Österrike

Översikt

Austria constitutes a low risk country. Austria’s security profile, stability and its determined position of neutrality ensures that significant risk factors remain largely absent.

Foreign nationals are at most risk from petty crime, although crime rates are generally lower than many other European countries. Civil unrest can also periodically occur, which can impact business continuity and travel. The reported rise in immigration and subsequent rising support of the far-right may result in additional risks associated with civil unrest and racially-motivated crime. During winter travel may be impaired due to severe weather and avalanche risk, particularly in mountainous areas.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Austria. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

Tap water is safe to drink in Austria.

The standard of medical facilities in Austria is high. As most educated Austrians speak good English, most hospitals should have doctors that are able to communicate with English speaking travellers. Basic medical treatments are free or cost-reduced for EU citizens, but they might be asked to produce a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Emergency services should also be guaranteed to non-EU nationals. It is nonetheless very important to verify the eventual cover of health insurances before leaving.

Most medicines/drugs are available in Austria. A medical prescription is necessary in order to purchase certain kinds of medicines/drugs. The average cost of medicines in Austria is similar to those of other Western European country and slightly lower than those of the US.

Pass

Nationals of countries that are full Schengen members do not need a passport for entry into Austria, as ID cards suffice as proof of EU citizenship. Citizens of all other countries need a passport. Passports need to be valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay for non-EU nationals. EU nationals require validity for the duration of their stay. 

Nationals from non-Schengen countries, such as the UK, will require their passports. 

Visum

Countries that have a Visa agreement in force with Austria do not need a visa for stays up to three months.

Enquiries regarding visas should be addressed to the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If there is no embassy or consulate, you should refer to the one responsible for your country, usually situated in a neighbouring country.

All non EU nationals need a work permit to work in Austria. Work permit visas for the country are difficult to obtain. In order to obtain a Work permit, citizens of most countries (excluding the USA, which has a special agreement with Austria) need to have obtained previously a residence permit. Applications for residence permit have to be sent to the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Travellers can find information regarding which nationalities require a Schengen visa for entry into Austria at the European Commission Visa Policy website.