Traveling To Austria: Any Special Permissions Needed?

Austria is part of the Schengen area, which means that citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and EU, EEA, and Schengen countries do not need a visa to enter Austria for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will require an ETIAS travel authorisation from Spring 2025. Nationals of other countries will need a Schengen visa for stays of up to 90 days. All visitors to Austria must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date they plan to leave the Schengen area, and which has a ''date of issue' less than 10 years before the date of arrival.

Passport and visa requirements

Austria is part of the Schengen area, meaning that citizens of many countries can enter without a visa. However, there are still some requirements that must be met.

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.
• Have an 'expiry date' of at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Although 6 months validity is recommended to avoid needing to prove your departure date.
• Have at least 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. However, you may need to show proof of accommodation, travel insurance, a return or onward ticket, and that you have enough money for your stay.

If you are travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. Overstaying the 90-day visa-free limit may result in a ban from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

From spring 2025, travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will require an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Austria.

To stay in Austria for longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you must meet the Austrian government's entry requirements and obtain the appropriate visa. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Austrian Embassy in your country.

Travelling with children

When travelling to Austria with children, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, each child must have their own identification document, such as a passport or ID card. Entries in a parent's passport are no longer valid. This applies to children of European Union citizens travelling from, to, or via EU countries. It is important to note that this restriction does not apply to document holders from the United Kingdom or Ireland.

If your child is travelling without their legal guardian, with only one parent, or with an adult who is not their legal guardian, you may need to provide additional documentation. This can include an informal declaration of consent for foreign travel, signed by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). It is recommended to check the specific requirements of the countries you are travelling to and from, as well as the policies of your chosen carrier, as these may vary.

In addition, if your child has a different surname from their guardian, it is recommended to carry a copy of the child's birth certificate and the guardian's passport. For children under the age of 18, a copy of the parents' marriage certificate may also be requested. These documents can help establish the relationship between the child and the accompanying adult.

When travelling by air, it is highly recommended to check with the airlines, as many have their own specific forms and requirements for minors travelling without both parents or legal guardians.

Furthermore, some countries have specific documentation requirements for minors. For example, Barbados requires a letter of authorisation for children under 18 travelling without a parent or legal guardian, while Brazil and South Africa have their own documentation requirements for children travelling under certain circumstances.

Bringing pets

When bringing pets to Austria, there are several requirements that must be met. Here is a detailed guide on what you need to know:

Microchipping and Rabies Vaccination:

• Your pet must have a microchip that complies with ISO standards (ISO 11784 or ISO 11785). Make sure the microchip is implanted before administering the rabies vaccine.
• All dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age entering Austria must have proof of a current rabies vaccination.
• If your pet has an identification tattoo from before 3 July 2011, this is still valid.
• If your pet is entering Austria from a Listed Third Country, the primary rabies vaccination must be administered no sooner than 21 days before entering Austria.
• If your pet is entering from an Unlisted Third Country, it must wait for a minimum of 30 days after the rabies vaccination before receiving a rabies titer test.

Health Certificates:

• Obtain the appropriate health certificate for your pet. The type of certificate depends on whether the transport is commercial or non-commercial.
• For non-commercial transport, ensure that you or a legal representative are travelling with or within 5 days of the pet, and that the transport does not involve the transfer of ownership.
• For commercial transport, the owner or legal representative is not travelling with or within 5 days of the pet, or the transport involves the sale or transfer of ownership.
• The health certificate must be issued and endorsed by a licensed veterinarian and, in some cases, a government veterinarian.
• The health certificate is valid for up to 4 months of travel within the EU.

Pet Passport:

• If your pet has a passport, bring it with you. Otherwise, you will need to use your own passport.
• Once in Austria, you can obtain an EU Pet Passport from a vet. This will make future travel within Europe easier.

Age and Breed Restrictions:

• Your pet must be at least 7 months old to enter Austria, unless you are coming from another EU country.
• Puppies and kittens under 3 months old cannot be vaccinated for rabies and are therefore not allowed unless they are from an EU member state or a rabies-controlled country.
• If your pet is coming from a high-rabies country, it must be at least 7 months old.
• Certain breeds of dogs, such as snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, are not permitted in the cargo hold due to increased sensitivity to temperature and stress.

Airline Requirements:

• Contact your airline to familiarise yourself with their specific requirements for pet transportation.
• Your pet may be allowed to travel in the cabin or cargo hold, depending on its size, weight, and the airline's regulations.
• You will likely need to provide an approved carrying container that meets specific requirements, such as adequate ventilation and enough room for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down.
• Some airlines may require you to book your pet's travel in advance and may have weight and size restrictions for carrying containers.

