Lyla Lindsey
Austria is a popular tourist destination, known for its lavish palaces, coffeehouses, and snow-white peaks. In recent years, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted travel to the country. As of December 2021, Austria had imposed a national lockdown and restricted entry for most travellers. It was announced that travel for touristic purposes would be allowed again from 13 December 2021, provided that certain entry rules were followed. These included providing a negative COVID-19 test result, a vaccination certificate, or a recovery certificate. Travellers should also be aware of the upcoming EU ETIAS travel authorisation, which will require visa-free travellers from non-EU countries to obtain authorisation for short stays in the Schengen Area. This is now expected to come into force in late 2026, with a grace period until 2027.
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 restrictions: negative PCR test, vaccination or recovery certificate required
As of December 2021, Austria has allowed travel for touristic purposes. However, there are still COVID-19 restrictions in place that travellers must adhere to. Travellers must provide either a negative COVID-19 test result, a vaccination certificate, or a recovery certificate. If you do not have a vaccination or recovery certificate, you must present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of your arrival. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. If you have a vaccination or recovery certificate, you are exempt from the testing requirement. However, your vaccination certificate must indicate that you have been immunized with one of the accepted vaccines in the last nine months.
During your stay in Austria, you will need to follow local COVID-19 restrictions. This includes providing proof of vaccination or recovery to access public spaces, including restaurants, cafes, and hotels. FFP2 masks are required in all public indoor spaces. In restaurants, cafes, and bars, you must wear an FFP2 mask when you are not seated at your table. All types of accommodations, restaurants, cafes, and bars have to close at 11 pm.
It is important to note that stricter rules apply to travellers from Omicron-affected areas. If you are arriving from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe, you are subject to an entry ban.
In addition to the COVID-19 restrictions, there are also standard visa requirements for travelling to Austria. If you are a citizen of a Schengen country, you do not need a visa to enter Austria. A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely across the 27 Schengen member states for a short stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. If you are not a citizen of a Schengen country or an EU/EFTA member state, you will need to apply for a visa before travelling to Austria. The type of visa you need will depend on the length of your stay. For stays of up to 90 days in the Schengen area, you will need a Visa C. For stays between 91 days and six months, you will need a Visa D. The visa application process can take up to 15 business days, so be sure to plan accordingly.
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Visas: mandatory for non-Schengen countries
Austria is a member of the Schengen area, which means that citizens of other Schengen countries can enter Austria without a visa. However, for non-Schengen countries, a visa is typically required. The specific requirements depend on the individual's nationality and the purpose of their trip.
For those from non-Schengen countries, the first step is to determine the purpose of your visit. If you are visiting for tourism, you may not need a visa if your stay is less than 90 days within a 180-day period. This rule applies to citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, among others. However, starting in spring 2025, travellers from these countries will require an ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-free entry. It is important to note that you may need to show proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket at the border.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, work, study, or engage in business activities, you will likely need to obtain a visa. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of your visit. For example, a work visa is necessary for employment, while a student visa is required for studying in Austria. The application process for these visas may involve providing documentation such as proof of financial means, travel medical insurance, and an invitation letter from an Austrian company.
The application process for visas can vary depending on your nationality and the consulate's requirements. It is recommended to contact the Austrian Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence for specific instructions. The processing time for visa applications is generally around 15 days, but it can be extended in certain cases. The fees for consular services also vary, so it is essential to review the information provided by the relevant Austrian representation.
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Travel insurance: mandatory for all Schengen countries
As of December 13, 2021, Austria has lifted its temporary lockdown, allowing travel to the country for touristic purposes. Travellers wishing to enter Austria must follow certain entry rules, including providing a COVID-19 test result, a vaccination certificate, or a recovery certificate.
When it comes to travel insurance, it is mandatory for all travellers to have valid medical insurance when visiting any of the 29 Schengen countries, including Austria. This requirement applies to those who are travelling on a Schengen visa, which is valid for a short stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. The Schengen visa allows free movement within the Schengen Area.
