Since the end of the transition periodTransition Period The transition period (also referred to as the implementation period) is the period following the UK's departure from the European Union (on 31.01.2020) until the end of 2020. An option to extend this period has not been taken up by the UK government., and also due to the pandemic, British citizens travelling to Austria have noticed a few differences when travelling. We have compiled a number of travel-related FAQs. Some are also related to the purpose of your trip – and will depend on whether or not you are resident in Austria, or are just travelling to Austria for work, studies or pleasure.
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FAQs
How can I fly to and from Austria?
Vienna International Airport (VIE) is Austria’s main international airport and in served directly and indirectly year round from the UK. The frequency of flights in liable to seasonal (winter/summer) fluctuations. Internal flights operate to Innsbruck and Klagenfurt from Vienna.
Graz, Linz and Salzburg airports previously had connecting flights from Vienna, but these cities now enjoy regular ÖBB services directly from Flughafen Wien Bahnhof to Salzburg Hbf, Linz Hbf and Graz Hbf. There are direct trains to/from Klagenfurt Hbf from Wien Hbf, as well as changing from Graz-bound trains at Brück an der Mur.
Regional Airport Services to the UK
Graz Airport does not have any direct flights to the UK, but there are connecting flights to Frankfurt, Munich and Amsterdam.
Direct flights from Gatwick Airport serve Innsbruck airport, with flights daily in winter, and currently four times a week in summer. Otherwise you can fly via Frankfurt or Vienna.
Klagenfurt Airport has Ryanair connections (both direct and indirect) to the UK, with seasonal variations in frequency, including direct flights to London Stansted.
Linz Airport does not have any direct flights from the UK, but does fly to Düsseldorf and Frankfurt, which may provide convenient connections.
Salzburg Airport has direct flights to London Stansted as well as range of indirect connections to various parts of the UK.
Airports in neighbouring countries that may also have flights
Bratislava Airport has a number of flights to and from the UK. It is just over an hour away from Vienna.
Brno in Czech Republic has some direct flights to and from London Stansted.
Ljubljana Airport is about an hour from the Austrian border.
Memmingen Airport has indirect connections to London Stansted.
Munich Airport is about an hour from Salzburg, and is also a convenient hub for Tyrol.
Zurich Airport has rail connections through to Western Austria.
Regional Airports – Destination Maps
- Flughafen Graz
- Flughafen Innsbruck
- Flughafen Klagenfurt
- Flughafen Linz
- Flughafen Salzburg
- Vienna International Airport
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What does the (Austrian) EHIC card cover?
The Austrian EHIC card provides “medically necessary” treatment in state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland or the UK.
The UK EHIC/GHIC card has similar coverage in Austria, but please remember it is NOT an acceptable policy for permanent residency purposes. Also when you become permanently resident in Austria, your UK EHIC card is no longer valid (unless covered by a UK S1)
Please also remember it is NOT a substitute for adequate travel insurance (e.g. does not cover repatriation, helicopter transfer to a hospital following injury on a ski slope).
An EHIC card also is unlikely to cover any Private Healthcare treatment including ambulances.
Further information:
European Commission page on EHIC cards (the “benefits covered” link contains information about restrictions).
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I want to go off travelling in the future. What must I bear in mind regarding my residence status?
Article 50 EUV cardAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms. holders who do not hold a 10 year card (i.e. one marked DAUERAUFENTHALTSRECHT) need to take particular care when considering their options for going travelling. Here are a list of considerations to bear in mind if you hold a 5 year Article 50 EUV card:
- Applications for a new card must be made before the expiry of your current five year card, so do not plan your grand tour for the final three months of its validity.
- If you have not already satisfied the requirement of five years uninterrupted legal residence before you head off travelling, pay particular attention to how long you are away from Austria to avoid accidentally interrupting your residency. You may only be away for a period of 180 days in a rolling 12 month period if you hold the five year card. If your residence is interrupted by exceeding this, you will no longer be in scope of the Withdrawal AgreementWithdrawal Agreement The Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020. If you are resident in Austria at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Austria. Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-withdrawal-agreement-and-political-declaration and you will not be able to get a new Article 50 card and will be handled like a 3rd country national3rd country nationals Third country nationals are citizens of non-EU/EEA countries. Residency and naturalisation procedures for third country nationals are more complicated than for citizens of EU Member States or EEA signatory states. (3CN3rd country nationals Third country nationals are citizens of non-EU/EEA countries. Residency and naturalisation procedures for third country nationals are more complicated than for citizens of EU Member States or EEA signatory states.). Some limited exceptions apply, e.g. if you are studying in Austria and spend a year abroad studying, or if you travel for medical reasons (e.g. for medical treatment in the UK) for up to 12 months on a one-off basis.
