Travel To Austria: What You Need To Know This Summer

Austria is a popular destination for tourists, with 40 million arrivals each year. The best time to visit Austria is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when the weather is warm and there are long days. This is the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking and boating, with snow-free alpine trails to enjoy. However, it is also peak season, so there will be bigger crowds and more competition for rooms. If you want to avoid the busiest times, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer smaller crowds, decent weather, and lower prices. Just watch out for public holidays in spring, which can limit sightseeing, and the colder weather in fall.

Entry requirements

Passports and Visas

Austrian authorities set and enforce entry rules. Your passport must meet the following requirements:

• Have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive. 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 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
• Have two blank pages for entry stamps.

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Austria, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you are travelling for tourism, business, or short-term studies or training. However, you may need to show proof of your accommodation, travel insurance, a return or onward ticket, and proof that you have enough money for your stay.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must meet the Austrian government's entry requirements and obtain the appropriate visa. Check with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Austrian Embassy in your country for the specific visa requirements.

COVID-19 Entry Requirements

There are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Austria. However, it is recommended that you review the latest Travel Health Information and the Country Security Report for Austria before your trip.

Currency Restrictions

When entering or exiting Austria, you must declare cash or travellers' cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. Failure to declare may result in your money being seized when you leave.

Driving Requirements

If you plan to drive in Austria, be aware that:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You need an international driving permit or a German translation of your driver's licence.
• Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15.
• You must display a highway-tax sticker on your vehicle's windshield.
• Using a hand-held cell phone while driving is illegal.
• Turning right on a red light is prohibited.
• Driving under the influence has stricter penalties than in many U.S. states.
• You must pull over to the left or right when an emergency vehicle approaches to create an emergency corridor.

Things to do in summer

Austria is a great destination to visit in the summer, with hot weather and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Here are some ideas for things to do during the summer months in Austria:

• Explore nature: Austria is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and valleys. Go hiking in the Alps, take a dip in one of the country's famous crystal-clear lakes, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
• City breaks: Spend a few days in one of Austria's charming cities, such as Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna, or Graz. Enjoy the summer atmosphere in the city, with outdoor terraces, street performances, and cultural events.
• Outdoor activities: In addition to hiking, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to keep you busy in the summer, such as paragliding, zip-lining, horse riding, and mountain climbing.
• Cultural experiences: Visit museums and galleries, attend music festivals and concerts, and explore historic sites such as castles and palaces.
• Food and wine: Sample traditional Austrian cuisine and enjoy the country's famous wine culture. Visit farmers' markets, vineyards, and wine taverns to taste local produce and wines.
• Lakeside activities: In addition to swimming, Austria's lakes offer a range of activities such as kayaking, boating, and diving.
• Relax and unwind: If you're looking for a more relaxing holiday, consider visiting a spa or sauna, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains and lakes.

Safety and security

Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare. However, tourists should be aware of crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, which can occur in crowded public areas like pedestrian shopping areas, restaurants, cafés, and public transportation. It is advised to always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when in public places.

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe, and Austria's current threat level is "high". Targets could include government buildings, airports, public transport, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners. It is advised to be particularly vigilant during events and holidays, as terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

When it comes to road safety, Austria has excellent road conditions. However, roads in alpine areas can be dangerous in the winter due to snow, ice, or avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods, and snow tires or chains may be required in certain provinces or mountain towns. It is mandatory to carry specific safety equipment in your car, such as high-visibility vests, and to display a highway-tax sticker on the inside of the vehicle's windshield.

For those planning to engage in outdoor activities, it is important to take necessary precautions. If you intend to go mountaineering or skiing, it is recommended to hire an experienced guide, purchase travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation, ensure your physical condition is suitable for the activity, and inform someone of your itinerary.

In terms of health, Austria has world-class healthcare facilities and medical staff. However, local hospitals will not settle accounts directly with American insurance companies, so it is important to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays. Make sure to carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor's prescription.

Overall, by taking normal security precautions and following local laws and guidelines, travellers can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Austria.

Driving in Austria

If you're planning to drive in Austria, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, driving is on the right side of the road, and overtaking is on the left. This can take some adjustment if you're used to driving on the left. Austrian motorists tend to drive reasonably fast, especially on Autobahns, but strict regulations mean they generally obey road rules.

Rules and Regulations

Austrian road rules are similar to those in other European countries. However, there are some Austria-specific speed limits, rules, and customs to be aware of. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Speed limits vary depending on the area. In residential and urban areas, the limit is typically 50 km/h, while on freeways (Bundesstraße) it's 100 km/h, and on highways (Autobahn) it's 130 km/h.
• It is compulsory to wear a seatbelt at all times when driving or riding in a car.
• Mobile phones can only be used with a hands-free car kit.
• Drivers must carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest, and be able to present them during a traffic check.
• Winter equipment for vehicles is mandatory from 1st November to 15th April. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres or snow chains.
• All motorways and expressways are subject to tolls, known as "vignettes". You can purchase these at border crossings, insurance companies, and petrol stations.
• Radar detectors that interfere with police equipment are prohibited, but sat nav systems indicating fixed-speed camera locations are permitted.
• Dashboard cameras are not allowed.
• It is illegal to cover your face in public in Austria, so keep this in mind if you plan to wear a helmet or face-covering while driving.

Documents and Requirements

To drive in Austria, you must have a valid driver's license. If you have a foreign license, you can usually drive with it for up to six months, but it is best to switch to an Austrian license as soon as possible. Here are some other important documents and requirements:

• If your driving license is not from an EU or EEA country, you must also have an international driving permit.
• If your license is not in German, you must have an official translation or an international driving permit.
• Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported for up to six months without any formalities. However, you should always carry your full UK driving license, proof of ID (passport), motor insurance certificate, and V5 registration document.
• Since September 28, 2021, vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters 'UK' when driven in Austria. This can be on the number plate or as a separate sticker.
• You will need to obtain a "mautvignette" to use the motorways in Austria. This is a toll that can be paid at post offices, border points, and fuel stations.
• If you plan to import a car into Austria from another EU country, it must first pass a roadworthiness test in your country of residence. You can then use foreign number plates for up to one month before registering the car in Austria and obtaining local plates.

Road Conditions and Traffic

Austria has a well-developed road network, and road conditions are generally good. However, mountain roads can be narrow and covered with snow and ice during winter. Roads may close due to avalanches, so it is essential to check the weather conditions and traffic reports before embarking on your journey. The busiest roads tend to be in and around Vienna and other major urban centres.

Travel insurance

To obtain a Schengen visa, your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons
• The policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay
• The policy must have a $0 deductible with 100% coverage

If you are travelling to Austria, AXA's Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Austria and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries' requirements for over 10 years.

When preparing for your trip to Austria, remember that security is mostly good, but you should beware of thieves operating in busy tourist neighbourhoods and on the U-Bahn metro trains. Always remain vigilant and be careful with your personal items. As in other busy cities around the world, it's a good idea to avoid using mobile phones on public transport or on the street, and to avoid displaying valuables.

Austria has excellent public transport, with a high-speed rail network. Vienna is served by its U-Bahn metro system. Masks may remain compulsory on public transport in Vienna as a precaution against COVID-19.

Driving in Austria

Visitors from most countries can drive on Austrian roads for up to six months as long as they have a valid license from their country of residence.

Restaurants

The vast majority of cafés, bars and restaurants in Vienna are table service only, often even those that look like you should order at the bar. It can be considered rude to do otherwise. Most will open for lunch and dinner service.

Frequently asked questions