is a little cheaper. The October 2026 holiday surcharge only applies to mail inside the US.
- Up to 8 oz: $21.85 by First-Class Package International.
- 1 lb: $29.95 First-Class ($28.44 online), $69.40 Priority Mail International ($67.17 online), $83.95 Priority Mail Express International.
- 2 lb: $33.45 First-Class, $73.40 Priority Mail International.
- 3 lb: $48.90 First-Class.
- 4 lb: $66.25 First-Class, the most First-Class can carry.
- 5 lb: $92.30 Priority Mail International, $109.55 Priority Mail Express International.
- 10 lb: $125.20 and 20 lb: $191.05 by Priority Mail International (it takes up to 70 lb).
💡 At 1 or 2 lb, First-Class Package International costs about $40 less than Priority Mail International ($29.95 vs $69.40 for 1 lb). At 3 lb the gap is $30.20, and at 4 lb it is $19.40.
Czech VAT and EU Duty on Parcels from the US
Czech VAT is called DPH. The EU's Your Europe site lists the Czech standard rate at 21%, with a reduced rate of 12% for some goods. Since July 2021 there is no tax-free amount for imports, so even a $15 order pays VAT.
- If the online shop uses the EU's IOSS scheme, the buyer pays the VAT at checkout (orders up to €150). Česká pošta or the courier then shouldn't charge it again.
- If the shop doesn't use IOSS, the recipient pays VAT before the parcel is handed over. The carrier may add a fee for clearing customs.
- Since July 1, 2026, the EU adds €3 per product type to online orders of €150 or less. The seller or importer pays it.
- Gifts between private people worth €45 or less are free of duty and VAT.
Import Permits: What USPS Warns About
USPS's page for the Czech Republic says import licenses and quantity limits apply to many items. It asks senders to check with the recipient before mailing, to be sure the goods are allowed and the papers are in place. Customs can hold a parcel until the recipient shows a permit.
Two rules are clear-cut. Medicines need an import permit from the Czech health authorities. And gift parcels must come from private people; gifts sent by companies are not admitted as gifts. Coins, banknotes and raw precious metals need approval from the State Bank, USPS says.
How to Write a Czech Address
- Recipient's name.
- Street name and house number, for example Vodičkova 12. Some addresses use two numbers with a slash, such as 681/12. Copy them exactly.
- Postal code and town, for example 110 00 Praha 1.
- CZECH REPUBLIC.
- Phone and email for the recipient on the customs form.
ℹ️ Czech letters such as č, ř and ž are fine if your label prints them. If not, write the plain letter. The postal code and house number matter most.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship to the Czech Republic from the US?
What is the cheapest way to send a package to the Czech Republic?
What is the US tariff on the Czech Republic?
Has USPS suspended shipping to the Czech Republic?
Does Amazon deliver to Czechia?
Will the recipient pay tax on a gift from the US?
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