Festival Pass+ Smart

For this year’s anniversary edition, we are introducing two versions of digital festival passes: Festival Pass+ and Festival Pass+ Smart, which are modern digital versions of the classic Festival Pass. They allow you to book tickets online before arriving in Karlovy Vary and have everything conveniently on your phone. Both passes are available in limited quantities, and requests for them can only be made through your user profile on the website here on the website. Applications for both versions of the Festival Pass+ will open on Monday, May 18, 2026.

What’s included with Festival Pass+ Smart

A digital Festival Pass for the entire festival, delivered to your user account and Wallet.
Advance reservations – the ability to reserve tickets from home before arriving at the festival.
Otherwise identical functionality to the classic Festival Pass.
Access to digital gifts.

Gift Package

A voucher for one month of KVIFF.TV subscription for CZK 1.
10% discount on festival merchandise redeemable at Festival Shops.
Discounts and offers from festival partners.

20% discount on tickets to the Colours of Ostrava festival.

Prices for 2026	Festival Pass+ Smart	Festival Pass+ Smart with discount *
July 6–11 (excluding the first festival weekend) **	CZK 1,990	CZK 1,790

* All discounts are granted based on a valid document. Discount applies to students (student ID, original confirmation of studies, ISIC card, etc.), seniors (age 65+), and holders of ZTP disability card.

** Free festival brochure – available at the Main Box Office.

Note: Festival Pass+ Smart for 2026 is available only for the full duration of the festival and in limited quantity. If demand exceeds capacity, passes will be allocated by lottery.

Who can apply for Festival Pass+ Smart

Festival Pass+ Smart is designed for film enthusiasts who know it’s “smart” to head to the festival after the first weekend. You’ll avoid the biggest crowds at the theaters and long lines, and enjoy all the benefits from Monday, July 6, through the closing ceremony on Saturday, July 11, 2026. It offers the ultimate convenience of digital reservations for the entire 6 days. l.
Starting this year, it is no longer possible to apply for multiple passports (+1) under a single profile. Each visitor must submit their own application using their own account.

How to reserve tickets with Festival Pass+ Smart

Tickets can be reserved online via the Vodafone KVIFF Guide mobile app (Android / iOS), or in person at box offices within the festival area using your digital festival pass in your Wallet.

The same rules apply as with the classic Festival Pass:

Maximum 3 tickets per day for 3 different festival films.
Requires physical ticket pickup at the box office.
Reservations expire 60 minutes before the screening starts.
Chance to get a seat 5 minutes before the screening depending on availability – even without a valid ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Festival Pass and Festival Pass+ Smart?

The Festival Pass+ and Festival Pass+ Smart are digital versions of the pass that include pre-festival online booking and a gift package. They differ in validity period and price: The Festival Pass+ is valid for the entire duration of the festival, from July 3 to July 9, 2026, and costs 2,990 CZK. The Festival Pass+ Smart is valid from July 6 to July 11, 2026, and costs 1,990 CZK.

Why is the number of Festival Pass+ Smart limited?

We want to keep things fair for last-minute attendees. That's why capacity is limited and distributed by lottery.

Does the time of application matter?

No. The time and order of application do not affect the allocation of Festival Pass+ Smart. If demand exceeds supply, passes are distributed via lottery.

Do I have an advantage with Pass+ Smart when reserving tickets?

No. The reservation system is the same. The only benefit is the ability to start reserving earlier from home.

Do I need to pick up a physical badge?

No. Everything is available digitally. However, you can pick up the badge at the outdoor box office by Hotel Thermal anytime during your stay if you wish.

What if I’m not selected?

You will receive an email informing you that you are on the waiting list. If someone selected doesn’t pay, you may be contacted.

Can I try my luck in line without a ticket with a digital pass?

Yes. 5 minutes before the screening, unclaimed seats may be released. Come to the entrance and follow staff instructions. This option applies to both regular Festival Passes and Festival Passes+.

What does Festival Pass+ Smart NOT guarantee?

Permanent entry – a valid reservation and ticket is always required.
A guaranteed seat – admission is subject to venue capacity.
More tickets than a regular Festival Pass.
Priority entry or better seats.
Access to VIP or restricted zones.
Better chances at reservations – the system is the same for all pass types.
Online cancellation of reserved tickets.