GoAustria Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Chinese citizens need to obtain a visa before traveling to Austria. If they transit through the Austrian capital Vienna to other Schengen countries that have signed mutual visa exemption agreements with China for official passports or ordinary official passports, they also need to obtain an Austrian transit or entry visa in advance. As a Schengen Agreement country, Chinese citizens who only travel to Austria can apply for a visa at the Austrian Embassy in China. If traveling to multiple Schengen Agreement countries at the same time, they should apply to the member country with the longest stay; When the duration of stay is the same, apply to the first country to be visited. For specific details, please refer to the homepage of the Embassy of Austria in China (website: http://www.bmeia.gv.at/cn/botschaft/peking.html ）.

To enter Austria, one must hold a valid visa or residence permit, otherwise they will be refused entry and deported. According to Austrian regulations, unless there are uncontrollable humanitarian reasons such as sudden illness or other special circumstances after entry, it is difficult to extend the visa held in Austria. Please confirm the visa validity and stay period in advance to avoid travel inconvenience. If overstayed, one will face high fines when leaving the country, which will affect future applications for Austrian and Schengen visas. When entering the country, please actively cooperate with the Austrian border defense department for inspection, and if necessary, present relevant proof materials (such as invitation letters, letters of authorization from minors' guardians, addresses and contact information of relatives and friends in Austria, round-trip flight itinerary, etc.) and truthfully explain the situation. When encountering problems, pay attention to communication, remain calm, and avoid extreme words and actions. If denied entry, while waiting for appropriate transportation arrangements to return, they should be required to provide humane treatment, guarantee basic rights such as food and rest. Please contact the Chinese Embassy in Austria if necessary.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

After the establishment of the European internal market, the European Union has formulated unified regulations on articles carried by non EU members when they enter the EU.

（1） Number of tax-free items (the number of items that can be brought into the EU tax-free, note: individuals over 17 years old are only allowed to bring tax-free tobacco and alcoholic beverages into the country)

Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars (3g/each), or 50 cigars.

Alcohol: 1 liter of strong liquor (alcohol content>22%) or 2 liters of champagne, sweet liquor, or wine (alcohol content<22%).

Other: Individuals from non EU countries are eligible to bring personal use items with a value not exceeding 174.45 euros into the country tax-free.

（2） Regulations on the Entry of Animals and Plants

Animals and plants brought into the country should present CITES certificates in accordance with the Washington Species Agreement (CITES). According to the agreement, animals and plants are classified into four endangered categories (A-D). Class A refers to all endangered animal and plant species, as well as all endangered species, which are not allowed to be brought into the European Union. Other Class B, C, and D animals and plants can only be brought into the European Union after strict government inspections.

（3） Cash

All passengers entering and leaving EU countries who carry cash or other equivalent securities exceeding 10000 euros must declare to customs.

（4） Tax refund

Tourists who do not reside in the European Union can apply for tax refunds when shopping in Austria. Steps:

1、 In stores marked with tax refund signs, if a one-time consumption exceeds 75.01 euros on the same day, you can present your passport to the staff and ask them to issue a tax refund form;

2、 When leaving the EU, present the purchased items and have the customs personnel stamp the tax refund form;

3、 Collect the tax refund at the designated bank or office (or by credit card or bank check).

Residency and Naturalization

According to Austrian law, children born out of wedlock to parents who are Austrian citizens at the time of birth can obtain Austrian citizenship; Children born out of wedlock to mothers who are Austrian citizens at birth can obtain Austrian citizenship; If the father is of Austrian nationality, the father son relationship must be established within six months of the baby's birth, and children born out of wedlock can also be of Austrian nationality. Foreigners have resided in Austria for 10 years or more, including at least 5 years of residence (Niederlassungsbewilligung). In the last three years, their family income has met the minimum requirements, without any illegal acts. With German B1 certificate, they can apply for naturalization in Austria, and their children under the age of 14 can also apply for naturalization at the same time; In addition, foreigners who marry Austrian citizens and have resided in Austria for 6 years can also apply for Austrian citizenship. After obtaining Austrian citizenship, one must complete the procedures for withdrawing their original nationality within two years; Austria generally does not recognize dual nationality, but those who have made special contributions to Austria may retain their original nationality.

