Travel Documents For Uk Citizens Visiting Austria

If you are a UK national, you will not need a visa to travel to Austria for a short holiday. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, there are some requirements your passport must meet. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 3 months from the date you intend to leave the EU, and it is strongly recommended that your passport has at least 6 months' validity when entering Austria. Your passport must also be less than 10 years old, even if it has 6 months or more left. If these conditions are not met, you may not be able to travel to the EU, including Austria.

UK passport requirements for Austria

To enter Austria as a UK citizen, you must meet the following passport requirements:

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date you intend to leave the EU. It is strongly recommended that your passport has at least six months' validity when entering Austria, as this will save you from having to prove your date of departure.
• Your passport must be less than 10 years old, even if it has six months or more left.
• Your passport must 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.
• Your passport must have an 'expiry date' of at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.

Please note that these requirements are for UK citizens travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport. Different rules may apply to non-UK nationals, even if they are family members of UK citizens. If you are unsure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Austrian Embassy.

Visa requirements for UK citizens

As a UK citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Austria for a short trip or holiday. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you're travelling for tourism, business meetings, cultural or sports events, or short-term studies. However, you may need to renew your British passport if it's close to expiring.

On the day of travel, your passport must:

• Have at least 3 months' validity remaining from the date you intend to leave the EU. Although it's not a requirement, it is strongly recommended that your passport is valid for at least 6 months when entering Austria. This will often save you from having to prove your intended departure date from the EU.
• Be less than 10 years old, even if it has 6 months or more left.

If your passport doesn't meet these conditions, you may not be able to travel to Austria or any other EU country.

For longer stays in Austria, such as for work, study, or business purposes, you may need a visa or residence permit. Contact the Austrian Embassy for specific information on visa and work permit requirements.

Please note that from spring 2025, travellers from the UK will require an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) travel authorisation to enter Austria.

Staying longer than 90 days in Austria

If you are a UK citizen, you can travel to Austria without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, if you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to meet the Austrian government's entry requirements. Here are some important things to know and consider:

Visa and Work Permit Requirements:

To stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa or work permit. Contact the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Austrian Embassy in the UK to determine the specific type of visa or work permit required for your situation. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Passport Validity:

Ensure that your passport is valid and meets the necessary requirements. Your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before your arrival date. Additionally, it should have an 'expiry date' of at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area. If your passport does not meet these criteria, you may be denied entry.

Border Control Requirements:

When entering Austria, you may be asked to present certain documents at border control. Be prepared to show proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home. Additionally, you may need to show proof of travel insurance, a return or onward ticket, and evidence that you have sufficient funds for your stay.

Residence Permit or Long-Stay Visa:

If you already have a residence permit or long-stay visa for Austria, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit. However, it is important to comply with the conditions and requirements of your permit or visa.

Overstaying the 90-Day Limit:

Overstaying the 90-day visa-free limit can have serious consequences. If you exceed this limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years. Therefore, it is crucial to keep track of your entry and exit dates and ensure that your stay does not exceed 90 days within the 180-day period.

Bilateral Agreements:

Some countries have bilateral agreements with Austria that allow their citizens to stay longer than the standard 90 days. These agreements are independent of the Schengen visa and can provide an additional period of time in Austria. However, you would typically need to remain in the same country for the duration of your stay under these agreements.

Working Holiday Visas:

If you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or other eligible countries, you may be able to obtain a working holiday visa to extend your stay in Austria. These visas are designed for young travellers who want to work and travel, and they can provide an opportunity to stay for up to 2 years.

Long-Term-Stay Visas:

A limited number of Schengen countries, including Austria, offer long-term-stay visas for tourists or visitors who do not intend to work. These visas can allow you to stay for up to 1 year, but the requirements and application processes vary from country to country. Contact the relevant embassies or consulates to inquire about the specific long-term-stay visa options for Austria.

Student Visas:

If you plan to study in Austria, you can apply for a student visa. Enrolling in a recognised university program will greatly increase your chances of obtaining this type of visa. However, it is important to note that student visas typically involve additional requirements and costs.

