Exploring Austria: Planning Your Visit And Visa Requirements

Austria is a popular tourist destination, with tourism forming a significant part of the country's economy. Visitors are drawn to its cities, including Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Linz, as well as its natural attractions, such as the Alps, lakes, and valleys. As a member of the Schengen area, Austria allows citizens of other Schengen countries to enter without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, visitors should be aware of the local laws, safety precautions, and potential security threats when travelling to Austria.

Do I need a visa?

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Austria depends on several factors, such as your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay.

If you are a citizen of a country in the Schengen Area or the EU/EEA, you do not need a visa to visit Austria. Additionally, if you are from a country that has a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen Area, you are also exempt from applying for a visa. This includes citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, who can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

However, if you are a citizen of a non-EU country that has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the EU, or if you have been rejected from entering Austria or any other Schengen country visa-free, you will need to apply for a visa.

There are two main types of Austrian visas: short-term and long-term. Short-term visas, also known as C Visas or Schengen Visas, allow visitors to stay in Austria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These include tourist visas, visitor visas, business visas, visas for official visits, medical visas, and short-stay student visas. Long-term visas, also known as D Visas or resident visas, are for stays of 91 days up to six months and allow visitors to apply for an Austrian Residence Permit. Types of long-term visas include student visas, family visas, and residence permits for retirement.

To apply for a short-term or long-term visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A completed and signed visa application form
• A valid passport with at least two blank pages, issued within the last decade
• Recent photos that follow the Schengen visa photo rules
• Proof of travel insurance that covers medical and emergency issues up to €30,000
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations
• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements
• Civil status documents, such as birth certificates or marriage licenses
• A letter of purpose or cover letter stating the reason for your visit
• An itinerary with correct dates for flights and travel plans

The processing time for Austrian visa applications is typically 15 days, but it can take up to 30 or 60 days in some cases. The application fee for a short-term visa is €90 for adults, €45 for children between 6 and 12, and free for children under 6. The fee for a long-term visa is €150 for individuals over 6 and €75 for individuals under 6.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry Requirements for Austria

To enter Austria, you must meet the entry requirements outlined below. These requirements apply to all foreign nationals wishing to visit the country and ensure the safety and security of both visitors and citizens.

Travel Documents

All visitors to Austria must hold a valid passport or other accepted travel document. The document must be issued by the country of origin or a country that the traveller holds citizenship. It is essential to ensure that your passport is up to date and will remain valid for the duration of your stay in Austria. Some countries may also require a visa, so it is important to check the specific requirements for your country of origin.

Visa Requirements

Depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain a visa before travelling to Austria. Austria is part of the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries that have officially abolished passport and immigration controls at their mutual borders. Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and some other countries are generally allowed to enter Austria without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, for longer stays or for certain activities such as work or study, a visa may be required. It is important to check the specific visa requirements for your country of origin and the purpose of your visit.

Customs Regulations

When entering Austria, you must comply with customs regulations. There are restrictions on the import and export of certain items, including prohibited goods such as illegal drugs, weapons, and endangered species. There are also limits on the amount of certain goods that can be brought into the country, such as alcohol, tobacco, and cash. It is important to familiarise yourself with the customs regulations before travelling to Austria to avoid any issues upon arrival.

Health Requirements

To protect the health and safety of its citizens and visitors, Austria may have specific health requirements for entry. This could include proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results, especially when travelling from or through high-risk areas. It is important to stay informed about the latest health regulations and requirements before your trip to ensure a smooth entry into Austria.

Financial Requirements

Austria may require visitors to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. This could include showing proof of financial means, such as bank statements or credit cards. The required amount may vary depending on the length of stay and the purpose of the visit. It is important to be prepared and have the necessary documentation to avoid any issues upon arrival.

Is there anything I need to declare?

When entering Austria, there are strict rules about goods that can be brought into the country. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Food

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.

Money

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

Tobacco and Alcohol

If you are entering Austria from within the EU, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are exempt from duty only for personal use. If the standard quantities are exceeded, you must prove that the goods are intended for personal use. The standard quantities are as follows:

• Cigarettes: 800 pieces
• Cigarillos (maximum 3 g unit weight): 400 pieces
• Smoking tobacco: 1 kg
• Alcoholic beverages other than beer, sparkling wine or wine up to 22% ABV: 20 litres
• Wine (of which a maximum of 60 litres can be sparkling): 90 litres

If you are entering Austria from a non-EU country, the maximum quantities for duty-free import for personal use or as a gift are:

• Cigarettes: 200 pieces
• Cigarillos (cigars with a maximum weight of 3 g each): 100 pieces
• Cigars: 50 pieces
• Smoking tobacco: 250 grams
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 22% ABV or undenatured ethyl alcohol of 80% ABV or more: 1 litre
• Alcohol and alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 22% ABV: 2 litres
• Non-sparkling wines: 4 litres

Other Goods

If you are entering Austria from a non-EU country, you may bring in other goods up to a total value of €300 for land travel or €430 if travelling by air.