Customs Clearance:

• When entering Austria with your pet, you must go through customs at one of the designated airports: Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, or Klagenfurt.
• Present the necessary documentation, including health certificates, vaccination records, and passports.
• Declare your pet and any related items to the customs office.

Pet Insurance:

Consider obtaining pet insurance to cover any veterinary costs, accidents, or liability issues that may arise during your stay in Austria.

Keeping a Pet in Austria:

• Austria has strict laws regarding pet ownership. All dogs must be kept on a leash or muzzled in crowded public places, including public transport, outdoor events, and restaurants.
• Dog registration and licensing procedures vary by municipality. You may need to pass an exam to obtain a dog license, especially for certain breeds considered dangerous.
• It is mandatory to clean up after your dog, with fines for non-compliance.
• Some areas, such as playgrounds, cemeteries, and nature reserves, may be off-limits for dogs.

Please note that the requirements may change, and it is always best to consult official sources and seek advice from your veterinarian before travelling with your pets to Austria.

Driving in Austria

Austria has a well-developed road network, and driving there will be similar to driving in other European countries. However, there are some key differences and rules to be aware of.

Rules and Regulations

Motorists in Austria drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Drivers must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted, and International Driving Permits are recognised but not required. If your driving licence is not written in German, it must be accompanied by an official translation or an International Driving Permit.

All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts, and children under 14 who are shorter than 150 cm / 4.9 feet must be seated in appropriate child seats. Mobile phones can only be used with a hands-free car kit. It is compulsory to carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest, and these must be presented during a traffic check.

The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.049%—lower than in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The limit is even lower for professional drivers and newly qualified drivers, at 0.01%.

Speed Limits

The speed limit within town limits is 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph). On the open road, it's 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph), and on expressways, it's 100 km/h or 130 km/h (approx. 62 mph or 80 mph). On motorways, the speed limit is 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph).

Tolls and Vignettes

All motorways and expressways in Austria are subject to tolls. To drive on the motorways (autobahn), you must display a current highway toll sticker called a Vignette, which can be purchased from petrol stations near the border.

Winter Driving

From 1 November to 15 April, winter equipment is mandatory. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two drive wheels. Snow chains are only permitted when the road is completely or almost completely covered with snow or ice, but they are recommended for trips into high-alpine regions.

Local laws and customs

Austria is a European country that follows the Schengen area rules. Here are some local laws and customs you should be aware of when travelling to Austria:

Border Control

At Austrian border control, you may need to show the following:

• Proof of your 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.

Passports and Visas

Your passport must meet the following requirements:

• Have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive.
• Have an 'expiry date' of at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (although 6 months validity is recommended).
• Be less than 10 years old, even if it has more than 6 months left.

You can travel to Austria without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, you will need to obtain a visa if you plan to stay longer.

Travelling with Children

Each child needs their own identification document (identity card or passport). Entries in a parent's passport are no longer valid.

Travelling with Pets

If you are travelling with dogs, cats, or other pets, note that:

• A maximum of five animals per person are allowed.
• Each animal must be identified by a microchip or a clearly legible tattoo done before July 3, 2011.
• Each animal must have a pet passport issued by a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority, showing a valid rabies vaccination and, if applicable, a valid booster vaccination.
• A leash and muzzle must be carried during your stay in Austria.

Face Coverings

It is illegal to cover your face in public places to hide your identity. You may be fined or required to go to a police station if you refuse to uncover your face or if your identity cannot be confirmed.

Drugs

Do not use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties include heavy fines and prison sentences for carrying even small amounts of drugs.

Driving

If you are not an Austrian resident, you can drive with your foreign driver's licence for up to 12 months from your entry date. You must also have either an International Driving Permit or a German translation of your licence.

Winter tyres are mandatory from November 1 to April 15 when driving in winter conditions. Carry snow chains if driving in mountainous areas in winter.

To drive on the motorways (autobahn), you must display a current highway toll sticker called a Vignette, which you can buy at petrol stations near the border.

Alcohol and Tobacco

When entering Austria, there are limits to the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring into the country. For alcohol, the limits are 20 litres for beverages up to 22% vol. and 2 litres for beverages over 22% vol. For tobacco, the limits are 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 1kg of smoking tobacco, 50 cigars, or a proportionate assortment of these goods.

Customs Declaration

You must declare the following goods when passing through customs:

• Goods not intended for personal use.
• Goods purchased outside the EU that exceed the allowances for tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, non-sparkling wines, beer, and medicines, and the exemption limit for other goods.
• Goods that are subject to import bans or import restrictions.

Additionally, you must declare cash or travellers' cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more when travelling between Austria and a non-EU country. Failure to do so may result in fines or seizure of your money.

Frequently asked questions