ETIAS in Austria for British Citizens

From late 2026, the European Union will require UK travellers to obtain ETIAS authorisation before visiting Austria, one of 30 European countries applying the new rules. 

Whether you’re planning a holiday, business trip or transit, you’ll need a valid travel document and must follow the 90/180-day period limit for short stays.

Do UK Travellers Need ETIAS to Visit Austria?

Yes, you will need ETIAS to enter Austria from late 2026. Austria is one of the 30 European countries requiring a travel authorisation for short stays under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

Austria is One of 30 ETIAS Countries

Austria is included in the list of ETIAS countries that make up most of the Schengen Area. This list also covers popular UK travel destinations such as France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and Cyprus.

These countries are introducing a shared travel system aimed at tightening security and streamlining border checks. ETIAS applies to non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries, which includes the United Kingdom.

Once ETIAS is active, British travellers will need to apply for authorisation before arrival in Austria. This rule applies even if you’re just passing through Austria to another destination like Iceland or Liechtenstein.

ETIAS will cover travel for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. These limits apply across the entire Schengen Area, not just Austria.

ETIAS Requirements for UK Nationals

UK nationals lost freedom of movement in the EU after Brexit. Now, they are classified as third-country nationals under EU law.

This means that UK passport holders will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation for short visits to Austria. This applies whether you’re travelling for tourism, business, family visits, or transiting through Vienna or Innsbruck.

There is one key exception. UK nationals covered by the Withdrawal Agreement (residing legally in an EU country before the end of 2020) will not need ETIAS if they hold recognised documents proving their status.

ETIAS is not a visa. It is a pre-screening system linked electronically to your travel document. It is meant to strengthen border security while keeping entry simple for low-risk travellers.

Below is a quick breakdown of who needs ETIAS to enter Austria:’

The system will check your details against European databases such as the Schengen Information System, the Entry-Exit System (EES), and others. If your application is approved, you can enter Austria and other ETIAS countries without applying for a visa.

You must still meet Austria’s standard entry requirements at the border. Border guards can ask for proof of funds, accommodation, or return tickets. Even with ETIAS, you can be refused entry if you fail to meet these conditions.

When Will UK Travellers Need ETIAS for Austria?

You will need ETIAS to enter Austria starting in late 2026. The EU has confirmed this timeline but has not yet announced the exact start date.

Official Launch Timeline

The ETIAS is expected to go live in the final quarter of 2026. This is based on guidance from the European Commission and the official ETIAS website.

The specific date will be shared a few months in advance. Until then, there is no need to submit an application form or pay any fee.

Austria is part of the wider rollout covering 30 countries. These include Schengen countries like Slovenia, Norway, and France, as well as non-Schengen states like Cyprus.

Only travellers from visa-exempt countries, such as the United Kingdom, will need ETIAS. If your nationality is subject to visa requirements, you must still apply for a traditional visa through consular services.

How the Rollout Affects 2026–2027 Travel Plans

If you’re visiting Austria before the system becomes active, you do not need to apply for ETIAS. Travel rules remain the same until the official start date.

Once the launch is confirmed, ETIAS will be required for any arrival on or after that date. This applies whether you’re flying to Vienna, taking a train from Slovenia, or driving in from Germany.

If you plan a ski holiday, Christmas market visit, or business trip to Austria in late 2026 or early 2027, your travel may fall within the ETIAS rollout. You should monitor announcements closely and prepare your application in advance once the portal opens.

The ETIAS application form will be available through the official ETIAS website and a dedicated mobile app. These are the only official channels approved by the European Commission.

To avoid travel issues, check the start date regularly and allow extra time for processing. Most applications are approved within minutes, but in some cases the review can take several days.

If you travel without a valid ETIAS after the system launches, you may be refused boarding or denied entry at the border. Austrian authorities will verify your status electronically as part of pre-checks.

To avoid delays, apply early once the system is live and make sure your passport meets all entry requirements. Your ETIAS will be valid for multiple entries across the Schengen Area, including Austria, Slovenia, and Norway.