- If you are unemployed / between jobs you should seek AMSArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance. advice about what travel is possible. In some situations, benefits may be dependent on your actively jobhunting and attending interviews and courses, and a dim view might be taken about going off travelling. Similarly you should also check that you remain covered for insurance purposes, to avoid a gap in insurance cover interrupting your residence, and impeding your qualifying for a ten year card.
- “Popping back” for a weekend in the middle of your travels to reset the clock won’t work. You will have to ensure that Austria remains the “centre of your vital interests”.
- If travelling within the Schengen areaSchengen Area The Schengen Area is European border control-free travel area, consisting of all EU Member States except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein., remember that you can only spend 90 days in 180 outside the country of your residence.
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I left an item of luggage on a train, who do I contact?
ÖBB has a Lost and Found service. The form is available in German and English. The English version is at https://infrastruktur.oebb.at/en/contact/lost-and-found-form
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I was advised that I can expect a fine in relation to a breach of the Covid-19 Einreiseverordnung. What fines are possible?
Some people have received forms requiring them to provide information due to not having all/some necessary information when entering Austria from abroad. Some have claimed that they are unaware of there being fines in place for breaches of the Covid-19 Einreiseverordnung (Covid-19 EinreiseV).
While the sanctioning provisions are not contained in the text of the Covid-19 EinreiseV itself, they are clearly stated in the Epidemiegesetz. The Regulation was issued by the SozialministeriumSozialministerium The Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is responsible for the following fields: The health care system Initiatives for people with disabilities Consumer protection Public health and medical issues Care and support The rights of consumers and the protection of their health Senior citizens’ policy Social policy Social insurance on the strength of the power being conferred upon it in Articles 16, 25 and 25a of the Epidemiegesetz (EpiG; Epidemic Act) to issue the Regulation.
Article 40 para. 1 lit. c EpiG states that breaches of Regulations enacted on the basis of the EpiG are classified as administrative offences (Verwaltungsübertretungen), and the sanctions are imposed in what is known as administrative penalty proceedings (Verwaltungsstrafverfahren), with maximum fines of EUR 1,450 or alternatively up to four weeks imprisonment in the event that there is no way of recovering the amount of the fine (known as an Ersatzfreiheitsstrafe).
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I am travelling to the UK. The rules/restrictions are changing, which rules/restrictions apply?
Covid-19 restrictions change at short notice, but often with a few days between their being announced and their coming into effect. The applicable rules that are in force at the time you enter the UK continue to apply.
E.g. announcement (of easing/tightening of rules) on 27 July with effect from 3 August.
- Rule changes (unless otherwise indicated) are from 04:00 (GMT/BST depending on time of year) of the day from which they are effective.
- If you arrive in the UK on 2 August, the previously applicable rules continue to apply regarding quarantine/test to release etc.
- If you arrive any time after 04:00 BST on 3 August the new rules apply regarding quarantine/test to release etc.
H/T: British Embassy, Vienna for clarification.
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Can the Art 50 EUV card be used as a travel document?
No. The Art 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms. card is a residence permit, not a travel document. It is also not proof of citizenship. When you travel, even within the Schengen AreaSchengen Area The Schengen Area is European border control-free travel area, consisting of all EU Member States except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein., you should continue to carry your British passport on you when crossing borders. When entering the Schengen area, you should show your Art 50 EUV card with your passport to avoid having your passport stamped.
It is also important to note that additional validity rules may apply on your passport when outside Austria. For those rules and the rules for other Austrian residence permits, please see this link.