Freelancer/Remote Worker Visas:

Austria and some other Schengen countries offer freelancer or remote worker visas. These visas are designed for digital nomads or individuals with a form of income who wish to live and work in the country. The requirements and application processes vary, so be sure to research the specific guidelines for Austria.

Remember to always follow the official guidelines and regulations provided by the Austrian government and diplomatic missions. The information provided here is intended as a guide, and specific requirements may change over time.

Driving in Austria

If you're planning to drive in Austria, there are a few things you should know. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the roads safely and confidently:

Road Rules and Regulations:

• Drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
• Always carry your registration papers and a valid driver's license.
• Use indicators when overtaking or changing lanes.
• All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially rail vehicles.
• Only use mobile phones with a hands-free car kit.
• Be sure to carry reflective jackets, warning triangles, and a first aid kit.
• Dipped headlights must be on during the day for motorcyclists.
• Winter equipment, such as winter tyres or snow chains, is mandatory from 1st November to 15th April.
• The blood alcohol content limit for drivers is 0.049%, and there are strict penalties for driving under the influence.

Speed Limits:

• Residential and urban areas: 30-50 km/h unless posted otherwise.
• Freeways (Bundesstraße): 100 km/h.
• Highways (Autobahn): 130 km/h.

Documents and Requirements:

• Visitors must be 18 or older and hold a full, valid driving license.
• Motorists from the UK can drive in Austria for up to six months with their UK driving license.
• Ensure your vehicle is registered and has the correct license plates.
• You will need a UK sticker on the rear of your car if your number plate does not include the UK identifier.
• It is recommended to have your passport, proof of insurance, and a V5 registration document with you.
• All motor vehicles must pay a toll called a "mautvignette" to use motorways. You can purchase this at border points and fuel stations.

Emergency Information:

• Dial 112 for emergencies. This number works across Europe and will connect you to an operator who can assist in multiple languages.
• In case of vehicle breakdowns, you can contact organisations like ÖAMTC (120) or ARBÖ for assistance.

Other Tips:

• Austria has a well-developed road network, but be cautious on mountain roads and watch out for road closures due to construction.
• Familiarise yourself with road signs and traffic rules before your trip.
• Always follow parking regulations to avoid fines and penalties.
• If you're bringing a pet, ensure you have the necessary documentation and meet the entry requirements.

Travelling with pets to Austria

If you want to take your pet abroad with you to Austria, you should consult the official veterinarian (district authority or magistrate) about the regulations before your holiday.

When entering or re-entering from third countries, your animal must be examined by a border veterinarian. Please note that a border veterinary service is not set up at every customs office (for air travel, for example, only at the airports of Vienna and Linz).

Veterinary Rules for Pets

• A maximum of five animals per person are allowed.
• Each animal must be identified by a microchip. Tattoos are accepted if done before July 3, 2011, and are clearly legible.
• Each animal must have a pet passport issued by a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority.
• The passport must show that the animal has a valid rabies vaccination and, if applicable, a valid booster vaccination. The rabies vaccination is valid for 21 days after completion of the basic immunisation, if the animal has had regular booster vaccinations.
• A leash and muzzle must be carried during your stay in Austria. The individual communities regulate the leash or muzzle obligation.

Airline Requirements

Different airlines will have varying requirements for the transportation of pets. For example, Austrian Airlines requires the following:

• Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old and weaned from its mother.
• Your pet may be carried in the cabin and/or the cargo hold depending on its size, weight (including the carrying container) and the relevant regulations of the country concerned.
• You can carry up to two healthy pets in an approved carrying container.
• The carrying container must be: soft, bite-proof and leak-proof; insulated against odours; adequately ventilated even when closed; and large enough for the pet to stand, turn around and lie down normally.
• The total weight of the animal and travel carrier must not exceed 8 kg. The travel carrier must not exceed dimensions of 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front.
• You must confirm that the animal meets the stated requirements to take your pet with you into the cabin as hand luggage.

Frequently asked questions