While Ireland does not participate in ETIAS, border-free travel between Ireland and Austria will still require meeting standard visa or authorisation rules depending on your route.

Check the official ETIAS website for updates and prepare your documents ahead of time to avoid disruption.

What Does ETIAS Allow UK Travellers to Do in Austria?

ETIAS lets you enter Austria for short stays without needing a visa, but it doesn’t grant you the right to work or live there. You can visit for tourism, business, or transit, as long as you meet entry conditions and stay within the time limits.

Short Tourist Visits

With an approved ETIAS, you can visit Austria for up to 90 days in any 180-day window. This is for tourism, visiting friends or family, or other personal travel.

Austria is a key destination within the Schengen Area, meaning you can cross into nearby countries like Slovakia and Slovenia without extra border control. ETIAS allows you to enter multiple times during its three-year validity, provided you don’t overstay the allowed period.

Popular activities you can do under ETIAS include:

• Visiting cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz
• Skiing holidays in Tyrol or Vorarlberg
• Attending cultural festivals, exhibitions, or events
• Touring castles, lakes, or the Austrian Alps
• Day trips to neighbouring countries like Hungary or Slovakia

If your trip is longer than 90 days or involves moving to Austria, you’ll need a residence permit or national visa instead.

Non-Work, Non-Study Activities

ETIAS does not cover long-term work, study, or residency. It is for short visits only and does not replace national visa requirements for those activities.

You can attend business meetings, trade fairs, or short training sessions as long as you’re not paid locally or employed in Austria. You may also join guided study tours or academic events that do not exceed the time limit.

Travellers from other visa-exempt countries like Australia or Canada face the same limits. These rules apply equally to UK citizens.

Freedom to Move Between Austria and Other ETIAS Countries

ETIAS is valid for all 30 participating countries. That means you can enter Austria and then travel freely across other Schengen countries, such as Belgium, Poland, and Slovakia.

You don’t need to apply separately for each country. Just make sure you do not exceed 90 days total in the entire zone.

Border control at internal Schengen borders is minimal. Still, you must carry your passport and proof of ETIAS approval in case checks occur during travel.

If you plan to re-enter Austria after visiting other ETIAS countries, your time spent counts toward the same 90-day limit. Overstaying could result in fines or future bans from the Schengen Area.

ETIAS Requirements for UK Travellers Visiting Austria

To visit Austria after ETIAS becomes mandatory, you must meet a set of entry conditions and provide accurate details during the application process. Your passport, personal information, and payment must meet the rules set by the EU.

Valid UK Passport Requirements

To apply for ETIAS, your UK passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave Austria or any other participating country. It must also be issued within the last 10 years.

If your passport expires sooner, your application may be rejected. You will also be denied entry at border checks if your passport does not match your ETIAS record.

The ETIAS is digitally linked to your passport, so you must travel with the same document you used in your application. If you renew your passport, you’ll need to apply for a new travel authorisation.

Countries like Croatia, Denmark, and Lithuania follow the same rules for ETIAS eligibility. The passport requirements are standard across all 30 participating countries.

Information You Need to Apply

The online ETIAS application form will ask for your basic personal details. This includes your full name, date of birth, nationality, contact details, and parents’ names.

You’ll also need to enter your passport number and issue/expiry dates. The system checks this data against EU security databases.

In addition, you must answer questions about your education, job, recent travel history, and any previous immigration decisions. You’ll be asked to declare whether you’ve been convicted of crimes or visited war zones.

Travellers under 18 or over 70 can apply free of charge but must still complete the form. Parents or guardians must submit applications for minors.

The application form will be available on the official ETIAS website and app once the system is live. It can only be submitted individually, not as a group.

Below is a checklist of what you need to fill out the form:

• Valid UK passport
• Email address you can access
• Credit or debit card for payment
• Personal and contact information
• Intended country of first entry (e.g., Austria)
• Security and travel history questions

ETIAS Fee and Exemptions

Adult UK travellers will pay a €20 application fee when applying. Payment must be made online at the time of submission.

