no. The lower area of the data page contains the Machine-readable zone. Passport note Passports typically contain a message from the minister or official in charge of passport issuance addressed to the officials of foreign states, requesting that the citizen bearing the passport be allowed free passage through the state, and if in need be provided assistance consistent with international norms. Today this treatment is expected rather than requested, but the message remains as a tradition. Czech passports bear this message only in Czech, in capitals and as follows: Držitel českého cestovního pasu je pod ochranou České republiky. Všichni, jichž se to může týkat, se žádají, aby v případě potřeby poskytli držiteli tohoto pasu nezbytnou pomoc a ochranu podle mezinárodního práva. The above message when unofficially rendered in English, would read: The holder of a Czech passport is under the protection of the Czech Republic. All those whom it may concern are hereby requested to, in times of need, render the holder of this passport all essential help and protection under international law. Languages The data page is printed in Czech, English and French, followed a few pages later with translations to all remaining official EU languages and Russian. Visa requirements Czech citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 186 countries and territories, ranking the Czech passport 7th overall in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index. History Non-machine-readable passports These series have become obsolete and are only issued for emergency reasons due to more expedient processing. 1993 passport series The first passport of the Czech Republic, issued between the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and 31/3/2000, with a ten-year validity. The data page is inside the back cover and printed in Czech and English. The photograph is attached with adhesive. These features remain constant for all non-machine readable passports 1998 passport series Issued: from 2000 until 30/6/2000 with a ten-year validity from 1/7/2000 until 31/8/2006 with a one-year validity from 1/9/2006 until 31/12/2006 with a six-month validity, or for citizens under five years of age with a one year validity 2005 passport series Issued: from 2005 until 31/8/2006 with a one-year validity from 1/9/2006 until 31/12/2009 with a six-month validity, or for citizens under five years of age with a one year validity 2007 passport series Issued from February 2007 with a six-month validity, or for citizens under five years of age with a one-year validity.