Residence can be divided by nature into: Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbeiwilligung): issued to temporary or short-term residents in Austria; Settlement permits (Niederlassungsbewilligung) are issued to settlers in Austria.

Special reminder: Anyone over the age of 14 who applies for or extends their residence must personally go to handle it. The validity period of the first issued residence permit is calculated from the date of issuance, and the extension of residence permit is calculated from the day after the expiration of the previous residence permit. If the date of approval for residence has exceeded the expiration date of the last residence by 6 months, the extension of residence shall be counted from the date of approval. The gap between two stays shall be certified by the immigration office separately. Residence extension must be applied for before the expiration of the residence period. Otherwise, it will be treated as the first application (requiring a reapplication upon returning to China).

Austria's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

The overall security situation in Austria is good, but in recent years, the refugee crisis, populism, and terrorism have had a certain impact on local security. In November 2020, a terrorist attack occurred in Vienna, causing multiple casualties. In addition, theft cases often occur in some scenic spots, train stations, shopping places, and transportation between major cities in Austria and neighboring countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Suggestion: Do not carry a large amount of cash with you, pay attention to the safekeeping of personal valuables and carry on bags, especially when taking public transportation, checking in at hotels, or dining in restaurants, be sure to take good care of personal belongings and keep the bag on hand; Trains from Vienna to surrounding cities are high-risk areas for theft. Please pay attention to safety precautions when getting on and off the train, placing luggage, and a few minutes before the train starts; Do not engage in conversation with strangers, and be aware of behaviors such as using begging, asking for directions, and taking photos to divert attention for theft, robbery, or fraud; When the police check their identification documents, they are required to first present their police ID card, record the police badge and police car number, and only present their passport documents without showing their wallet; Visiting and shopping should be done in groups, with less money and belongings when going out alone.

If your passport is stolen, please prepare two paper white background ID photos and copies of your original passport, visa, and ID card (if any), and contact the Chinese Embassy in Austria as soon as possible to apply for travel documents. The Chinese Embassy in Austria suggests that applicants report to the police in a timely manner and request proof of the report for police inspection

natural disaster

Most of Austria has a temperate continental climate with distinct four seasons. The western region is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with large temperature differences between winter and summer, day and night, and frequent rainfall. The eastern region has a continental climate with small temperature differences and low rainfall, with hot summers and mild winters. The Alps have abundant rainfall, with long winters and short summers. The average temperature in July is 17-26 ℃, and the average temperature in January is -1-4 ℃. In winter, from December to March of the following year, there is still snow accumulation in high mountain areas in May. If there is heavy snowfall in winter, some mountainous areas are prone to dangerous situations such as avalanches. Please pay attention to the Austrian meteorological department's warning and local road traffic conditions.

FDA

The hygiene condition of Ao Food is good.

Austrian dietary habits are influenced by multiple factors in Central and Eastern European countries as well as Italy. Famous dishes include TafelSpitz stewed beef, Wiener Schnitzel fried small steak, and pork chops. Sweet food is a specialty food, famous for Vienna's Sacher cake and Salzburg's Mozart chocolate balls. Ao produces high-quality white wine, and beer and fruit wine are also popular. The water quality is excellent, and tap water can be consumed directly.

Urgent Help

Alarm: 133

Emergency ambulance: 144

Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Call Center Hotline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 0086-10-12308

Consular Protection Hotline of the Chinese Embassy in Austria: 0043-681-20192638

Fire alarm: 122

air traffic

The Austrian aviation system is highly developed, and its international routes can directly reach important cities around the world. Currently, there are direct flights from Beijing and Shanghai to Vienna

Vienna International Airport (Internationaler Flughafen Wien) is the main airport in Austria, also known as Schwechat Airport. Passengers can take taxis, airport shuttle buses, S-Bahn or CAT trains from the airport to Vienna city center.

