Vaccinations For Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria has been at the forefront of implementing COVID-19 measures, including lockdowns and vaccination mandates, to curb the spread of the virus. In November 2021, the country announced a national lockdown and plans to mandate vaccinations as infections surged. This was followed by the introduction of a green pass, requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter certain venues. While the scope of the vaccine mandate was initially unclear, non-compliance was expected to result in fines. Austria's vaccination rate of around 66% was among the lowest in Western Europe, and hospitals were struggling to manage the rising number of COVID-19 patients. The country's intensive care units were reaching capacity, and daily deaths had tripled. To address this, the government imposed a lockdown, which included the closure of restaurants, stores, and cultural events, with plans to reevaluate the situation after 10 days.

Routine vaccinations

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Polio
• Influenza
• COVID-19

It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date and to get any necessary travel-specific vaccines or medications. This will allow enough time for your body to build immunity and for you to receive any additional doses, if needed.

In addition to routine vaccinations, there are other recommended vaccinations when travelling to Austria. These include:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE)
• Rabies
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Shingles

Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and other vaccines

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease that is usually spread through close, personal contact with an infected person or when a person unknowingly consumes the virus from contaminated objects, food, or drinks. Hepatitis A is preventable by safe and effective vaccines, which are the best way to protect yourself against the disease. The hepatitis A vaccine has made the disease much less common in the United States, but outbreaks among unvaccinated people still happen.

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children 12-23 months old as part of routine childhood vaccination, as well as for all children and adolescents 2-18 years old who have not previously received the vaccine. For full protection, two or three shots are needed, depending on the type of vaccine. The shots must be at least six months apart. The vaccine is also recommended for international travelers, especially to countries where hepatitis A is more common.

As for Hepatitis B, it is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from person to person through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective and provides long-term protection against the disease. It is recommended for all children and adolescents younger than 19 who have not been vaccinated, as well as adults 60 and older with risk factors for hepatitis B. The vaccine consists of two or three shots, depending on the brand, given about one month to six months apart.

In addition to the hepatitis A and B vaccines, there are several other vaccines and medications that travelers to Austria should consider. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas, and the TBE vaccine is recommended for travelers who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their outdoor activities and itinerary. Rabies is also present in some wildlife species in Austria, and pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended for travelers who will be working directly with wildlife. Other routine vaccinations, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and varicella (chickenpox), should also be up-to-date before traveling to Austria.

Travel health insurance

• Access to Healthcare: Travel health insurance gives you access to quality healthcare services during your trip. It covers emergency medical services, hospitalisation, doctor visits, ambulance services, prescription medications, and more.
• Medical Evacuation: This type of insurance covers the cost of emergency transportation to a medical facility, which can be expensive, often costing $100,000 or more from a remote location. It also includes assistance in arranging evacuation and ensuring you receive appropriate treatment.
• Language and Currency Barriers: Travel health insurance can help navigate language and currency barriers when accessing medical care in a foreign country.
• High Out-of-Pocket Costs: Without travel health insurance, you may be vulnerable to paying high out-of-pocket medical expenses, especially if your domestic insurance provider has limited international coverage.
• Country Requirements: Some countries, such as those in the Schengen area, require proof of travel health insurance to gain entry. This insurance must cover expenses such as repatriation, urgent medical attention, and emergency hospital treatment.
• Safety and Security: Travel health insurance can also include benefits like 24/7 emergency assistance services, legal assistance, and coverage for lost passports or credit cards.
• Trip Cancellation: Although this is typically a separate type of insurance, trip cancellation insurance covers your financial investment in flights, cruises, or train tickets if you need to cancel your trip due to medical reasons.

When choosing a travel health insurance plan, carefully review the terms and ensure it covers your specific needs, including the region you will visit, the duration of your trip, emergency medical care, medical transport, travel/accommodation costs, pre-existing conditions, and any activities you plan to engage in. Additionally, verify that the insurance company has a 24-hour contact line for easy access during emergencies.

Passport validity

To enter Austria, 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. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended that your passport is valid for at least 6 months when entering Austria.
• Have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Please note that the above requirements are for British and U.S. citizens. If you are a Canadian citizen, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Visa requirements

The visa requirements for Austria depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. Here are the general rules:

• For stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, citizens of Schengen countries do not need a visa to enter Austria. However, they must have a valid passport and may need to meet other requirements, such as proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and sufficient funds for their stay.
• For stays exceeding 90 days, or for certain activities like work or study, a visa is required. The specific type of visa (e.g., work visa, student visa) will depend on the purpose of your visit. U.S. citizens can apply for an Austrian visa at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate before their trip or during their 90-day stay in Austria.

Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Austria or any other Schengen area country. However, their passport must be valid for at least three months beyond their planned date of departure from the Schengen area. If they plan to stay longer, they must obtain the appropriate visa from the Austrian Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

UK citizens can travel to Austria without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Their passport must be less than ten years old on the date of arrival and valid for at least three months after their planned departure from the Schengen area. If they intend to stay longer than 90 days, they must meet the Austrian government's entry requirements and obtain the necessary visa or work permit.

US citizens can enter Austria without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. If they wish to stay longer or work in Austria, they must obtain an Austrian visa before their trip or during their 90-day stay. US citizens can apply for an Austrian visa at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate.

Frequently asked questions