Visa Requirements For Ukrainian Citizens Visiting Austria

Ukrainian citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria. They can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days with a valid biometric passport. However, if they wish to stay longer or apply for social assistance, they must apply for temporary protection status. This status allows them to stay in Austria legally until March 4, 2025.

Visa-free travel to Austria for Ukrainian citizens

Ukrainian citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria. They can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days if they have a biometric passport valid for at least 6 months after leaving the country. This rule applies only to Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war. Austrian border guards may require a biometric passport if Ukrainians enter Austria from a country other than Ukraine.

If Ukrainian citizens want to stay longer or apply for social assistance, they must apply for temporary protection status in Austria. Currently, this status allows them to stay in the country legally until 4 March 2025.

All Ukrainians are required to have health insurance to enter Austria for tourist purposes. Although refugees are not required to have insurance at the border, it is strongly recommended that they get it for the first 90 days.

Biometric passport requirements for Ukrainian citizens

All Ukrainian passports now contain an electronic chip with the biometric data of the owner. This includes both internal ID cards and international passports. This means that the passport cannot be forged or used by anyone else.

Ukrainian citizens are required by law to obtain a passport when they turn 14 years old. The first passport is issued free of charge and is valid for four years. After turning 18, a passport is valid for 10 years. Passports are issued on demand and it is possible to hold two passports if an individual frequently travels abroad.

The current Ukrainian international passport is biometric. However, if an individual does not wish to receive a biometric passport due to religious beliefs, they can apply for a non-biometric passport by providing a written statement.

In June 2017, the EU introduced a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports. This allows Ukrainian citizens to travel without a visa to 120 countries, including EU countries.

Temporary protection status in Austria for Ukrainian citizens

Austria has implemented the EU's Temporary Protection Directive, offering expedited stay, residence, and work status for Ukrainian citizens and eligible Ukrainian residents leaving Ukraine.

Ukrainian citizens arriving in Austria can receive temporary protection, which has been extended until March 4, 2026. To obtain this status, Ukrainian citizens must apply to the registration offices of the police. After registering, they will receive an identity card for displaced persons ("Blue Card"), which will be sent to their address.

Travel with Temporary Protection Status:

Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status can travel within the EU for up to 90 days without losing their right to reside in Austria. If they plan to return to Ukraine permanently, they must go through a deregistration procedure.

Accommodation:

Upon arrival in Austria, Ukrainian citizens will be placed in temporary accommodation and provided with food and health insurance. Long-term accommodation is provided free of charge throughout the country. Ukrainians cannot choose the region, but they will not have to share a room with others. If they want to live with relatives, this can be coordinated with the staff.

Financial Assistance:

Ukrainian citizens who are not employed receive financial assistance. If they live in organized places, all expenses are covered, and they also receive assistance for food and clothing (150 euros per year). For those living in private accommodation, there is a rent subsidy and additional financial support of up to €260 for adults and €145 for children.

Education for Children:

Children arriving in Austria with their parents are entitled to free education. To register a child for kindergarten or school, contact the local municipality. The school year begins on September 1, and compulsory education lasts for 9 years.

Work Permit:

After receiving the Blue Card, Ukrainian citizens have access to the Austrian labor market. Registration and job search are done through the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). They can find a job on their own or through the AMS, which will offer vacancies based on their qualifications.

Red-White-Red Card Plus ("RWR+"):

As of October 1, 2024, Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status in Austria can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus ("RWR"+). This is a temporary residence permit that can be extended. It allows the holder to stay and work in the country without an additional work permit. The permit is valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed if certain requirements are met.

Requirements for RWR+:

To obtain the RWR+, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• They must have been working in Austria for at least 12 months with full insurance for the last 24 months.
• They must have been self-employed with insurable income or have private health insurance that meets Austrian standards.

Income Requirements for RWR+:

• For employees: a minimum income of €518.44 per month (for 2024).
• For the self-employed: an annual income of €6,221.28.

German Language Skills for RWR+:

Applicants need to prove their German language skills at the A1 level. The certificate must be issued no more than one year ago and is only accepted from certain organizations such as the ÖIF, ÖSD, or Goethe Institute. However, if applicants provide a written statement that they will stay in Austria for no more than 24 months within 3 years, they do not need to prove their German language skills, but this makes the card non-renewable.

Application Process for Temporary Protection:

The application for temporary protection is submitted in person at the Immigration and Citizenship Office according to the applicant's place of residence. In Vienna, this is the MA 35, and in other federal states, it is the relevant authorities.

Work Permit During Temporary Protection:

Yes, Ukrainian citizens can work as employees or self-employed individuals in Austria during their temporary protection status. To do so, they need to obtain the appropriate work permit, the Red-White-Red Card Plus, along with their Temporary Protection Card.

Costs for Obtaining the Red-White-Red Card Plus:

The card costs €160. Additionally, there may be fees of €14.30 or €7.20 for other documents, such as travel documents or civil status certificates.

