The Czech Embassy in Ottawa provides information and services to promote Czech and Canadian relations. It also to provides visa and consular services for visitors to the Czech Republic and Czech communities in Canada. It provides short term tourist visas and other visas for travelers to the Czech Republic and has 7 consular offices across Canada. The embassy organizes presentations, exhibitions and concerts around the country to promote Czech culture, society and sports teams.
The embassy works with tourism promotion agencies to raise awareness about the history and culture of Prague and other cities in the Republic plus its World Heritage Sites. The Embassy works to promote trade between the two countries and promotes investment and economic opportunities in the Czech Republic. It works closely with the Czech North American Chamber of Commerce.
The embassy is houses in a building that dates to the late 19th century. It was built by a prosperous Ottawa doctor, Dr Rogers, and it an example of the late Victorian style popular in North America. In the 1940s it became home to the Club for the Liberal Party of Canada and both the interior and exterior were renovated. Prime Ministers Pearson and St Laurent started their political careers here. In 2000 the building became the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the first floor was renovated to recreate the original decor. The walls are painted in the traditional colors of the time with fine wooden floors and decorative fireplaces. The rooms have period furniture and paintings adorning the walls.
