Travel To Austria: What Canadians Need To Know

Canadian citizens are permitted to travel to Austria for business, visitor, and/or tourist purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. However, Canadians intending to stay in Austria for longer than 90 days will require a Schengen visa. Additionally, Canadians looking to work in Austria can apply for a Working Holiday Visa, which allows young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 to travel and work in Austria for up to 12 months. It's important to note that specific requirements, such as passport validity and travel insurance, must be met before travelling.

Travel requirements and restrictions for Canadians entering Austria

As of 2020, the EU has lifted travel restrictions for Canadians, including to Austria. However, it is important to note that the government of Canada advises all Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada. If you do choose to travel, be aware that commercial airspace closures and movement restrictions can occur without warning and could prevent your return to Canada.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Canadians must have a valid passport to enter Austria. The passport must:

• Be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the period of intended stay in Austria.
• Have been issued within the last 10 years.
• Contain at least two blank pages.

If you are entering Austria from another Schengen country, you are exempt from presenting your passport to Austrian authorities. In this case, a national identity card is the only document you need.

Canadian citizens do not require a Schengen Visa for stays in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for business, visitor, or tourist purposes. During this visa-free stay, it is not permitted to take up any employment in Austria. For stays greater than 90 days, a Schengen Visa is mandatory.

Work Visas

If you are planning to work in Austria, you can apply for one of three Youth Mobility programs:

• Intra- and Partner-Company Training Program: For young professionals employed in Canada who want to travel to receive or provide training from a partner company in Austria.
• Young Workers Exchange Program: For post-secondary graduates who want professional training in tourism, agriculture, or forestry. Participants must have a degree or diploma in at least one of these fields.
• Working Holiday Programme: For Canadian youth looking to travel to Austria and work temporarily to fund their trip.

For the Intra- and Partner-Company Training Program and the Young Workers Exchange Program, you must have a job offer or a formal internship offer. For the Working Holiday Programme, a job offer is not required.

If you are staying in Austria for:

• Between three to six months: You need to apply for an entry permit (Visa D).
• More than six months: You need to apply for a residence permit.

Customs Regulations

Austrian customs regulate and block the importing of several dangerous items such as weapons (a valid European Firearm Pass is required) and legal and illegal drugs.

If you are arriving from an EU Member State, you may import the following quantities of alcohol and tobacco:

• Tobacco: Cigarettes (800), cigarillos (400), cigars (200), smoking tobacco (1kg).
• Alcohol: Spirits over 22% (10L), fortified wine or spirits up to 22% (20L), wine (90L), beer (110L).

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the quantities are as follows:

• Tobacco: Cigarettes (200), cigarillos (100), cigars (50), rolling tobacco (250g).
• Alcohol: Spirits over 22% (1L), fortified wine or spirits up to 22% (2L), non-sparkling wine (4L), beer (16L).

Additionally, amounts of money over €10,000 (or equivalent) in cash or travelers' cheques must be declared at the point of entry or exit of the EU.

Other Considerations

Infants up to 6 months old will be exempt from requiring a visa under certain conditions, such as if the mother or father/legal guardian of the infant has a valid residence permit for Austria.

Please note that these requirements and restrictions are subject to change, so it is recommended to check Austria's website and the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information before planning your travel.

Passport and visa requirements for Canadians in Austria

As a Canadian, you do not need a visa to enter Austria if you are staying for less than 90 days within a period of 180 days. This includes business, visitor, and tourist purposes. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a Schengen visa before travelling.

To enter Austria, you must carry a valid passport at all times. Your passport must meet the following requirements:

• Valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area
• Contain at least two blank pages
• Issued within the last 10 years

If you are a holder of a Canadian refugee travel document, you will need a Schengen visa to enter Austria, even for stays of up to 90 days.

If you are a Canadian citizen but also a citizen of Austria, you may be subject to different entry/exit requirements and could experience limited access to consular services while in Austria. Additionally, you may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Austrian law.

