Austria Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Americans

US passport holders require a passport but a visa is not needed for a stay of up to three months.

UK Nationals

A visa is required, except for holders of a British passport stating British Citizen or British National (Overseas), or endorsed British Overseas Territories Citizen or British Subject with the Right of Abode label issued by the United Kingdom.

Canadians

Canadians require a passport but a visa is not needed for a stay of up to three months.

Australians

Australians require a passport but a visa is not needed for a stay of up to three months.

South Africans

South African nationals require a passport and a Schengen visa for travel to Austria.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a passport but no visa is needed for travel to Austria.

New Zealanders

New Zealanders require a passport but a visa is not needed for a stay of up to three months.

Healthcare

No vaccinations are necessary for business visits or general tourism in Austria. There is, however, a risk of tick-borne encephalitis for long-term visitors who expect to be visiting rural or forested areas in spring or summer. These travelers should consider vaccination and ensure they take precautions against tick infestation. Water and food are safe. Medical facilities are excellent. Medical insurance is advised unless from the UK - citizens of EU countries can get free emergency medical treatment at public hospitals in Austria on production of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Bird flu was found in dead swans in the southern province of Styria in February 2006 and stringent measures were taken to contain the outbreak. The risk is very low for travelers, but all close contact with wild, domestic and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution.

Safety

Travel to Austria is generally trouble-free, however visitors are advised to take sensible safety precautions particularly in larger cities.