Austrian Airlines is the largest airline in Austria with good service.

land transport

The condition of the Ao Expressway is good and the transportation is convenient. The railway system is relatively developed, and the domestic railways are connected to railways in other European countries. Passengers can take buses or trains from the capital Vienna to Eastern European cities such as Bratislava, Budapest, and Prague.

Vienna's main train stations: Wien Hauptbahnhof, with U1 subway arriving at the main station; Vienna West Station (Wien Westbahnhof) is accessible by subway U3 and U6; Meidling Bahnhof railway station is where some trains heading to Eastern Europe depart.

The car rental service is very developed, and major car rental companies have set up points at the exits of airports, train stations, and bus stations. Self driving requires carrying travel documents and a valid driver's license, familiarizing oneself with local conditions, paying attention to traffic rules and personal safety. If driving at high speed in the car, you need to purchase a highway ticket (Vignette) and post it on the designated position of the car window windshield. Failure to post it is equivalent to not purchasing a ticket and will face high fines; High speed tickets can be purchased at gas stations or tobacco newspaper stores (TABAK). Parking must comply with traffic rules. If you park illegally and are towed away, you will be responsible for the towing fee.

For more information, please visit the website of the Austrian Railway Company or the website of the car rental company.

water communication

There is relatively little transportation on the Austrian waterway.

Urban transportation

The transportation in major cities of Austria is relatively developed. You can check the website of Vienna Public Transport Company (website) for taking public transportation in the capital city of Vienna https://www.wienerlinien.at/ ）.

It is necessary to purchase tickets according to regulations when taking public transportation such as subway, light rail, and bus. Tickets can be purchased at tobacco newspaper stores (TABAK) on the streets and alleys or automatic ticket machines at major stations. When using a one-way or daily ticket, it is necessary to print the travel time on the ticket validity machine (Ticket Validator/Entwerter). The 24-hour or 48 hour ticket can be checked for the first time, and please do not check again. Before entering the subway station, buses and trams take tickets on board.

The staff will periodically check the tickets, and if no tickets are found for boarding, a high fine will be imposed. If no ticket is issued, it is equivalent to riding without a ticket and will also result in a high fine.

major city

1、 Vienna: the capital of Austria. Covering an area of 415 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 2 million, it is the largest city in Austria and the fifth largest city in the European Union.Located in the Danube River Valley in the northeast of Austria, the Danube River flows through the city center, and the famous Vienna Forest is located in the northwest suburbs. Vienna is the economic center of Austria and an important transit point for transportation and trade between East and West Europe, with highly developed trade and financial industries. Vienna is known as the "Capital of Music" and has nurtured music masters such as Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss. Beethoven lived here for a long time and engaged in music creation. Here are world-renowned performance groups such as the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Children's Choir, as well as renowned performance venues such as the National Opera House and the Musicians' Association Building (Golden Hall). The Vienna New Year's Concert is held annually at the Golden Hall.

2、 Graz: the second largest city in Austria and the capital of Styria state. Located in a basin along the Mur River, a tributary of the Danube River. The area is 127 square kilometers. The population is about 300000. The southeastern industrial, transportation, and cultural center has become the major industrial center of Austria since the 20th century. The main industrial sectors include metallurgy, automobiles, machinery, instruments, vehicle manufacturing, papermaking, wood processing, and brewing. It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1999 and was selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2003.

3、 Linz: the third largest city in Austria, the capital of Upper Austria, with an area of 96 square kilometers and a population of approximately 210000. An important river port economic center in the upper reaches of the Danube River, one of Austria's major heavy industrial cities, and the location of Austria's large steel and chemical companies.

4、 Salzburg:The fourth largest city in Austria, a famous tourist city, and the capital of Salzburg province, with an area of 66 square kilometers and a population of approximately 150000Located in central northern Austria, at the northern foot of the Eastern Alps, with an elevation of 425 meters. Salzburg means salt fortress, and the state of Salzburg has been producing salt since ancient times, hence the name of the state and its capital city, Salzburg. Salzburg is located in a prime geographical location with developed cultural and tourism industries, and convenient railway, road, and air transportation.

