Austria is a fairytale come to life. Rich emerald valleys with snow-capped peaks meet glistening lakes wherever you turn. Its cities are awe-inspiring yet still approachable, filled with a variety of historical and cultural sightseeing activities. From Vienna’s classical music legacy to Salzburg’s claim to fame with the Sound of Music, Austria is bursting with musical inspiration. With just one glimpse at the stunning natural scenery, it is easy to see where the artists get their ideas from.
Don’t let its size fool you. Whether you are dreaming of long hikes through bewitching valleys or are ready to plan the ideal skication, Austria has so much to offer - no matter how long you plan on staying. Even if you’re only stopping by in Austria as part of a multi-Europe tour, you will still be thankful you got the chance to visit. And no doubt, you will start planning when you can next return. If Happily Ever Afters exist, they will be found in Austria (in between spoonfuls of chocolate sachertorte cake!).
Effortlessly elegant, Vienna is a capital city from a fairytale. In summer, picnic with fresh pastries and wander the colourful gardens of SchĂśnbrunn Palace. For a winter getaway, warm up with coffee in cosy cafes before listening to live music in buzzing bars. Get ready for charming historic centres, blended with a vibrant, creative vibe.
Austria is a next-level ski and snowboarding destination, whether youâre a seasoned pro or a total beginner, with smooth and scenic runs for every ability. Choose between hundreds of quaint ski villages in the Austrian Alps. On a group ski trip to Austria, hit the slopes with new mates and party at après ski.
A playground for adventure lovers year-round, the Austrian Alps are the picturesque escape to the mountains youâve been dreaming of. Glide down world-famous slopes, hike winding trails, and dive into tranquil lakes. Unplug in remote mountain huts and chalets, waking up each morning to jaw-dropping scenery as far as you can see.
Popular as the gateway to the Alps, Salzburg is the perfect place to rest on an Austrian ski trip. But this is a city that has even more to offer, captivating with its rich musical history, grand palaces, and fortresses offering spectacular views. If youâre seeking a quiet escape, Salzburgâs cobblestone streets make it easy to fall in love.
Healthcare is to a high standard in Austria. British travellers should obtain a European Health Insurance Card before arriving in Austria so that they are entitled to emergency medical treatment. Always purchase travel insurance whenever you go abroad.
Austria is a very safe location to visit. Travellers should take general precautions to avoid pickpocketing and petty crime in larger cities and on public transportation.
For adventure sports, please check that your travel insurance covers this and that you are going with a reputable company. Regarding skiing and paragliding specifically - two of Austria’s most popular outdoor activities - ensure that this insurance covers emergency mountain rescue services, helicopter costs, repatriation to your country of residence, and transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment.
Always check weather forecasts and conditions before going out to do adventure sports. Make sure you pack essential items like a map, compass, GPS and telecommunications equipment. Consider going with a guide for expert advice and reassurance. Take particular caution if you are going off-piste skiing, as this can be very dangerous and invalidate your travel insurance.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other motorised vehicles while abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles can vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be more dangerous than what UK travellers are familiar with. If you wish to go against this advice, always check that you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance has comprehensive coverage for these activities.
Austrian culture is quite similar to UK and German culture. People are very polite and greetings can be quite formal - typically a firm handshake. Punctuality is important here, as is being relatively quiet while in public.
Clothing is generally informal; keep in mind that it is illegal to cover your face in public and that you could be fined up to €150 for doing this.
Austria has exciting traditions throughout the year rooted in Christianity, from the beautiful Christmas markets to Easter celebrations and a Bonfire Sunday that is unique to Western Austria. It is popular to visit a Heuriger in Eastern Austria, which are vineyards that serve different wine flavours depending on the season!
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full âBritish citizenâ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK governmentâs understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Austria set and enforce entry rules. If youâre not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Austrian Embassy in the UK.
Austria follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
You can travel without a visa to theâŻSchengen area, which includes Austria,âŻfor up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:Â
The requirements for working in Austria are different.
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. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
At Austrian border control, you may need to:
To stay longer, you must meet the Austrian governmentâs entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Austrian Embassy in the UK.
If youâre in Austria with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Read about entry processes if you live in Austria.
The European Unionâs (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.Â
This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.Â
On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.Â
You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area.
EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.Â
Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EUâs official Travel Europe website.
There are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany. Check the entry requirements for Germany.Â
There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Austria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
Austria is a four-season destination with little climate variety. This country has plenty of valleys and mountains, which makes it feel cool for most of the year. There is snow typically between December and March, which is when ski season tends to hit. July is the hottest month in Austria and hiking in the summer is highly recommended to soak up the natural beauty. Even when temperatures peak, you should still pack light layers for the evening!
Austrian cuisine uses simple ingredients for maximum flavour. The food is hearty and delicious, from Wiener Schnitzel to Tiroler Gröstl (bacon, egg and potato fry-up!). It’s all about the charcuterie boards here, as there are so many cheese variations to sample. Its Bergkäse Mountain Cheeses are especially famous, which is a hard cheese with a strong and nutty flavour. And if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll feel right at home in Austria. There is apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn (scrambled pancake), souffle, krapfen (doughnuts), custard cream cake, and the legendary Sachertorte: the richest, most decadent chocolate cake you have ever tasted. Cafe culture thrives in Austria, so don’t miss out on all the chances to enjoy a dessert with a hot drink.
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