Austria

EXPLORE AUSTRIA Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 83,879 square kilometers   Capital: Vienna Religion: Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic)Population: Approximately 9 million Language: German (official); Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian (recognized minority languages)Currency: Euro (EUR, €) Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–3:00 pm; some banks open later on Thursdays Telephone/Communication: The country code is +43; Austria has an excellent telecommunications infrastructure and widespread mobile and internet coverage. Climate: Temperate continental climate—warm summers and cold winters; alpine regions have heavier snowfall and cooler temperatures.   VAT in Austria If you are a non-EU resident (like U.S. travelers), you may be eligible for a VAT refund on purchases made in Austria: To qualify: You must spend over €75 in a single store in one day. The store must participate in the tax-free shopping program (look for signs like “Tax-Free” or “Global Blue”). When you purchase, request a VAT refund form and keep the original receipts. Steps to Claim Your Refund: When you leave the EU (airport or border), present your purchased goods, receipts, and refund forms at customs. Have your forms stamped by customs before checking in your luggage. You can submit your forms to a refund provider (like Global Blue or Planet) at the airport kiosk or mail them in later. Refund Method: You can receive your refund in cash, to your credit card, or via bank transfer. Note: Typically, we deduct a processing fee from the total refund. Travel Requirements Entry & Visa Passport Validity U.S. citizens must have a valid passport with at least three months’ validity beyond the date of departure from the Schengen area. Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years. Visa Requirements for short stays (up to 90 days):Under the Schengen visa waiver, U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for tourism, business, or family visits. ETIAS Travel Authorization (coming soon) We expect the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025. Once in effect, U.S. travelers must apply online for ETIAS before entering Austria or any Schengen country. Proof of Return or Onward Travel Austrian border officials may request proof of return or onward travel, especially for travelers with one-way tickets. Sufficient Funds You may need proof of financial means to support your stay. Travel Insurance (Recommended) While it’s not mandatory for U.S. citizens under the visa waiver, we highly recommend obtaining travel insurance with health coverage. (Insurance covering €30,000 minimum is required if you enter Austria with a Schengen visa.) COVID-19 Regulations As of early 2025, there are no pandemic-related entry restrictions, but checking updates from the Austrian Embassy before your trip is advised. Travel Tips: Austria is well connected by train and air within Europe, making it easy to explore multiple cities. Public transport in cities is excellent. Getting there from the US Traveling from the United States to Austria is straightforward. Multiple flight options connect major U.S. cities to Austria’s capital and other key destinations. Direct Flights to Austria Vienna International Airport (VIE) is Austria’s primary international gateway, offering direct flights from several U.S. cities. Airlines like Austrian Airlines, United, and Delta offer nonstop service from hubs such as New York (JFK/EWR), Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD), Los Angeles (LAX) (seasonal) One-Stop Connections If you’re flying from a city without a direct route, you’ll find plenty of one-stop options via European hubs like Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Zurich (ZRH) Entry Points Beyond Vienna While Vienna is the leading international hub, travelers can also arrive through other Austrian airports such as Salzburg Airport (SZG), Innsbruck Airport (INN) New York to Vienna: ~8 hours Los Angeles to Vienna: ~11–12 hours (direct or with one connection) Airport Transfers in Austria You can easily reach the city center from Vienna Airport via the City Airport Train (CAT), S-Bahn, buses, or taxis. Most Austrian cities have efficient public transport systems connecting airports to downtown areas. Travel Safety Tips   Before You Go: Austria is one of the safest countries in Europe, known for its well-maintained infrastructure, low crime rate, and efficient public services. Still, it’s always wise to stay alert and travel smart. Here are a few safety tips for your trip: Be Aware of Pickpocketing. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur in busy areas like train stations, tourist sites, and trams in cities like Vienna and Salzburg. Use a crossbody bag or money belt, and avoid keeping valuables in your back pocket. Use Reliable Transportation. Austria’s public transportation is safe, clean, and reliable. In larger cities, only use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps like Uber. Weather Awareness in Alpine Regions. Check the weather forecast and local avalanche warnings if you plan to hike or ski in the Austrian Alps. Stick to marked trails and follow all safety signs. Always carry proper gear and water, even on short hikes. Emergency Numbers: General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112, Ambulance: 144, Police: 133. English-speaking assistance is often available. Respect Local Laws and Customs. Austria has strict recycling laws, smoking regulations, and quiet hours in residential areas (especially at night). Always carry a valid ID or passport—police may request it for identification. Health & Insurance. Austria has high-quality healthcare, but it’s smart to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Pharmacies are well stocked, and many speak English. Seasonal Travel Tips. Winter: Watch for icy sidewalks and snow delays. Summer: Stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun exposure when exploring outdoors. Fun Facts Austria is known as the birthplace of classical music legends; it produced world-famous composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and Beethoven, who spent much of their lives in Vienna. Vienna is the home of the Vienna Philharmonic, one of the most prestigious orchestras worldwide, renowned for its global broadcast of its New Year’s Concert. Filming for The Sound of Music took place in and around Salzburg, Austria, showcasing stunning landscapes. The World’s Oldest Zoo—Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna, founded in 1752, is still the oldest zoo in the world. Alpine Playground—The