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Weather & climate
Weather in Austria
Austria
22°
Slight rain
Mon
15°
22°
Tue
10°
15°
Wed
7°
17°
Thu
8°
16°
Fri
10°
16°
Sat
10°
18°
Sun
10°
13°
SPF level in Austria
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Austria
What British travellers need to know
You can stay in Austria for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for tourism or visiting.
Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the date you arrive, and must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
Be prepared to show proof of your accommodation, travel insurance, a return ticket, and sufficient funds for your stay at border control.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) means you may need to register your fingerprints and a photo when entering or leaving the Schengen area.
Visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days count towards your 90-day limit, and overstaying could result in a ban.
Good to know:
If you are travelling to Germany overland, be aware there are temporary border controls at Germany's land borders.
You cannot bring meat, milk, or products containing them into Austria, with limited exceptions for baby food and medical dietary needs.
Safety in Austria
Tips when travelling
Austria is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
You must always have easy access to your passport as a copy of the photo page can be helpful.
In big city centres and parks after dark, be vigilant against higher levels of pickpocketing and other petty crime.
Be careful about taking drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended to avoid drink spiking and assault.
You must validate your ticket in a machine before a journey on public transport or risk a fine of 100 to 500 euros.
It is generally illegal to wear any clothing or object in public that covers your face, risking a fine of up to 150 euros.
Bonus tips:
When using a vehicle on Austrian motorways, you must display a vignette sticker inside your windscreen.
For adventure sports like skiing, ensure your insurance includes mountain rescue, helicopter costs, and repatriation.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Austria
A UK driving license is valid in Austria. Consider an International Driving Permit if your license does not have a photo.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Austria drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Austria
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Austria. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen events. Make sure your insurance covers winter sports if you plan to ski or snowboard.
No vaccinations required
No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Austria from the UK. However, it's always wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio. Discuss your travel plans with your doctor to determine if any additional vaccinations or precautions are recommended based on your individual health and activities.
Cards & payments
Widely accepted, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Austria
Tipping is customary in Austria for good service. While not mandatory, it's a common way to show appreciation.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or 5-10% for table service
Taxi
Round up the fare or 5-10%
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per night, left at the end of your stay
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR per person for a good tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU roaming without extra charges no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider for their roaming policy in Austria. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming, while others might charge extra. Consider local SIM if roaming charges are high.
Local SIM
10 GB for 20 EUR (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Austria
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants and public spaces.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Wi-Fi is readily accessible, especially in urban areas. Many hotels and eateries offer free Wi-Fi to customers.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
133
Ambulance
144
Fire
122
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Austria
Country code
+43
To call a Vienna number (e.g., 01 1234567) from the UK, you would dial 00 43 1 1234567.
The country code for Austria is 43. The international access code from Austria is 00.
Languages in Austria
UK Embassy
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
13 days ago
Travel disruption
- New specific guidance added for the Eurovision 2026 event in Vienna from 10-17 May 2026.
- Tickets for all Eurovision 2026 events are now digital only and must be presented on a mobile phone with valid photo ID.
Entry requirements
20 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- You do not need to take any action before arriving at the border, but the advice to allow more time for immigration controls now specifically includes when you depart the Schengen area.
- The previous line stating you do not need to take action before you arrive has been moved and integrated with the advice about allowing extra time.
Entry requirements
24 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Long-term residents in a Schengen country are now explicitly exempt from EES registration in all Schengen countries.
Border procedures
- Information about getting your passport stamped until EES is fully rolled out has been removed.
- Instructions to show evidence of entry/exit if your passport is missing a stamp have been removed.
Airports in Austria
Beaches in Austria
Frequently asked questions
No, British citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Austria. However, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. For longer stays or other purposes, such as work or study, you may need a visa or permit.
The best time to visit Austria depends on your interests. For skiing and winter sports, December to March is ideal. For hiking and outdoor activities, June to September offers pleasant weather. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) can also be good, with fewer crowds and mild temperatures.
Yes, the tap water in Austria is generally very safe and of high quality. It comes from mountain springs and is carefully monitored. You can drink tap water in most places, including restaurants and hotels.
Like any popular tourist destination, Austria has its share of scams. Be wary of street vendors selling overpriced goods or services. Avoid unlicensed taxis. Always check restaurant bills carefully, and be cautious about sharing personal information online or with strangers. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, to prevent pickpocketing.
The dress code in Austria is generally smart casual. For everyday activities, comfortable and practical clothing is suitable. When visiting religious sites, such as churches or monasteries, dress respectfully (covered shoulders and knees). For formal events or nicer restaurants, smart attire is appropriate. In ski resorts, functional and warm clothing is, of course, necessary.
Austria offers a diverse culinary scene. Be sure to try Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Sachertorte (chocolate cake), and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Traditional Austrian cuisine often features hearty meat dishes, dumplings, and creamy sauces. Visit local markets to sample regional cheeses, sausages, and other delicacies.
Austria has an excellent and well-maintained public transportation system. Trains, buses, trams, and subways are efficient, reliable, and connect major cities, towns, and tourist attractions. Consider purchasing a travel pass for unlimited use of public transport within a specific region or city. Tickets are usually available at stations or online.
When greeting someone in Austria, a handshake is customary. In more formal settings, address people by their title (e.g., Herr Doktor, Frau Professor) followed by their last name. Punctuality is valued. When dining, wait to be seated, and do not start eating until everyone at the table has been served. Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes – around 5-10% for good service.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.