Travel Vaccines and Advice for Austria

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Austria. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Austria: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Several countries in Europe have had outbreaks of routine diseases like measles and pertussis. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

A passport which is valid for at least 3 months from the departure date is required to enter the country. A business or tourist visa is not required for trips less than 90 days.

Because Austria is a Schengen area country, the 90-day period begins upon the initial entry of any Schengen area country. After 90 days a visa is required and travellers can only stay for a total of 180 cumulative days.

Austria Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Austria?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Austria and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

Austria has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Temperatures can vary by region:

• The Alps – These mountains are a popular skiing destination. The Alps encompass approximately 60 percent of the country. Journey here from Christmas time to late March, when snow is in common.
• Eastern Area – The landscape varies in this considered Pannonian climate. Winters are milder. This area includes Vienna.
• Lowland Areas – These areas vary by geography. The southern area has Mediterranean weather patterns, with fewer weather changes. Austria to the west lies closest to the ocean, allowing greater influence on its weather.

Snowfall varies by month and travellers should assess this before making travel plans. The temperature in the winter months are usually around freezing, but can be as low as -19 degrees Celsius. If you are seeking pleasant warm weather, July and August are the best months to visit Austria. Temperatures this time of the year are usually in the low 20’s.

The Canadian Government rates Austria as an area with little crime. But, still remain alert in crowded areas and keep belongings close. Remember to double check you have all your documents in your possession when leaving lodgings.

Austria has accessible public transit, particularly in cities. This includes trains, subways, streetcars, and buses. Rental cars are available. Your U.S. driver’s license, or an international driver’s permit (IDP), will allow you to operate a vehicle in Austria. Once you arrive in Austria, an “Autobahnvignette” is like a U.S. toll pass, must be purchased. This will placed on your windshield of your car.

Driving laws in the U.S. do differ from those in Austria. Turning right at a red light is prohibited in Austria. The Austrian Government requires all cars to have winter tires from November to April. This are strictly enforced.

Winter sports in Austria are popular and a must do in the colder months, but do not let that fool you. The summer months are just as exciting.

Start out in Alberg, where 85 ski lifts and t-bars will take you to over 240 kilometres of area to explore. Apres skiing is aplenty in this area with plenty of other off-mountain activities. Next, find your way to Kitzbuhel, home of the most dangerous downhill ski race in the world, the Hahnenkamm. Innsbruck provides a great starting point for all the above ski destinations.

In Innsbruck there is the Stubai Glacier for great skiing. The city hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games as well as the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Montafon Valley has 85 ski lifts and cable cars for winter exploration. This area is in the south western area of Austria.

Here are recommended items to bring along with you to Austria:

• Medication and First Aid – It is always better to be prepared. Bring along any recommended medications and an appropriate first-aid kit.
• Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Sunscreen should be on your packing list even in the winter months. The sun is stronger when reflected off snow, especially at high altitude. Though mosquito-borne illnesses are rare in Austria, practice safe habits. Look to invest in bug spray that contains at least 20 percent of DEET or more.
• Clothing – Prepare to be outdoors a fair amount in Austria. In the winter months, a heavy jacket and appropriate warm clothing is recommended. Summer months are milder, but proper hiking gear and sturdy shoes are suggested.

There is one Canadian Embassy located in Austria. Be sure to contact them in case of emergency or a lost or stolen passport.

Canadian Embassy in Vienna, Austria
Laurenzerberg 2, A-1010,
Vienna, Austria
Tel.: 43 (1) 531-38-3000

Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!