Required Documents for the Red-White-Red Card Plus:

• A completed and signed application form in German or English.
• ID card for displaced persons.
• A valid travel document (passport).
• A recent photograph (for a biometric passport, taken no more than 6 months ago).
• Proof of health insurance, covering all risks.
• Proof of housing (rental agreement, sale, and purchase agreement).
• Proof of livelihood (salary certificate, employment contract, pension payments, or explanation of the origin of savings).
• Proof of regular expenses (rent, utility bills, loans, alimony, etc.).

Eligibility for Temporary Protection in Austria:

Temporary protection in Austria is available to Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave the country due to the war after February 24, 2022. Protection is also granted to their family members and other persons who resided in Ukraine before that date.

Duration of Temporary Protection:

Temporary protection in Austria is currently valid until March 4, 2025, with the possibility of extension until March 2026, as decided by the EU. During this period, individuals are entitled to accommodation, social benefits, medical care, and work.

Documents Required for Temporary Protection:

• A valid travel document (international passport).
• Identity card for displaced persons.
• Proof of residence in Ukraine before the outbreak of war.
• Health insurance (can be arranged through state or private companies).

Visa Requirements for Temporary Protection:

Ukrainian citizens seeking temporary protection can enter Austria without a visa.

Accommodation Requirements:

To confirm the availability of housing, individuals need a lease agreement or another document confirming their right to use the accommodation. The accommodation must meet the standards for the region.

Livelihood Requirements:

To prove their livelihood, individuals need to provide salary certificates, employment contracts, proof of pension payments, or evidence of savings. They must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members.

German Language Requirements:

To obtain the Red-White-Red Card Plus, individuals need to prove their German language skills at the A1 level or fulfill the Integration Agreement.

Health insurance requirements for Ukrainian citizens

Ukrainian citizens who are displaced due to the armed conflict can seek protection in Austria and are granted a temporary right of residence. This right of residence is valid until at least March 4, 2025, and is confirmed by an identity card for displaced persons (Blue Card).

Upon registration at the police stations or special reception centres, Ukrainian citizens receive a social insurance number and an e-card replacement slip.

Health insurance is mandatory in Austria for anyone intending to live there for more than 6 months. As Austria offers accessible and high-quality healthcare, all residents are recommended to obtain health insurance.

Ukrainian citizens who have been granted temporary protection in Austria have the right to access medical services, including medical advice and free medicines. After registering for social services, they are assigned an insurance number.

Public Health Insurance

Public health insurance is available for employees, students, freelancers, retirees, children, and the unemployed. It covers basic medical and dental treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation services, preventive care, and maternity/childbirth-related services.

The Austrian Insurance Fund (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse or ÖGK) is the largest provider of public health coverage. Employees are automatically enrolled in this scheme by their employers, who are responsible for deducting the cost of public health insurance from their monthly income. Self-employed individuals must enrol and pay for public health insurance themselves, which currently costs €495.58 per month.

International students from non-EU countries can apply for student self-insurance (Studentenselbstversicherung) with the ÖGK, while students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, or Turkey automatically qualify for student health insurance due to health insurance agreements with Austria.

Private Health Insurance

International students or freelancers can opt for private health insurance, which offers broader coverage, including travel insurance and dental coverage. While private insurance provides more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, it also results in higher monthly living expenses. The cost of private health insurance in Austria ranges from €100 to €450 per month, depending on age, health conditions, and desired coverage.

Travel Insurance

For Ukrainian citizens planning to travel within Europe, including to other EU countries, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance to guarantee safety and a peaceful stay outside Ukraine.

Additional Information

Ukrainian citizens can contact the Federal Agency for Reception and Support Services (BBU) for basic care and support regarding accommodation, food, and medical and psychological care. The BBU hotline is +43 1 2676 870 9460.

Travel to Austria by car for Ukrainian citizens

Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, transport between Ukraine and Austria is disrupted. However, Ukrainian citizens can still travel to Austria by car. Here is some information to help you plan your trip.

Rules and Requirements

Before embarking on your journey, it is important to familiarise yourself with the rules and requirements for driving in Austria. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance. Note that a "Green Card," or international automobile insurance, is a prerequisite for driving in Austria.

Route Planning

When travelling by car, it is essential to plan your route in advance. The distance between Ukraine and Austria is approximately 820 miles by road. There is no direct route, so you will need to plan your journey carefully.

Border Crossing

When crossing the border, you will need to present your passport and the aforementioned vehicle documents. Keep in mind that there may be delays at the border due to increased traffic or other disruptions caused by the war.

Driving Conditions

Driving conditions in Austria may differ from those in Ukraine, so it is important to familiarise yourself with the local traffic rules and regulations. Austria has toll roads, so be prepared for additional costs.

Accommodation and Services

Austria offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and rental apartments. When choosing accommodation, consider your budget and the specific services you require.

Health Insurance

It is highly recommended to have adequate health insurance that covers medical expenses in case of an emergency. Purchase insurance that covers military risks and indemnification for war-related incidents.

Duration of Stay

Ukrainian citizens can stay in Austria without a visa for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for temporary protection status or another type of residence permit.

Returning to Ukraine

If you plan to return to Ukraine, be aware that the airspace is still closed. Therefore, you will need to use land transport options, such as buses or trains, to get back to Ukraine.

Frequently asked questions