Česká Pošta tracking

What is Česká Pošta?

Česká Pošta, known in English as Czech Post, is the national postal operator of the Czech Republic and a state-owned enterprise operating under Czech public law. As the designated universal service provider, the company holds a legal obligation to deliver postal services to every address in the country, including remote rural communities that private carriers would not serve commercially. Headquartered in Prague and owned by the Czech state, with the Ministry of the Interior acting as its official founder, the company operates a retail network of approximately 2,900 post office branches and deploys over 4,000 mail carriers in the field serving more than 5.5 million addresses nationwide.

The roots of Czech postal services extend to November 13, 1918, when the Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs was established just weeks after the founding of the new Czechoslovak state. This was not a new institution built from nothing, but a reorganization of postal infrastructure inherited from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The formal state enterprise Czechoslovak Post was created as an autonomous economic unit on January 1, 1925, with its own financial management and quasi-commercial operating principles. The network grew steadily through the interwar years before suffering serious disruption following the Munich Agreement of 1938, which stripped Czechoslovakia of border territories and damaged both the postal infrastructure and the institutional structures that supported it. After World War II, the service operated under communist administration and was reorganized multiple times according to centralized planning principles.

• Date of foundation: January 1, 1993, as an independent Czech state enterprise upon the dissolution of Czechoslovakia; postal history in the territory dates to November 13, 1918
• Headquarters: Prague, Czech Republic
• Legal form: State-owned enterprise (státní podnik) under Czech law, with the Ministry of the Interior as official founder
• Post office network: Approximately 2,900 branches nationwide
• Balíkovna pickup network: Over 7,000 access points at post offices, newsagents, grocery stores, and automated locker systems
• Mail carriers in the field: Over 4,000, serving more than 5.5 million addresses
• Vehicle fleet: Over 5,000 vehicles
• International reach: Delivery to more than 120 countries worldwide

When Czechoslovakia peacefully dissolved on January 1, 1993, Česká Pošta was formally established as a separate state-owned enterprise for the Czech Republic, fully independent from the Slovak postal administration. That date marks the founding of the modern company as it exists today. A significant liberalization milestone came in March 2012, when the Czech parliament passed legislation removing the last postal monopoly, the exclusive right to deliver items weighing under 50 grams, with full market opening taking effect in January 2013. In 2019, the company moved from a weight-based to a dimension-based pricing model for parcels, and in 2022 it announced the largest capital investment in its modern history, a multimodal logistics hub at Mošnov in the Ostrava region.

In the Czech courier, express, and parcel market valued at over one billion dollars and growing on the back of e-commerce demand Česká Pošta faces direct competition from private carriers including DHL, DPD, PPL, and GLS. The company has been pursuing a structural transformation in response, separating its public postal obligations from its commercial logistics activities. The Balíkovna brand with over 7,000 pickup points at post offices, newsagents, grocery stores, and automated locker terminals, represents the commercial parcel arm of this strategy, targeting the growing domestic parcel volumes generated by online retail.

Which countries does Česká Pošta deliver to?

Česká Pošta operates as a domestic carrier within the Czech Republic and serves as the country's primary international postal gateway for outbound and inbound mail and parcels. Through its membership in the Universal Postal Union, the company dispatches consignments to more than 120 countries worldwide. The domestic network covers all regions of the Czech Republic through a combination of approximately 2,900 post office branches, over 4,000 mail carrier routes, and the Balíkovna pickup network. Operations are organized around seven regional branches, supported by eight major sorting hubs distributed geographically to enable nationwide distribution.

A major development in the company's logistics infrastructure is its international multimodal hub at Mošnov in the Ostrava region, situated within the Ostrava Airport Multimodal Park. The facility covers nearly 30,000 square meters and is equipped with sorting technology capable of processing up to one million consignments per day. It is connected to air, highway, and rail networks, allowing shipments arriving primarily from Asia to be distributed by rail or road across the Czech Republic and further into Europe. The Mošnov hub consolidated and replaced the older sorting centers in Ostrava and Olomouc and created approximately 400 jobs in the region when it entered operation.

• Domestic coverage: All regions of the Czech Republic, including rural and remote areas, through post office branches and mail carrier routes
• Europe (International Commercial Parcel): Approximately 20 European countries with guaranteed delivery times, including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland and France
• Europe (EMS and Standard Parcel): All major European countries including the United Kingdom, with estimated transit of approximately 5 to 13 working days depending on destination
• North America: Canada and with restrictions applying from August 2025, the United States (limited to written communications, documents, and private gifts up to $100 in value)
• Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, and other destinations within the EMS and Standard Parcel networks
• Worldwide: More than 120 countries in total through the EMS and International Standard Parcel services

Outbound international shipments from the Czech Republic are processed at the Mošnov multimodal hub or other designated exchange offices before being forwarded to the postal operator of the destination country for final delivery. A parcel sent to Germany is handed over to Deutsche Post, a shipment to the United Kingdom is passed to Royal Mail, and one destined for the United States is transferred to USPS for last-mile distribution. This exchange arrangement between Universal Postal Union member services applies to all standard international routes that Česká Pošta operates.

