Exploring Austria: A Guide For Malaysian Travelers

If you're planning a trip from Malaysia to Austria, there are a few things you should know. Luckily, the process is relatively straightforward for Malaysian citizens, who do not need a tourist visa for stays of up to three months. However, there are still a few requirements to keep in mind, such as having a valid Malaysian passport with at least six months of validity remaining and a blank page for visa stamps. You'll also need to prove you have sufficient funds for your stay and travel insurance. Austrian citizens can also enter Malaysia without a visa and can stay for up to 90 days. When it comes to travel between the two countries, ocean freight is a common option, despite being slower than air or rail.

Visa requirements for Austrian and Malaysian citizens

Visa Requirements for Austrian Citizens Travelling to Malaysia

Austrian citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter Malaysia and can stay for up to 90 days. However, their passports must be valid for at least six months on arrival. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Malaysia, but amounts over US$10,000 must be declared.

Visa Requirements for Malaysian Citizens Travelling to Austria

Malaysian citizens need to apply for a Visa C for a short stay in Austria (between 1 and 90 days) for tourism, business, conferences, or visiting friends and family. The processing time for the application is a maximum of 15 days, subject to approval by the mission. The application must be submitted in person, with fingerprints required. The visa fee is subject to the current exchange rate and is payable in cash in the local currency. The following documents are required for the application:

• One passport picture, 3.5 x 4.5 cm (colour, high resolution, light background, frontal view, neutral expression, mouth closed)
• Proof of insurance coverage for the whole period in Austria (minimum insurance sum equivalent to €30,000)
• One photograph, 35mm x 45mm. The length of the head should be 30-36mm from the chin to the top of the hair, in colour with a light or white background

Freight shipping between the two countries

Freight shipping between Malaysia and Austria can be a complex process, with various factors to consider, such as cargo type, speed requirements, and cost. Ocean freight and air freight are the most common methods due to the countries' geographical distance and significant land boundaries.

When shipping goods between Malaysia and Austria, the choice between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) is critical. FCL is ideal for large volume shipping, typically above 13-15 CBM, as it offers better security and can be more economical for larger shipments. LCL, on the other hand, is a cost-effective option for smaller volumes, where cargo from multiple sources is consolidated into one container.

Sea freight from Malaysia to Austria typically takes around 30 to 40 days, depending on the specific ports, weight of the cargo, and type of goods. Ocean shipping is generally slower but more cost-effective for high-volume goods. The Port of Salzburg in Austria offers intermodal options, integrating rail and river transport, which can streamline logistics and provide flexibility beyond standard freight carriers.

Customs clearance, duties, and regulations can be complex and daunting. Engaging freight forwarders or specialists like DocShipper or Barrington Freight can assist in navigating these challenges and providing tailored advice to ensure a smooth shipping process. They can help with understanding rates, transit times, and administrative tasks, making the process more manageable.

Additionally, when shipping to Austria, an EORI number is required. This number is necessary for customs and import/export procedures.

Location of Austrian Embassy in Malaysia

The Austrian Embassy in Malaysia is located in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The embassy offers consular services to Austrian nationals in Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. Austrian citizens can seek assistance from the embassy, such as obtaining a new passport to return home.

The Austrian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur also provides services to non-Austrian individuals. It issues visas for individuals intending to travel to Austria and guides them through the application process. The embassy also offers information on the various scholarship programmes available at Austrian higher education institutions.

In addition to the embassy, Austria has two other diplomatic missions in Malaysia: the Austrian Honorary Consulate in Penang and the Austrian Honorary Consulate in Tawau. The consulate in Penang serves Austrian nationals in north-west Peninsular Malaysia, while the consulate in Tawau is the only diplomatic mission in Malaysian Borneo. These consulates provide consular services and assist individuals planning to visit Austria with visa and passport-related matters.

The address of the Austrian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is as follows:

Jalan Raja Chulan Wisma Goldhill, 67 Suite 10.1-2, Level 10, P.O. Box 10 154, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Travel restrictions and entry requirements for Austria

As of September 2023, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements to enter Austria. However, it is important to stay updated on the latest COVID-19 restrictions and regulations before travelling to Austria, as the Austrian entry restrictions can change without notice.

Before making travel plans, it is also important to determine if you need a visa to enter Austria. Although certain nationals are not required to apply for a visa when travelling to Europe or the Schengen Area, you may need one if you are a US Green Card Holder.

Upon arrival in Austria, travellers may be required to present a health pass to enter hotels or other venues. It is important to note that the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines are not valid for entering hotels and restaurants within Austria. Additionally, negative COVID-19 tests (both PCR and antigen) are no longer valid for entry to public venues in Austria.

Travellers are required to wear protective FFP2 masks in certain busy areas, including public transport, essential shops, and pharmacies. It is also mandatory to wear masks in enclosed environments.

Customs regulations for Malaysia

When travelling to Malaysia, it is important to be aware of the country's customs regulations and to carefully consider the items you plan to bring into the country. Malaysia has strict rules regarding prohibited and restricted goods, and failure to comply can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

Prohibited items for import into Malaysia include narcotics, pornography, counterfeit goods, and explosive materials. It is also important to note that certain items are restricted and require specific permits, licenses, or authorisations to be imported into the country. These include live animals, which need a health certificate and valid inoculations; endangered species and any products or parts thereof, which require CITES permission; medication, which must be in its original packaging with accompanying prescriptions or medical certificates; and weapons and ammunition, which are subject to authorisation by the nearest embassy.

In addition to the above, Malaysia imposes quantitative import restrictions on certain products to protect local industries or for security reasons. This includes sectors like construction equipment, agriculture, minerals, and motor vehicles, which are subject to non-automatic import licensing. These regulations are designed to protect import-sensitive or strategic industries and ensure that importers comply with necessary compliance measures.

For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of restricted and prohibited items when travelling to Malaysia, it is recommended to refer to the Royal Malaysian Customs website. This will ensure that you have the most current information and can avoid any potential issues when entering the country.

Frequently asked questions