5、 Innsbruck:The fifth largest city in Austria, the capital of Tyrol state, covers an area of 105 square kilometers and has a population of about 130000. The city name is directly translated as' Bridge of the River 'and is also known as the capital of the Alps. Located in the Alps valley, it borders Germany to the north, Italy to the south, Switzerland to the west, and the capital Vienna to the east. It is a city located at the crossroads of Central Europe. The climate is pleasant and it is an international tourist destination. It hosted the Winter Olympics twice in 1964 and 1976.

Commodity prices

Austria has abundant resources and high prices. The Austrian banking industry is well-developed and began using the Euro in January 2002. Cash or bank card can be used for shopping. All major stores accept credit cards, and some stores in popular scenic spots can accept Alipay payment.

Special reminder: Many supermarkets and small chain stores do not accept high denomination banknotes of 200 and 500 euros.

Insurance Medical

The medical conditions in Austria are among the best in the world, and the public healthcare system is very comprehensive. Austria is a high welfare country, where legal residents who pay social insurance are enrolled in medical insurance and can enjoy free medical care.

The hygiene situation in Austria is good, with no widespread infectious diseases, and occasional flu outbreaks in spring and autumn. Long term residents need to be vaccinated against ticks (Zeckenimpfung).

You can go to public hospitals or private clinics for medical treatment in Austria. Public hospitals are large in scale, well-equipped, and have strong technical capabilities, but they have a large number of patients and long waiting times; Private clinics offer better services with shorter waiting times, but generally require appointments.

Foreigners staying in Austria should buy medical insurance to minimize their economic risks. Medical insurance covers emergency illnesses that foreign travelers encounter upon entering Austria. However, conservative treatment, recuperation, and treatment of chronic diseases are not covered by insurance.

Ambulance: 144. Urgent call to doctor: 141.

Customs taboos

Holidays: New Year's Day on January 1st, Three Kings' Day on January 6th, Easter on the first Sunday after the full moon of the Spring Equinox, Labor Day on May 1st, Ascension Day on the 40th day after Easter, Pentecost on the 50th day after Easter, Mary's Ascension Day on August 15th, National Day on October 26th, Halloween on November 1st, Mary's Day on December 8th, and Christmas Day on December 25-26.

Austrians are enthusiastic, outgoing, cultured, and pay attention to etiquette. When addressing peers, they usually use each other's surnames, and only address each other by name within the family and among good friends. People with knowledge and status like to be called by their academic and official titles, such as minister, doctor, etc. After getting married, the Austrian woman changed her husband's surname. For formal occasions, men wear dark suits, women wear dresses, or ethnic clothing.

In public places, be careful to speak in a low voice, drink soup silently, and when toasting, look sincerely at the other person. Talking to Austrians can talk about history and culture, not about war. Austrians avoid the 13th and Friday. When sending flowers as guests, avoid sending red roses, red carnations, and flowers in pairs.

Communications Power

Ao uses a two-phase circular plug with a standard voltage of 220V.

The international calling method in Austria is country code+city code+phone number, while the domestic calling method is area code+phone number. The international area code for Austria is 0043. To call China from Austria: 0086+area code+phone number or 0086+mobile phone number; Dialing from China to Austria: 0043+area code+phone number or 0043+mobile phone number (area code and mobile phone number do not need to be preceded by 0).

Aowang has a wide coverage area, and many hotels provide wireless internet services.

contact information

Local emergency contact number in Austria:

1. Alarm: 133

2. Fire alarm: 122

3. Emergency ambulance: 144

4. Urgent call to doctor: 141

5. Mountaineering accident: 140

6. Gas leakage: 128

7. Vehicle malfunction: 120123

8. Poisoning accident: 4064343

9. Female emergency call: 71719

10. Taxi: 40100, thirty-one thousand and three hundred

Reference website:

Austrian Federal Ministry for European Affairs, Integration and External Affairs www.bmeia.gv.at

Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior website www.bmi.gv.at

Official website of the Austrian National Tourism Board www.aodili.info

Austrian Federal Railways website www.oebb.at

Austrian Post Office website www.post.at

Austrian Airlines website www.austrian.com