What are the Česká Pošta services and delivery times?

Česká Pošta offers a broad portfolio of domestic and international services covering standard parcel delivery, express shipments, registered and insured mail, and financial and eGovernment products. The domestic parcel range includes delivery to the recipient's home address, collection at a designated post office, pickup from one of over 7,000 Balíkovna outlets, and self-service collection at automated locker terminals. The express domestic tier, the EMS or Express Mail Service, guarantees delivery by 2:00 PM the following working day with Saturday delivery available as an option. Over 95 percent of standard domestic parcels submitted before the 3:00 PM cutoff are delivered the next working day, with a later 5:00 PM submission window available at approximately 1,000 participating offices.

The Balíkovna service is built around a network of over 7,000 pickup points at post offices, newsagents, and grocery stores, complemented by automated locker terminals from Alzabox, OX Point, and Penguin Box. Balíkovna parcels typically become available at the selected outlet the next working day after posting, with a maximum weight of 15 kilograms and a longest side not exceeding 50 centimeters. The home delivery variant, Balíkovna na adresu, delivers directly to the recipient's address rather than a pickup point. Balíkovna BOX provides fully self-service 24-hour locker collection at automated terminals, with parcels at OX Point lockers requiring collection within two working days.

For international shipping, Česká Pošta offers three main options. International EMS covers more than 120 countries with a maximum weight of 30 kilograms, dispatching items as quickly as possible for delivery by the foreign postal operator. The International Commercial Parcel service is limited to approximately 20 European countries but offers a guaranteed delivery time of three working days from the date of posting for most destinations, with extended timeframes of up to five working days for remote areas of Iceland Norway, Finland Portugal, and Switzerland. The International Standard Parcel is a lower-cost alternative available in Priority and Economy variants, with estimated delivery times of 5 to 20 business days. The Economy variant does not include compensation for delays.

• Domestic EMS: Guaranteed delivery by 2:00 PM the next working day; Saturday delivery available; maximum 10 kg
• Parcel Delivery To Hand: Next working day for items submitted before 3:00 PM (5:00 PM at approximately 1,000 offices); over 95 percent delivered on time
• Balíkovna (pickup point): Available for collection next working day; maximum 15 kg; longest side up to 50 cm
• International Commercial Parcel: Guaranteed D+3 to approximately 20 European countries; up to D+5 for remote areas; maximum 30 kg (capped at 20 kg for Poland)
• International EMS: Destination operator's guaranteed timeframe; estimated 5 working days to Austria and Germany, approximately 13 working days to the United Kingdom or United States; maximum 30 kg
• International Standard Parcel: Estimated 5 to 20 business days; Priority and Economy variants; maximum 30 kg; no delay compensation on Economy
• Registered Mail (domestic): Delivered within 1 to 3 business days

Česká Pošta also operates several complementary services beyond parcel delivery. The PostSignum certification authority issues qualified digital certificates for electronic signatures. The Czech POINT service, available at post office branches, allows citizens to obtain copies of official government records in person. Financial services include domestic and international money orders. For recipients importing goods from outside the European Union, Česká Pošta acts as a customs clearance agent, coordinating with Czech customs authorities to process inbound international consignments on the recipient's behalf.

What are the Česká Pošta rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Česká Pošta adopted a dimension-based pricing model in March 2019, replacing the previous weight-based tariff structure. Under the current system, parcel rates are determined by four size categories based on the longest dimension of the package. The four categories are S for items up to 35 centimeters, M for items up to 50 centimeters, L for items up to 100 centimeters, and XL for items up to 240 centimeters. Rates differ by service type and size category, and lower tariffs apply to items submitted through the online posting platform compared to counter submission at post offices. The current price list entered into force on January 1, 2026 and is updated annually.

A range of additional service surcharges apply on top of the base rate. Fragile handling costs approximately $1.50 per item. Items with non-standard shapes, meaning those not in the form of a cube, cuboid, or cylinder, or not packed in solid material, attract a surcharge of roughly $0.65 to $0.80 depending on the product. Cash on Delivery adds approximately $0.70 for domestic EMS shipments and around $1.05 for international shipments under 10 kilograms. The delivery-to-addressee-only option, which restricts handover strictly to the named recipient, costs approximately $1.10 extra. Collection from the sender's premises adds around $4.55 per consignment, and international cumbersome handling for items under 10 kilograms carries an additional charge of approximately $6.05.