Note: Be aware, that even within the internal Schengen borders they can carry out spot checks and Temporary Border Controls are allowed. With Romania and Bulgaria starting to join Schengen in 2024 spot checks may increase
For those with an urgent need to travel, who have an expired UK Passport, you can apply for an Emergency Travel DocumentEmergency Travel Document The Emergency Travel Document (sometimes also called an Emergency Passport) is issued for British citizens abroad who need to travel who do not have a passport for travel (e.g. due to loss/theft/expiry of their previous travel document) and are unable to apply for one in time. Full eligibility criteria can be found on the section of the UK Government Website about Emergency Travel Documents.: https://www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document/how-to-apply
Last Update:
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Will the “Art 50 EUV” allow me to enter Schengen countries, and to return to Austria without any difficulty?
Yes, third country nationals who hold a residency permit issued by an Austrian authority that is competent for settlement and residence will be able to spend up 90 days within a 180 day period in the territory of other Schengen countriesSchengen Area The Schengen Area is European border control-free travel area, consisting of all EU Member States except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein., while their residency permit is valid. You will be required to have a valid passport, and you will only be allowed to visit other countries for leisure/tourist purposes. Prior to commencing your journey to the destination country, please check what conditions apply if you are travelling for work.
When you apply for the “Art 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms.” card, you will receive a confirmation that you have applied. This confirmation (carried with a valid passport will allow you to leave and (re)enter Austria again.
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How will temporary absences be calculated in relation to the Art 50 EUV card?
For holders of the 5-year card, absences “not exceeding six months a year” are allowed. The Austrian authorities have confirmed that absences will be calculated on a rolling basis, that means a total of 6 months in the last 12 months. This might catch you out if you take a long winter holiday and a long summer holiday away from Austria.
Seasonal workers leaving Austria at the end of the winter season to only return for the following winter season must take particular care about how many days they spend outside of Austria.
Holders of 10-year cards (ie permanent residence) are allowed absences of up to 5 years in a block. So, for example, a period of 2 years away, then a month back and another absence of 4 years is allowed.
Card holders who spend a lot of time abroad are in any case advised to keep a note (and as necessary proof of travel) about dates of travel. If there is any doubt as to when you were in or out of Austria, the onus is on you to prove it.
Special conditions apply for one-off longer absences in exceptional situations, such as for studying (for a year abroad), caring for an elderly relative (not explicitly mentioned), postings abroad by your Austrian employer, or military service. This absence is also referred to on the Austrian BMI Brexit Website
The advice we have received in 2021 from Your Europe Advice (ref: 334484) on the extended absences is that:
- “There is no specific process you need to follow to notify the Austrian authorities of such absences. You will need to retain documentation which explain the reasons for your absence in case this is requested.“
- “In such cases, upon your return to Austria, we consider that you would have to remain there for a least six-months in order to reset the clock on permitted absences”
If you break the rules and are away for too long, you risk permanently losing your residency rights under the Withdrawal AgreementWithdrawal Agreement The Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020. If you are resident in Austria at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Austria. Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-withdrawal-agreement-and-political-declaration .
Notes:
- HealthSozialministerium The Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is responsible for the following fields: The health care system Initiatives for people with disabilities Consumer protection Public health and medical issues Care and support The rights of consumers and the protection of their health Senior citizens’ policy Social policy Social insurance insurance cover in Austria may be used to determine the length of absence. Ensuring that you have health insurance cover in Austria is therefore essential (a travel insurance policy does not suffice for residence purposes).
- Periods of unemployment, where there is no health insurance coverage, may also affect your future eligibility for a 10 year card.
Non British/Non-EU Spouse
Please be VERY careful if you have a non-British/Non-EU Spouse with a 5 year ARTIKEL 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms. FAMILIE card. Your absence can also affect their right of residence in Austria! The advice from Your Europe Advice is:
“The right of residence of UK citizens and their family members after BREXIT is set out in Article 13 of the Withdrawal Agreement which refers to Directive 2004/38/EC. The case of departure of the UK citizen normally also leads to the loss of the right of residence of the non-EU family members, except in cases according to Article 12 (3) of Directive 2004/38/EC, to which Article 13 of the Withdrawal Agreement refers:
Departure of the UK citizen (for more than six months) does therefore not affect the right of residence of his/her children or of the parent who has actual custody of the children, if the children reside in the host Member State and are enrolled at an educational establishment, for the purpose of studying there, until the completion of their studies.”
Useful Links:
Gov.uk – Explainer for part two (citizens’ rights) of the agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union (see para. 14 (5 year card absence rules) & para. 18 (10 year card absence Rules)
See also British Embassy, Vienna Q&A November 2020
Last revised: 25.08.2023
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Will British Citizens be able to use their UK driving licence in Austria?
