Travel Alert: Flying Into Austria — What You Need To Know

Austria is currently open to international travellers, but there are some important things to keep in mind before you fly. Austria is part of the Schengen area, which means that citizens of certain countries, including the UK, Canada, and the US, can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, you will need to meet certain passport validity requirements and may need to show proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means to cover your stay. It's also important to be aware of the current security risks in Austria, including the threat of terrorism and petty crime.

You can fly into Austria without a visa for up to 90 days

Austria is a great destination for exploring nature and history. With its delicious pastries and over 200 balls organised each year, there is more than enough reason for Austria to be on everyone's bucket list.

If you are a citizen of the 27-nation bloc, Norway, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, or Iceland, you can fly into Austria without a visa for up to 90 days. Travellers from these countries do not need to quarantine upon arrival. However, they must present a negative COVID-19 test result, a vaccination certificate, or medical proof of recovery from the virus. This can be in the form of a certificate, proof of a negative test or recovery from COVID-19 issued by medical authorities, an official test result, a vaccination certificate, card, or the EU COVID-19 Vaccination Passport, in digital or paper format, either in English or German.

If you are travelling to Austria without a visa, you can do so for a variety of reasons, including visiting family or friends, attending business meetings or cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training. However, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit if you are also travelling to other Schengen countries. Visits to Schengen countries within the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. Overstaying the 90-day visa-free limit may result in a ban from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

When flying into Austria, you may need to show proof of your accommodation, travel insurance, a return or onward ticket, and that you have enough money for your stay. It is also important to get your passport stamped on entry and exit. If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area and ask the border guards to add the date and location to your passport.

Austria has a well-developed public transportation network, making it quick and easy to get around the country by flight, train, or bus. The country also offers an excellent road network, ideal for all road users.

You must present a negative COVID-19 test result, a vaccination certificate, or proof of recovery

If you are planning to fly to Austria, you should be aware of the country's entry requirements, especially those related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As of October 2021, travellers to Austria are required to present either a negative COVID-19 test result, a vaccination certificate, or proof of recovery from the virus. This documentation ensures a quarantine-free pass for entry into the country.

A certificate, proof of a negative test, or recovery from COVID-19 must be issued by medical authorities and can be presented in digital or paper format, either in English or German. For those opting to present a negative test result, a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure or an antigen test taken no later than 48 hours in advance is required. It is important to note that self-tests are only valid if the result has been registered in an official data processing system before the trip. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from this requirement and do not need to present a test upon arrival in Austria.

For those who are vaccinated, it is important to know that only vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), such as Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Janssen, are recognised for entry into Austria. Additionally, travellers must have received their final dose at least 14 days before arrival. For the single-shot Janssen vaccine, travellers are considered fully vaccinated 22 days after receiving the vaccine, and the certificate is valid for 270 days.

If you are unable to provide any of the above documentation upon arrival, you will be required to present a PCR or antigen test taken upon arrival in Austria.

It is worth noting that these requirements may change over time, and it is always a good idea to check for the latest updates before planning your trip to ensure a smooth journey.

You must declare cash or travellers cheques over 10,000 euros

As of June 2021, travellers entering or leaving the EU are obliged to complete a cash declaration when carrying €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies, bonds, shares or traveller's cheques). This is part of the EU's efforts to tackle money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The definition of 'cash' in the rules has been extended to include certain other valuable items, such as:

• Banknotes and coins (including currency now out of general circulation but that can still be exchanged in a financial institution or central bank)
• Bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• Gold coins with a gold content of at least 90%
• Gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5%

Customs authorities are empowered to check persons, their luggage and their means of transport. They can also detain undeclared cash. If you do not lodge a declaration for cash amounts of €10,000 or more, or if there are indications of a link with criminal activity, you may face penalties. These can include significant fines for non-declaration.

The obligation to declare cash also applies in an EU transit country. This means that air travellers must declare cash even if they are only staying in the transit area of an EU airport for a short time.

If you are travelling to Austria, you must declare funds of more than €10,000 or the equivalent if you are travelling between Austria and a non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not just cash. Failure to do so will result in fines. However, you do not need to declare cash if you are travelling to or from another EU country.

You must carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area

Austria is a member of the Schengen area, which means that citizens of other Schengen countries can enter without a visa and without needing to go through border checks. However, you must carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area.

The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 by the governments of Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Germany, and it abolished internal border checks between member states. Since then, several other countries have joined the Schengen area, including Austria, which became a member in 1995.

The Schengen Agreement allows for free movement between member countries, but it's important to note that individual states can still conduct checks at internal borders for a limited period of time if required by public order or national security. Therefore, it is recommended that all citizens of Schengen countries carry a valid passport or ID card when travelling between member states.

When travelling to Austria, it is important to ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining. While this is not a requirement for entry into Austria, it is a requirement for entry into many other countries. Additionally, your passport should have at least three months of validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.

In addition to your passport, there are a few other documents you may need when travelling to Austria. If you are planning to drive, you will need an international driving permit or a German translation of your driver's license. If you are travelling with medication, it is recommended that you carry it in its original packaging, along with a doctor's prescription. It is also a good idea to check with the Austrian Ministry of Health to ensure that your medication is legal in Austria.

You must have a return ticket and proof of travel insurance

Austria is a fantastic destination for exploring nature and history. The country boasts delicious pastries and over 200 balls organised annually.

If you are planning a trip to Austria, you must have a return ticket and proof of travel insurance. Here are some important things to know about these requirements:

Return Ticket

When travelling to Austria, it is essential to have a return or onward ticket. This requirement applies to visitors entering Austria without a visa, as they are permitted to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Make sure you get your passport stamped on both entry and exit to avoid overstaying. Border guards will check these stamps to ensure compliance with the visa-free limit. If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of your entry or exit, such as boarding passes or tickets, and request the border guards to add the necessary information to your passport.

Travel Insurance

It is highly recommended that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before your trip to Austria. Your insurance policy should cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. Additionally, ensure that your insurance covers you for the entire duration of your trip. If you plan to engage in high-risk activities, such as skiing or mountaineering, confirm with your insurance provider that these activities are included in your coverage.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the return ticket and travel insurance, there are a few other essential items you should have when travelling to Austria:

• A valid passport: Your passport must meet certain validity requirements. It should have an 'issue date' less than ten years before your arrival in Austria, and the 'expiry date' must be at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
• Proof of accommodation: You may be asked to provide confirmation of your hotel booking or proof of address for a second home.
• Proof of sufficient funds: Ensure you have enough money for your stay, as border guards may request proof of this.
• Health requirements: There are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Austria. However, it is always a good idea to stay updated with the latest health guidelines and recommendations.

By following these guidelines and having the necessary documentation, you can ensure a smooth entry into Austria and focus on enjoying your trip.

Frequently asked questions