• Domestic EMS: Maximum 10 kg; minimum dimensions 15×10.5 cm; maximum single dimension 120 cm; sum of length, width, and height not to exceed 200 cm
• Balíkovna (pickup point delivery): Maximum 15 kg; longest side up to 50 cm
• Oversize domestic parcels: Items from 31.5 kg to 50 kg accepted; items over 31.5 kg require a postal contract and cannot be posted at standard counters
• International EMS: Maximum 30 kg; minimum size 16.2×22.9 cm; maximum single dimension 150 cm; length plus largest girth not to exceed 300 cm
• International Commercial Parcel: Maximum 30 kg (20 kg for Poland); minimum dimensions 21.5×15.5 cm; maximum single dimension 150 cm; sum of all dimensions not to exceed 300 cm
• International Standard Parcel: Maximum 30 kg; minimum 21×19 cm; maximum single dimension 200 cm; length plus largest girth not to exceed 300 cm

The shift to dimension-based pricing reflects the broader change in parcel logistics toward volumetric measurement, where the space a parcel occupies in a vehicle or aircraft can be as significant as its actual weight. For light but bulky items, the size category will typically determine the rate rather than the weight alone. Senders should verify that both the individual longest side and the combined sum of all dimensions fall within the limits of the selected service, as items exceeding either threshold are not accepted in the standard postal network.

What are the Česká Pošta delivery options?

Česká Pošta gives recipients a range of options for how parcels are delivered and collected. The standard home delivery mode applies to Parcel Delivery To Hand and domestic EMS services, where the mail carrier delivers directly to the recipient's address. If the recipient is not home when the carrier arrives, a collection notice, avízo, is left and the parcel is held at the local delivering post office for a set period for in-person collection. Recipients can also request an extension of the post office holding period through the Track and Trace application or the OnlinePost mobile app.

The Balíkovna network provides an alternative to home delivery through more than 7,000 pickup points at post offices, newsagents, grocery stores, and other retail locations nationwide. Recipients receive a pickup code and can collect the parcel during the outlet's opening hours, with storage at smaller Balíkovna locations capped at seven calendar days. The Balíkovna BOX service extends this to 24-hour automated locker terminals operated under the Alzabox, OX Point, and Penguin Box brands, allowing self-service parcel collection at any time without staff interaction. Parcels held at OX Point terminals must be collected within two working days, with no option to extend the storage period.

• Home delivery: Standard delivery to the recipient's address for Parcel Delivery To Hand and EMS domestic services; a collection notice is left if the recipient is absent
• Post office collection: Undelivered parcels held at the local post office for collection; the Parcel Delivery To Post Office service designates a post office as the destination from the outset
• Balíkovna pickup points: Over 7,000 locations at post offices, newsagents, and grocery stores; pickup code required; storage limited to 7 calendar days
• Balíkovna BOX (automated lockers): 24/7 self-service collection via Alzabox, OX Point, and Penguin Box terminals; OX Point parcels must be collected within 2 working days
• Evening delivery: Optional evening delivery service for domestic parcels, enabling delivery outside standard working hours
• Delivery to addressee only: An additional service restricting handover solely to the named recipient, available for EMS and Parcel Delivery To Hand at an extra charge
• Redelivery or redirection: Recipients can arrange redelivery or redirection to the nearest Balíkovna post office outlet by contacting the Balíkovna helpline
• Change of delivery instructions: Delivery preferences can be modified after dispatch via the Track and Trace platform or the OnlinePost and Balíkovna mobile applications

The Parcel Delivery To Post Office service is particularly well suited to recipients with irregular schedules, as the sender can designate any participating post office as the collection address at the time of posting. The Balíkovna pickup network, with locations at newsagents and grocery stores open during extended retail hours, offers a more flexible alternative for recipients who are frequently absent from their address during standard morning delivery windows.

What should I do if my Česká Pošta parcel is lost or damaged?

Česká Pošta operates a structured claims process for consignments that have been lost, damaged, or delayed in transit. Claims can be filed online through the Track and Trace application, via the OnlinePost mobile app, in person at any post office branch, or by phone through the customer service line. The company is legally obligated to settle claims within one month of the complaint being lodged. If the standard procedure does not produce a satisfactory outcome, customers may escalate the matter to the Postal Ombudsman, though the Ombudsman will not accept cases that have not first completed the full claims procedure with Czech Post.

The documentation required varies depending on whether the claim is filed by the sender or the recipient. Senders must provide the original posting certificate for the consignment in question. Recipients of a damaged item should bring the item to a post office along with all outer and inner packaging, or submit detailed photographs of the packaging and contents if physically transporting the item is not practical. For international consignments, the original tracking or posting documentation must accompany the complaint, and claims on International Standard Parcel shipments must be filed within six months of the posting date.

