Travel Guide: Flying From The Uk To Austria

Austria is a popular holiday destination for UK residents, with its impressive nature, rich culture, and well-developed public transportation network. The country offers convenient travel options, including flights, trains, and buses, making it easily accessible from the UK. However, it is important to be aware of the entry requirements and restrictions that may be in place, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. While direct flights between the UK and Austria have been restored, there may still be specific requirements for travellers, such as proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results. Understanding the latest guidelines and staying informed about any updates is essential before planning a trip to Austria.

UK passport requirements for Austria

As a UK citizen, you can travel to Austria without a visa for short trips, including holidays, business meetings, or short-term studies. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, there are specific passport requirements you must meet:

• Your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months from the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. It is strongly recommended that your passport has at least six months of validity when entering Austria. This will save you from having to prove your date of intended departure from the EU in many cases.
• Your passport must be less than ten years old from the date of issue, even if it has six months or more left until expiry.

If your passport does not meet these requirements, you may need to renew it before travelling. Additionally, at Austrian border control, you may need to provide the following:

• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home.
• Proof of travel insurance.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Proof that you have enough money for your stay.

Travel restrictions for UK citizens

If you are a UK citizen travelling to Austria, there are several restrictions you should be aware of. Firstly, Austria follows the Schengen area rules, which means that your passport must meet certain validity requirements. Your passport must:

• Have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive in Austria. If you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years old.
• Have an 'expiry date' of at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.

It is important to check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet these requirements. You may need to renew your passport if it does not comply with the above. You will be denied entry to Austria if you do not have a valid travel document or if you try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

UK citizens can travel to Austria without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you are travelling to visit family or friends, attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training. However, different requirements apply if you plan to work in Austria. If you are travelling to other Schengen countries as well, ensure that your entire visit is within the 90-day limit. Overstaying the 90-day visa-free limit may result in a ban from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

At Austrian border control, you may be asked to provide the following:

• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home.
• Proof of travel insurance.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Proof that you have enough money for your stay.

If you plan to stay in Austria for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you must meet the Austrian government's entry requirements. Check with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Austrian Embassy in the UK to determine which type of visa or work permit you need.

Airports in Austria

Austria has several airports with international connections, including Vienna, which acts as a hub. Here is a list of some of the airports in Austria:

Vienna International Airport

Located about 18 kilometres southeast of Vienna, this is the largest airport in Austria. It has three passenger terminals and a total passenger capacity of around 30 million travellers per year. Vienna International Airport serves flights to and from 217 destinations, with 77 airlines in operation. It is easily accessible from the city centre by the City Airport Train (CAT), which takes just 16 minutes.

Salzburg Airport

Also known as Salzburg Airport W.A. Mozart, this airport offers international connections and is served by airlines such as British Airways, which operates routes from London Heathrow.

Innsbruck Airport

Innsbruck Airport is another airport in western Austria with international connections. British Airways provides routes to this airport from London Heathrow.

Blue Danube Airport Linz

Linz Hörsching Airport, also known as Blue Danube Airport, is one of the larger airports in Austria. It is located in the city of Linz and serves domestic and European destinations.

Klagenfurt Airport

Klagenfurt Airport, also known as Kärnten Airport, is another airport in Austria that serves domestic and European flights.

Hohenems-Dornbirn Airport

Hohenems-Dornbirn Airport is a smaller airport in Austria that serves domestic and regional flights.

These are some of the main airports in Austria, offering a mix of international, domestic, and regional connections.

Getting around Austria

Yes, you can fly directly to Austria from the UK. Austrian Airlines is Austria's largest carrier and operates a global route network of around 130 destinations and 220 flights per day.

Austria has a well-developed transport system, making it easy to get around the country. Here are some options for navigating your way through this beautiful country:

By Train:

Austria's national rail operator, ÖBB, offers a punctual and extensive train network that connects most towns and cities. All major stations have left-luggage lockers, making it convenient for travellers. An affordable option is the Westbahn, a privately operated train line connecting Vienna to Linz and Salzburg. Additionally, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) Railjet offers a unique experience, allowing you to travel through stunning alpine scenery and picturesque villages.

By Bus:

For budget-conscious travellers, the German company Flixbus offers inexpensive connections between major cities. The ÖBB-owned Postbus provides services to more remote areas, including the breathtaking Alpine valleys.

By Car:

Austria boasts a well-developed road network, making it easy to reach various destinations by car. However, keep in mind that all Austrian motorways ("Autobahn") and expressways ("S" roads) are subject to tolls, so be sure to obtain a vignette toll sticker before embarking on your journey.

By Bike:

Austria is a bike-friendly country, with dedicated cycle lanes in all major towns and even between some towns. Many train stations offer bike rentals for around €12 per day, and cities like Vienna and Innsbruck provide public bike rental networks.

By Cable Car:

For a unique perspective, consider taking a cable car ride. While specific information on locations is not readily available, cable cars are mentioned as a means of getting around and taking in the sights.

Entry and customs regulations

Passport Requirements

Your passport must meet the following requirements:

• Have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive in Austria. If you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago.
• Have an 'expiry date' at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Six months validity is strongly recommended to avoid needing to prove your departure date.
• Be less than 10 years old, even if it has more than six months left.

If these conditions are not met, you may not be able to travel to Austria.

Visa Requirements

UK nationals don't need a visa for holidays in Austria (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). At border control, you may need to show:

• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home.
• Proof of travel insurance.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Proof that you have enough money for your stay.

For longer stays, work, study, or business, you may need a visa or permit.

ETIAS Travel Authorisation

From spring 2025, travellers from the UK will require an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Austria.

Customs Regulations

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Austria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking Food into Austria

You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions, such as powdered baby milk, baby food, and special foods or pet food required for medical reasons.

Taking Money into Austria

You must declare cash or travellers' cheques if the value is €10,000 or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Frequently asked questions