The answer depends on whether you are resident in Austria or not (and of for employment in Austria you are likely to be required to be resident). Under Austrian law relating to driving licences, British citizens resident in Austria will need to exchange their licences by 30 June 2021. Family members joining you in Austria will have 6 months to exchange their licences after arrival.
British citizens residing in the UK, on the other hand, will be able to use their UK licence for trips to Austria (i.e. as tourists), but will be limited in terms of amount of time that can be spent in Austria to 90 days out of 180 days. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021)
 | Holders of British driving licences as at the end of the transition periodTransition Period The transition period (also referred to as the implementation period) is the period following the UK's departure from the European Union (on 31.01.2020) until the end of 2020. An option to extend this period has not been taken up by the UK government. (31.12.2020) had until 30 June 2021 to exchange their British driving licence for an Austrian one, if resident in Austria. Continuing to drive on a British licence under this circumstance is illegal and incurs heavy fines and may render insurance ineffective. |
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I live in a neighbouring EU country and commute to Austria for work, what will I have to do?
British citizens holding permanent residence in a neighbouring country and working in Austria, commuting on a daily/weekly basis, in particular on cross-border contracts already classed as EU cross-border commuters, will continue to be recognised as such and won’t need work permits to continue this arrangement after 31 December 2020 as UK cross-border or “frontier” workers covered by the Withdrawal AgreementWithdrawal Agreement The Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020. If you are resident in Austria at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Austria. Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-withdrawal-agreement-and-political-declaration . However they will not be entitled to an Aufenthaltstitel Art 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms., but may apply for a certificate “Bestätigung gemäß § 3 Absatz 8 Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz für “Artikel 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms. – GrenzgängerFrontier worker In the EU context, any worker who is employed in the frontier zone of an EU Member State but who returns each day or at least once a week to the frontier zone of a neighbouring country in which they reside and of which they are nationals as called frontier workers. German uses the terms "Grenzarbeitnehmer" and "Grenzgänger". und Grenzgängerinnen” at the regional office of the Austrian Public Employment ServiceArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance. (AMSArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance.; ArbeitsmarktserviceArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance.), certifying their frontier workerFrontier worker In the EU context, any worker who is employed in the frontier zone of an EU Member State but who returns each day or at least once a week to the frontier zone of a neighbouring country in which they reside and of which they are nationals as called frontier workers. German uses the terms "Grenzarbeitnehmer" and "Grenzgänger". status under Article 26 of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Further information: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/en/topics/brexit/residency-and-access-to-the-labour-market.html
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Hauptwohnsitz/Nebenwohnsitz
- There will be a clear distinction in most cases:
- If your house in Austria is registered as your NebenwohnsitzZweitwohnsitz Secondary places of residence (e.g. holiday homes that you spend some time in yourself, pied-à-terres, granny flats) are known as Zweitwohnsitze (in legal terms) or Nebenwohnsitze (in common parlance). While you may reside at a secondary residence for part of the time, it does not constitute the centre of your vital interests. It is of course possible to change your residence status (i.e. from your Zweitwohnsitz to Hauptwohnsitz - known as Ummeldung) to reflect changes in circumstances, although you should be aware that "flipping" is not intended for short-term changes and that doing so can affect the status of grants etc. contingent on the location of your vital interests. but you live in it for 11 months/year, then it is your HauptwohnsitzHauptwohnsitz Your Hauptwohnsitz is your principle place of residence, i.e. where you typically have the centre of your vital interests. Other residences are known as Nebenwohnsitze. and it won’t stop you from obtaining the Article 50 EUV cardAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms..
- If you only live in your house in Austria for 1 month/year then it is a Nebenwohnsitz. You won’t be able to obtain the Article 50 EUV card, but this won’t stop you from living in the house for 1 month per year.
Clarification July 2021: Art 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms. card qualification has not been solely based on the quality of registration of a residence (i.e. people who were initially registered in Austria only as Nebenwohnsitz, but who were resident prior to 31.12.2020 have been able to get cards), however to retain their A50 status, they are required to keep any period of continuous absence to under six months. Some seasonal workers have been told to prove their continuing residence in Austria during the summer season to obtain their Art 50 EUV cards.