• Deadline for damaged domestic items: Must be filed within 2 working days of receiving the damaged consignment
• Deadline for international recorded consignments: Up to 6 months from the date of posting
• Deadline for domestic recorded consignments: Up to 1 year from the date of posting
• Who may claim (senders): Non-delivery of recorded consignments, missing return receipt slips, non-receipt of Cash on Delivery amounts, late delivery on international services
• Who may claim (recipients): Damage or partial loss of contents, non-delivery of printed matter, customs clearance issues, non-compliance with delivery instructions
• Compensation for domestic EMS: Up to the declared value, with a maximum declared value of approximately $4,150
• Compensation for International EMS: Approximately $170 for goods; approximately $39 for documents
• Compensation for International Commercial Parcel: Approximately $590
• Compensation for International Standard Parcel: Approximately $50 plus approximately $5.75 per started kilogram of weight; no compensation for delays on the Economy variant
• Customer service (domestic, free of charge): 800 104 410, available 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on working days
• Customer service (international callers): +420 954 292 103
• Balíkovna helpline: 218 218 218

The Economy variant of the International Standard Parcel does not provide compensation for delivery delays, only for loss or physical damage to contents. Senders selecting this service for cost-sensitive shipments should weigh this limitation carefully when choosing a service level for international consignments, particularly when dispatch to destinations with longer estimated delivery windows is involved.

Does Česká Pošta handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Česká Pošta provides outbound international shipping to more than 120 countries through its membership in the Universal Postal Union network. Since June 1, 2021, customs declaration requirements were significantly tightened for shipments leaving the European Union. Letters containing written communication and weighing up to 50 grams are the only consignments to non-EU destinations that are exempt from a customs declaration. All other items sent to non-EU countries, regardless of their declared value, must be accompanied by a customs declaration form. Two standard forms are used for this purpose, with the CN 22 applying to lower-value consignments and the CN 23 required for higher-value items or those requiring a full customs declaration. For international EMS shipments, the customs declaration section is completed as part of the address label.

For inbound parcels arriving from outside the EU, import VAT became due on all consignments containing goods for private use as of October 1, 2021, removing the previous exemption for items below approximately $165. Česká Pošta acts as a customs clearance agent in cooperation with the Czech Customs Administration to process inbound international consignments on behalf of recipients. Any applicable customs duties and import VAT are the responsibility of the recipient. Česká Pošta does not offer a Delivered Duty Paid option for standard postal services, meaning recipients must settle all charges upon customs clearance of imported items. Consignments worth less than $165 require a customs declaration filed online unless already filed in another EU member state.

• Customs declaration (outbound, non-EU): Required for all consignments except letters with written communication weighing up to 50 grams; CN 22 for lower-value items, CN 23 for higher-value items
• EU shipments: No customs declaration required for most consignments moving between EU member states
• Import VAT (inbound, non-EU): Due on all goods consignments from non-EU countries as of October 1, 2021, regardless of value, unless already collected at the point of purchase
• USA restriction (from August 22, 2025): Receipt of parcels containing goods of any value destined for the United States suspended; only written communications, documents, and private individual gifts up to $100 are accepted during this period
• Prohibited items (universal): Explosives, radioactive materials, caustic substances, compressed gases, live vertebrate animals, poisonous or infectious agents, narcotic substances, counterfeit goods, and obscene objects
• Conditionally accepted items: Perishable biological substances (with no odor leakage), non-vertebrate living animals, fragile items with appropriate packaging, liquids in leak-proof containers, and tires in sealed rigid packaging

Most international Economy shipments travel by air and are subject to IATA and ICAO airport security screening requirements. Items excluded by air transport regulations are not accepted in international postal services regardless of the destination country. Senders are responsible for verifying that the contents of their consignment comply with the regulations of both the originating country and the destination country before submitting items for international posting.

Understanding tracking statuses

Česká Pošta operates a Track and Trace system that allows senders and recipients to monitor consignments online. Up to 20 tracking numbers can be queried simultaneously by entering them separated by commas or semicolons, and notifications can be configured for delivery by SMS or email. The standard tracking number consists of three components, a two-letter service prefix such as DR for Parcel Delivery To Hand EE for domestic EMS, EM for outgoing international EMS, NB or NR for Balíkovna, or RR and BA for Registered Mail; followed by nine or ten digits uniquely identifying the consignment; and ending with either a sender code letter or the ISO country code of origin, such as CZ for the Czech Republic.

Tracking events are recorded at key stages of a shipment's journey, from initial data submission by the sender through sorting facilities, exchange hubs, customs processing, out-for-delivery scans, and final delivery confirmation. For international parcels, tracking visibility may transfer to the destination postal operator once the consignment leaves the Czech Republic. The level of detail and frequency of updates for the final delivery leg depends on the capabilities of the receiving postal service in the destination country.