Travel Essentials For Austria: What To Pack

If you're planning a trip to Austria, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond the period of your stay, and that it's less than ten years old. Depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa for stays under 90 days within a 180-day period. However, you may need to show proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance, and a return or onward ticket. It's also important to be aware of any entry and exit conditions, which can change suddenly. Keep yourself safe by staying alert to the risks of terrorism and petty crime, and always carry your ID with you. Austria has strict rules about bringing certain goods in and out of the country, so make sure you declare anything that might be prohibited. Finally, if you're bringing a pet, they'll need a microchip, a pet passport, and proof of valid rabies vaccination.

Passport and visa requirements

To enter Austria, you must comply with the country's passport and visa requirements. Here is some information regarding these requirements:

Passport Requirements:

When travelling to Austria, your passport must meet the following criteria:

• Be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. It is strongly recommended to have six months' validity to avoid needing to prove your departure date.
• Be less than ten years old from the date of issue, even if it has more than six months left before expiration.
• Have at least two blank pages for entry stamps.

Visa Requirements:

The visa requirements depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Here are the details:

• Nationals of EU countries, EEA countries, Switzerland, and several other countries, including Australia, Japan, Canada, the US, and New Zealand, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Nationals of the UK do not need a visa for holidays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
• Nationals of India require a Schengen visa to enter Austria.
• If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must meet the Austrian government's entry requirements and obtain the appropriate visa or work permit.
• Under the Schengen Agreement, third-country nationals with a valid visa can enter Austria without needing a separate Austrian visa.
• Holders of a residence permit from a Schengen state can travel to other Schengen states for up to 90 days without a visa.
• From spring 2025, travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will require an ETIAS travel authorization.

Health and safety

Austria has world-class healthcare facilities throughout the country, with high standards of medical care. However, medical costs can be high and most healthcare providers only accept cash payments. It is recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Austria.

Vaccinations and Medication

It is recommended that you are up to date with all vaccinations advised by official health organisations, such as the CDC, before travelling to Austria.

If you are taking any prescription medication, always carry it in its original packaging, along with your doctor's prescription. Check with the Austrian Ministry for Health to ensure your medication is legal in Austria.

Altitude Sickness

Many cities in western Austria are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take the necessary precautions before you travel.

Insects and Wildlife

Take care in forests and rural areas where ticks can carry encephalitis. Ticks are active from spring to autumn. Check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests and remove them as soon as possible.

Bears and wolves are occasionally encountered in mountain areas. Take particular care if you are in an area where bears have been sighted.

Food and Drink

West Nile virus and measles cases have been reported in Austria. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

Crime

Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe and violent crime is rare. However, petty crimes involving theft of personal property do occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers, and do not leave bags unattended.

Drink spiking can occur at popular nightclubs and can lead to sexual assault. Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.

Terrorism

Terrorist attacks can occur at any time and have previously targeted European cities, including Vienna. Crowded places such as public transport hubs, tourist areas, shopping areas, and major sporting events are possible targets. Always be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities.

Transport

Austria has an extensive and reliable public transport network, including trains, buses, and taxis.

The Austrian Federal Railways (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) offers train services to all major towns within Austria and to major cities in other European countries. There is also an extensive network of Österreichische Post bus lines. All major cities have excellent public transportation systems.

Taxis are reliable and safe. Make sure the meter is running.

If you plan to drive in Austria, be aware that you must display a current highway toll sticker called a "Vignette" on your vehicle. Vignettes can be purchased at petrol stations near the border. Random vignette checks are carried out, and you will be fined if you do not have one.

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

When driving, be aware of the following rules:

• The maximum speed limit is 130 km/hr (81 mph) on the Austrian autobahns.
• It is against the law to use a handheld cell phone while driving.
• It is against the law to turn right on red.
• Cars on Austrian motorways must pull over when an emergency vehicle is approaching. On two-lane roads or larger, vehicles pull over to the far left or far right to create an emergency corridor down the center.
• You may be fined for not using winter tires on your vehicle between November 1 and April 15, depending on where you are driving. Your car insurance may be void if you are in an accident and your vehicle does not have winter tires.
• A U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in Austria. It must be accompanied by an international driving permit or an official translation of the U.S. driver's license.

If you are renting a car, read your rental contract closely. You may be arrested, fined, and/or charged with attempted auto theft if you try to drive a rental car in countries listed as "prohibited" on the car rental contract.

Money and expenses

The local currency in Austria is the Euro. It is recommended to carry some cash with you, especially for taxi transfers or hotel deposits. However, most establishments in Austria accept card payments, and you can also withdraw cash from ATMs.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must declare it to customs when entering or leaving the European Union.

Using Cash and Cards

Although cash is still commonly used in Austria, card payments are widely accepted in most tourist areas. It is best to carry both cards and cash, using your card whenever possible and only withdrawing cash from ATMs when needed. This reduces the risk of losing a large sum of money and makes it easier to keep track of your spending.

Most international banks and outlets charge a fee for using ATMs, and your card provider may also charge foreign transaction fees and out-of-network ATM costs. It is recommended to inform your bank before travelling to avoid potential issues with transactions.

Cost of Living

Austria is considered a "moderately priced" place to visit, and the cost of your trip will depend on your travel style and preferences. Here are some average prices to give you an idea of the cost of living in Austria:

• Dorm bed in a hostel: €30
• Basic hotel room for two: €100
• Daily travel card on public transport: €8
• City card, 24 hours: €70
• Cup of coffee: €4.50
• Three-course restaurant dinner for two: €80
• Glass of Austrian wine: €4
• Pint of beer at the bar: €4
• Domestic beer = €3.90
• One-way ticket on local transport = €2.40
• Inexpensive restaurant meal = €12.00
• Bottle of mid-range wine = €7.00
• Bottle of water = €2.13

Saving Money

• Book your accommodation and train tickets in advance to get the best deals.
• Use public transportation, which is inexpensive, or approved taxi and ride-hailing operators.
• Eat breakfast at a bakery instead of a hotel.
• Look for street food or buy food from local markets and supermarkets for cheaper meals.
• Take advantage of free attractions, such as walking tours or exploring nature.
• Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for cheaper room rates and fewer crowds.
• Plan your days efficiently to minimise travel costs by grouping attractions in the same area.
• Look for city tourist passes that include discounts and free public transportation.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Austria, and it is generally recommended to round up to the nearest Euro or leave a 10% tip for good service. In some cases, a service fee may already be included in the bill, so check before adding an additional tip.

Accommodation

When travelling to Austria, you may be asked to show proof of your accommodation at the border. This could be a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home.

If you are staying in a hotel, it is recommended that you keep your passport locked in the hotel safe, and carry a photocopy of your passport at all times, along with a second form of ID.

If you are staying in a rented apartment or house, you should always keep your accommodation locked.

If you are camping or staying in a caravan, you should check the local regulations that apply in the respective municipality.

Frequently asked questions