How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

Getting from the Airport to the City Centre in Vienna, Austria

Vienna Airport is well-connected to the city centre by public transport, and you can also take a taxi or hire a car. Here are some of your options:

By Train

The City Airport Train (CAT) is a fast, dedicated express airport train that takes just 16 minutes to travel direct from the airport to the Wien Mitte station in the city centre. At Wien Mitte, you can connect to the U3 and U4 subway lines. The CAT runs daily between 05:37 and 23:38, with trains departing every 30 minutes. Tickets are €14.90 for a single journey and can be purchased online in advance or from the CAT counter in the arrivals hall.

The Railjets of Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) run non-stop from the airport to Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna's main railway station). As a cross-country service, it may be worth reserving a seat when you buy your ticket.

The S7 city train also runs from the airport to Vienna. It is slower and has less space for luggage than the CAT, but it is much cheaper and makes various stops throughout the city, which is convenient if your destination is not in the centre.

By Bus

The Vienna Airport Lines (VAL) run regular services from the airport to different destinations in Vienna, including the edge of the city centre (Schwedenplatz), Westbahnhof and Hauptbahnhof rail stations, and the area around the Messe Wien event venue.

By Taxi or Car

Taxi services are available directly outside the arrivals hall, and Uber also operates in Vienna. Car hire services, including all the major brands, are located in the public arrivals hall.

What are the top tourist attractions?

Austria is a country with a rich history, magnificent architecture, and a plethora of must-visit places. Here is a list of some of the top tourist attractions in Austria:

Melk Benedictine Abbey

The Melk Benedictine Abbey, or Melk Abbey, is one of the world's most famous monastic sites. The spectacular buildings are laid out around seven courtyards, with the most prominent part being the west end and its twin-towered church. Perched on a rocky outcrop high above the town of Melk, the abbey overlooks the Danube River and contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau, the remains of Austria's first ruling family, the House of Babenberg.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace, located on the outskirts of Vienna, is a Baroque palace that served as the summer residence of Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century. The palace has 40 lavishly furnished rooms open to the public, including the Royal Apartments, the Great Gallery, the Million Room, and Maria Theresa's salon. Behind the palace stretch 500 acres of parks and gardens, featuring formal gardens, a labyrinth, a palm house, an Alpine garden, and Europe's oldest zoo.

Vienna State Opera House

The Vienna State Opera House, located along the Ringstraße in Vienna's inner city, is a 19th-century Neo-Renaissance structure with marble staircases and painted ceilings. Visitors can take a tour of the building or attend a musical performance or ball, which are held annually.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a picturesque small town in Austria, known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and wealth from salt production. Visitors can explore the underground salt lake in the nearby Hörnerwerk cavern or visit the Dachstein Caves, one of Europe's most impressive cavern networks. Above ground, the 5 Fingers viewing platform offers incredible views of the surrounding Alps.

Grossglockner Alpine Road

The Grossglockner Alpine Road is a panoramic road that leads to the Kaiser Franz Josephs Höhe Visitor Centre, overlooking Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain. The road, usually open from May to October, offers breathtaking views and is perfect for nature lovers.

St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

St. Stephen's Cathedral, also known as Stephansdom, is an imposing Gothic cathedral and a landmark within Vienna's old city centre. The cathedral features a 137-meter-high South Tower, a Watch Room offering panoramic views, 14th-century catacombs, and a treasury displaying important objects.

Innsbruck's Old Town & Golden Roof

Innsbruck's Old Town, also known as Altstadt, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and boasts unique architecture and shops. The Golden Roof, located in the heart of the Old Town, is a notable landmark. It is adorned with 2,657 gilded copper tiles and was added to a former palace in 1496 to mark the marriage of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I.

Belvedere Palace, Vienna

The Belvedere Palace, also known as "The Belvedere," is another of Austria's most visited palaces. It is split into two sections: the Upper Palace and the Lower Palace. The Upper Palace houses the majority of the artwork collection and is considered one of the country's best-preserved architectural gems. The Lower Palace features the Marble Gallery, the Grotesque Hall, and a second Marble Hall.

Krimml Waterfalls

The Krimml Waterfalls, or Krimmler Ache, is Austria's tallest waterfall, plunging 380 meters in three separate cascades. It is located near the village of Krimml, which is perched high above the Salzachtal in a wooded valley and offers various excellent walks and climbs.

Eisriesenwelt: The World of the Ice Giants

Eisriesenwelt is the largest ice cave system in the world, covering 30,000 square meters. The caves feature impressive ice formations and icicles, such as the massive Hymir Hall. Conducted tours last about two hours, and the trip to and from the caves takes a few hours, making it a full-day excursion.

Salzburg Altstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Salzburg Altstadt, the Old Town of Salzburg, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful Baroque architecture. It was once the residence of Prince Archbishops and is known for its medieval and Baroque buildings, including St. Peter's Abbey and its church, the cathedral, and the charming squares. It is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

These are just a few of the many tourist attractions that Austria has to offer. Each place has its unique charm and historical significance, making Austria a popular destination for travellers seeking cultural and natural experiences.

Frequently asked questions