Austria
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Austria’s current entry restrictions and requirements. Due to COVID-19, these may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country on your journey, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information.
Around 980,000 British nationals visit Austria each year. Most visits are trouble-free.
If you’re living in or moving to Austria, visit our Living in Austria guide in addition to this travel advice.
It’s generally illegal in Austria to wear in a public place any clothing or object that conceals the face and makes facial features unrecognisable. This does not apply to medical or fabric face masks, which are compulsory in some situations due to coronavirus. See Local laws and customs
You should carry your passport with you when crossing the border into or from Austria. Monitor local media and check with your transport provider or the Austrian Railways (OBB) website for updates.
There are occasional demonstrations in Austria’s cities. Although these are generally peaceful, you should take extra care near demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.
There are complex driving laws in Austria, especially for caravan and motor-home owners. See Road travel
There’s a danger of avalanches in some areas, particularly in periods of heavy snowfall. Even during summertime this danger still exists for snow-covered areas. See Skiing
Terrorist attacks in Austria can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
Don’t carry your passport around with you. Leave it in your hotel safe and carry a photocopy instead. See Local laws and customs
If you need to contact the emergency services call 112.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Update history
2025-04-11 12:45
Updated information on general risks you may face from terrorism(‘Safety and security’ page).
2025-03-17 13:57
Update to information on expected rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-10-03 12:08
Addition of information about border controls at Germany’s land borders (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2024-10-01 16:37
Removal of information on floods in East Austria (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)
2024-09-15 15:01
Information on floods in East Austria (Warnings and insurance)
2024-09-05 13:09
Information on the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), planned to be introduced from November 2024 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-05-08 15:58
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
2023-10-18 12:37
Information on the risk of terrorism in Austria (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-08-29 16:01
Removed information on flooding in Western and Southern Austria.
2023-08-28 14:11
Addition of information on severe flooding in Western and Southern Austria
2023-07-03 15:19
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-06-22 11:29
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages
2023-06-19 11:49
Removal of information about a US embassy in Vienna alert for 17 June (‘Summary’ page).
2023-06-16 17:04
Information on US embassy in Vienna alert (‘Summary’ page).
2023-04-27 15:23
New information included on altitude sickness (‘Health’ page).
2023-03-17 11:23
Removal of information about the police’s report of a non-specific threat against Churches and other Houses of Worship in Vienna (‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages).
2023-03-15 14:44
On 15 March, Vienna Police have reported a non-specific threat of an assault against Churches and other Houses of Worship in Vienna and have increased the number of specially-equipped police officers on patrol. Be vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities (‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages).
2023-03-15 10:55
On 15 March, Vienna Police have reported a non-specific threat of an assault against Churches in Vienna and have increased the number of specially-equipped police officers on patrol. Be vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities (‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages).
2023-03-01 15:03
Removal of requirements to wear FFP2 facemasks on public transport in Vienna and to show negative PCR test if arriving in Austria from China, and updated information on testing positive for COVID-19 in Austria (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-01-11 15:51
Updated information on entry requirements related to COVID-19 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-08-01 09:36
Updated information on the easing of quarantine requirements if you test positive for COVID-19 in Austria and do not have symptoms (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-06-01 09:30
Updated information on the requirements to use face-masks (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-05-16 12:49
Update to information following the relaxation of COVID-19 related entry rules (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-05-12 14:18
Clarification about current passport validity (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-17 00:06
Updated information on wearing FFP2 facemasks, and testing requirements for children (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry Requirements’ pages).
2022-03-29 09:56
Update to information on the use of face masks in public places (‘Coronavirus’ page). Update to information on the threat from terrorism (‘Terrorism’ page).
2022-03-29 09:54
Update to information on the use of face masks in public places (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-03-11 14:54
Updated information on COVID-19 vaccines for residents of Austria (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-03-04 16:05
Information on restrictions for public places and services that come into place on 5 March (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-02-22 11:47
Updated information on entry requirements for Austria; new “3G” rule effective from 22 February, enabling entry for travellers with proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-02-18 16:36
Information on requirements for entry to public spaces and services (‘Coronavirus’ page)