The appropriate travel insurance should cover all the Schengen countries and provide a minimum of EUR 30,000 in medical coverage. It should also include coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. The cost of travel insurance depends on personal details, the length of the trip, and the chosen plan.
It is important to note that travellers from the UK to Germany, a Schengen country, do not need travel insurance if they carry their GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). The GHIC provides the same coverage for medical emergencies in public hospitals as German citizens. However, it is not valid in private hospitals and clinics, nor for evacuation and repatriation.
When choosing a Schengen travel insurance provider, it is crucial to select a licensed and approved company that meets all the specified requirements. Failure to meet these requirements could lead to visa rejection. Some popular providers include AXA Assistance, Europ Assistance, Allianz, and Mutuaide.
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Photograph: required for visa application
If you are applying for a visa to enter Austria, you will need to provide a recent photograph of yourself. This photograph must meet several requirements. Firstly, it must be a colour photograph taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that your features are distinguishable and contrast against the background. Secondly, the photograph must show your full face without any sunglasses, hats, or other head coverings, unless you wear such items due to religious or ethnic reasons. Finally, the photograph must be printed on normal photographic paper and glued to the visa application form. The photograph should not be older than 6 months.
It is important to note that you must complete the registration process before submitting your visa application. Incomplete applications, including those missing the required photograph, will not be accepted. The processing time for visa applications is typically 15 business days from the receipt of a complete application by the Embassy.
If you are a citizen of a Schengen country or a non-EU citizen, you benefit from facilitated procedures for issuing visas. This includes individuals such as the spouse/civil partner, children, and dependents of non-Austrian EU/EEA nationals, as well as students, researchers, and diplomatic passport holders. However, it is always important to carefully review the specific requirements and restrictions for your country of origin before submitting your visa application.
Additionally, if you intend to stay in Austria for an extended period, you may need to apply for a different type of visa. For stays of more than 90 days and up to 6 months, non-citizens of European Union or European Free Trade Association member states will need to apply for a national Austrian visa (Visa D). For stays exceeding 180 days, a residence permit will be required.
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Border entry: possible after December 13, 2021 lockdown
Border entry: possible after December 13, 2021, lockdown
Austria imposed a temporary lockdown on November 22, 2021, due to rising COVID-19 cases, which meant that travel to the country was impossible. However, the Austrian authorities announced that travel for touristic purposes would be allowed again after December 13, 2021.
Entry requirements
All travellers wishing to enter Austria must follow certain rules. Travellers must provide either:
- A valid vaccination certificate, indicating that the holder has been immunized with one of the accepted vaccines in the last nine months
- A recovery certificate
- A negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted
Those holding a valid vaccination or recovery certificate are exempt from the testing requirement.
Please note that arrivals from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are currently subject to an entry ban.
Visas
Austria is one of 27 countries that have implemented the Schengen Agreement. A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely across the Schengen member states for a short stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. The visa is valid for 29 countries, and the application process usually takes 15 business days.
If you intend to stay in Austria for more than 90 days and up to six months, and you are not a citizen of a European Union or European Free Trade Association member state, you will need to apply for a national Austrian visa (Visa D).
Other requirements
FFP2 masks are required in all public areas in enclosed spaces. In restaurants, cafes and bars, you must wear an FFP2 mask when you are not seated at your table. In addition, proof of vaccination or recovery is required to access public spaces, including hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, leisure centres, gyms, and cultural institutions.
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Frequently asked questions
As of December 13, 2021, Austria allowed travel for touristic purposes again after a temporary lockdown.
Austria requires all persons to provide a COVID-19 test result, a vaccination certificate, or a recovery certificate. If you don't have a vaccination or recovery certificate, you must present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours.
After the lockdown, the "2-G" rule applies, meaning proof of full vaccination or past infection is required in many areas. FFP2 masks are also mandatory in all public areas in enclosed spaces.
It depends on how long you plan to stay in Austria. If you are staying for less than 90 days, you can enter Austria with a Schengen visa. If you are staying for more than 90 days and up to 6 months, you need to apply for a national Austrian visa (Visa D).
Some popular places to visit in Austria include Vienna, the Tyrolean Alps, the Danube River, and the city of Salzburg.
