Day 7: A city break during Advent – ID, health card and pickpockets

Vanessa is a fictional character created by Reiseblase. Her stories are made up – we check facts, rules and advice against official sources.

Last week, a customer stood in front of my desk, beaming: “Vanessa, I want to go to Prague in December – the lights, mulled wine, the Old Town!” That’s how the best city breaks begin. And that’s usually when half the planning is still left to do.

For many of you, Advent is the time for a short break. Almost everyone asks me about the hotel first. I ask something else first: Is your ID valid for long enough – and who’s actually going to keep an eye on your bags in the crowds?

Another customer had booked everything perfectly, yet still found herself breaking out in a sweat at the hotel reception. I’ll tell you why in a moment.

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The customer told me later: when checking in, the hotel wanted to see photo ID from everyone – including her young son. His child’s passport was right at the bottom of the suitcase. After ten minutes of rummaging around in the lobby, they were finally able to carry on. Ever since then, I’ve been telling everyone: the documents for all travellers belong in your hand luggage.

A customer told me about his evening at the Christmas market: in the crush at the mulled wine stall, his mobile phone suddenly vanished from his jacket pocket. The evening was ruined. Unfortunately, I hear stories like this time and time again.

My checklist for a city break during Advent

Check your travel documents: For the Czech Republic, the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) lists passports, identity cards and children’s passports as valid entry documents. These must remain valid from the time of entry until at least the end of your trip. (1)
Don’t forget the children: children need their own travel document, even in places where Schengen border controls have been abolished. (2)
Hotel check-in: According to the German Federal Foreign Office, a valid photo ID is required for all guests at check-in in the Czech Republic, including young children. (1)
Health card: With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are entitled to the same medical care as insured persons in the country you are visiting should you fall ill unexpectedly. You can obtain it free of charge from your health insurance provider; the official guidance explicitly warns against websites that charge a fee for it. (3)
What the EHIC does not cover: Private treatment, as well as rescue and repatriation, are not included; you will need separate insurance for these. (3)
Pickpockets: The German Federal Foreign Office warns of petty crime such as pickpocketing, particularly in tourist cities such as Prague. You should be especially vigilant in crowds at tourist attractions, railway stations and on public transport; in tourist areas, you should exercise caution when using taxis. (1)

My personal tip (not an official rule): Take a photo of all your ID documents and email it to yourself. And keep your mobile phone and wallet close to your body rather than in an outside jacket pocket.

Prague was just my customer’s example. Separate guidance applies to Vienna, Budapest and Kraków – please check the country page of the German Federal Foreign Office for your destination, where you’ll find the latest information.

If you’re booking a flight and hotel as a package, it’s worth having a look at our guide beforehand: Package holidays: What you should bear in mind (Advertisement).

A great city break during Advent doesn’t need a packed itinerary – just the right documents and a bit of care. Check your ID documents this evening, get your EHIC from your health insurance provider if necessary, and pack everything you need in your hand luggage. That way, you’ll have more time for mulled wine and Christmas lights.

See you tomorrow,
Vanessa

Please note: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Rules can change – please check the latest official information before you travel.

Sources

Auswärtiges Amt: Tschechische Republik: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (as of 17 Oct 2026; accessed 17 Oct 2026)
Publications Office of the European Union: Travelling in Europe 2024 (no date of last update given; accessed 17 Oct 2026)
European Union, Your Europe: Health cover for temporary stays (last checked 16 Sep 2026; accessed 17 Oct 2026)