Travel insurance and health and safety considerations for Canadians in Austria

Austria is known for its safety, efficient transportation system, and well-developed infrastructure. However, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some key considerations for Canadians travelling to Austria:

Travel Insurance:

• It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, trip delay, and baggage loss/delay coverage.
• Ensure your travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses and evacuation, especially if you plan to engage in outdoor activities or adventure sports.
• Consider "cancel for any reason" coverage, which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason with partial reimbursement.
• Compare different insurance providers and plans to find the best coverage at the best price.

Health and Safety:

• Always carry a valid passport and any other required travel documents. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded public places and tourist areas, due to the risk of terrorism and petty crimes such as pickpocketing.
• Keep your belongings secure at all times, particularly in busy areas like public transportation, restaurants, and cafes.
• Be cautious when using ATMs to avoid debit or credit card fraud. Use machines in well-lit areas and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Stay informed about the latest regional weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities, especially in alpine areas prone to avalanches, flash floods, and mudslides.
• If you plan to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing, follow marked trails, inform others of your itinerary, and ensure you have the necessary physical conditioning and equipment.
• Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date, and consider additional vaccinations or medications recommended for your specific itinerary.
• Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice cubes to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses.
• Be cautious when consuming food or beverages in rural or undeveloped areas to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Always carry identification, such as your passport, and be aware of local laws and customs.
• Driving laws and road conditions may differ from those in Canada, so familiarize yourself with the local rules and regulations before renting a vehicle.

By taking these precautions and staying informed, Canadians can better ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Austria.

Transport options for Canadians travelling to Austria

Canadians can travel to Austria by plane or car.

Plane

Air Canada offers flights from Canada to Austria. Flights depart from Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Calgary, and arrive in Vienna.

Car

Canadians can drive in Austria with an international driving permit or a German translation of their driver's licence. Canadians intending to stay in Austria for more than 12 months must obtain an Austrian licence.

Driving laws in Austria include:

• It is illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving.
• It is against the law to turn right at a red light.
• Cars must give way to emergency vehicles by pulling over to the far left or far right to create an emergency corridor.
• Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15.
• All vehicles must carry high-visibility vests.
• To drive on the highway, you must purchase an autobahn vignette (sticker) and affix it to the car's windshield.

Work opportunities for Canadians in Austria

Canadians are allowed to travel to Austria for short stays of up to 90 days without needing to obtain a visa. For longer stays, a Schengen visa is required. Canadians can also apply for an ETIAS authorisation, which will allow multiple entries into Austria for short-stay periods, and is valid for five years.

There are several work opportunities for Canadians in Austria, especially in the fields of ICT, metal technology, electrical engineering, and life sciences. Here are some specific programs and sectors that offer work opportunities for Canadians in Austria:

Bilateral Youth Mobility Programs

Canadians between the ages of 18 and 35 can participate in various Youth Mobility programs that facilitate working and travelling in Austria. These include:

• The Intra- and Partner-Company Training Program: For young professionals employed in Canada who want to receive or provide training from a partner company in Austria.
• The Young Workers Exchange Program: For post-secondary graduates seeking professional training in tourism, agriculture, or forestry. Participants must have a degree or diploma in at least one of these fields.
• The Working Holiday Programme: For Canadian youth who want to work temporarily in Austria to fund their trip. This program does not require a formal job offer.

Seasonal Work

Seasonal employment in Austria, such as in the tourism and agricultural sectors, typically requires a work permit and a visa. The validity of the work permit depends on the type of work and can be up to six or nine months. To obtain a work permit, your employer must apply to the Austrian Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice - AMS). Once the work permit is granted, you can apply for a visa at an Austrian embassy or consulate.

Other Sectors

Austria offers work opportunities in various sectors, including:

• IT: Specialists in programming, software development, and data analytics are in demand.
• Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, civil, and industrial engineers are sought after in the Austrian labour market.
• Healthcare: Foreign doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals can find jobs in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities.
• Tourism and Hospitality: The developed tourism industry provides opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and travel services.
• Finance: As the financial centre of Europe, Austria offers jobs in banking, financial consulting, and auditing.
• Construction: There is a demand for foreign workers in new construction and renovation projects.
• Education: Foreign teachers, particularly those with experience in teaching English as a foreign language, may find work in Austrian schools, colleges, and universities.
• Creative Industries: Austria's strong creative sector presents opportunities for designers and other creative professionals.

Frequently asked questions