If you are under 18 or over 70, you are exempt from paying. Family members of EU citizens may also qualify for an exemption if they meet certain legal conditions.

The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn. It covers the cost of processing and database checks.

For more details, the European Commission will publish updated FAQs on the official ETIAS website once the launch date is confirmed. You should always check that source for the latest instructions before applying.

How UK Travellers Can Apply for ETIAS to Visit Austria

To enter Austria after ETIAS launches, you’ll need to complete a digital application. The process is simple and designed to be completed online in just a few steps.

Where to Apply

You can apply through the official ETIAS website or mobile app. These are the only platforms authorised by the EU to process your application.

No paper forms or postal applications are accepted. Third-party services may offer assistance, but they must still use the official system to submit your details.

Applications are reviewed by eu-LISA, the agency managing ETIAS and other large-scale EU security databases. The same rules apply across all ETIAS countries, including Austria, Malta, Greece, and Luxembourg.

Always check that the website address ends in “.europa.eu” to avoid scams.

Application Process Timeline

Most applications will be approved in minutes. If your application needs extra checks, you may be asked to provide more documents or attend an interview.

In some cases, processing can take up to 96 hours. If you’re contacted for more information, you’ll have 10 days to respond.

If approved, your ETIAS will be valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple short visits to Austria and other Schengen countries within the 90/180-day limit.

Make sure the email you use is one you can access throughout your travel. Updates, alerts, and expiry notices will be sent there.

Using ETIAS for Multiple Austrian Trips

An approved ETIAS allows you to enter Austria as many times as you like within its validity. Just stay within the 90-day limit in any 180-day period.

This is helpful if you travel often, whether for work, seasonal holidays, or short trips to cities like Vienna or Salzburg. The same authorisation lets you cross into other participating countries like Romania, Sweden, and Bulgaria.

ETIAS does not allow permanent or long-term residence. You must leave before the limit ends or risk penalties at future border checks.

Always travel with the same passport linked to your ETIAS. If your passport is lost, expired, or replaced, your travel authorisation becomes invalid.

Security and Data Protection

Your application is checked against European security systems and databases. These include information held by Frontex, Europol, and national authorities.

All data is handled under strict EU data protection laws. Only authorised officials can access your personal information during processing or at border checks.

Your biometric and personal details are stored securely and automatically deleted after a set period. The same data rules apply in all participating states.

If your application is refused or revoked, you have the right to appeal. The reasons will be included in your decision email, along with next steps.

What Happens When You Arrive in Austria with ETIAS?

When you arrive in Austria with a valid ETIAS, you’ll still go through standard border checks. The authorisation lets you travel, but entry is not automatic.

Border Checks at Austrian Airports

At the airport, border officers will ask to see your passport and confirm your ETIAS is valid. This check happens before you can officially enter the Schengen Area.

The passport you carry must be the same one linked to your ETIAS. If the document number or details don’t match, you can be refused entry.

Most travellers arriving from visa-exempt countries like the UK are processed quickly. Still, border officers may ask additional questions based on your travel plans or history.

Checks at Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck airports follow the same procedure used across Schengen member states. These checks apply to all short-term stays.

Here’s what the entry process typically includes:

Even if your ETIAS is approved, the final decision is always made at the border. This is consistent with the entry rules of other Schengen countries.

Entry Requirement Beyond ETIAS

You must meet the general entry conditions for Austria and other participating countries. These apply even if you hold a valid travel authorisation.

Border officers may ask to see proof of accommodation, a return ticket, or sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. There is no set amount of money, but you must be able to cover basic expenses.

If you plan to travel onward to other countries, you may also be asked to explain your itinerary. This helps verify your stay complies with short-term stays under ETIAS rules.

You do not need to carry printed proof of your ETIAS, as it is checked electronically. But having a copy of the confirmation email can help if your record cannot be located.

Here’s a list of documents that may be requested:

• Valid UK passport (same one used in your ETIAS application)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, address of host)
• Evidence of return or onward travel
• Travel insurance (recommended but not mandatory)
• Confirmation email for your ETIAS

If you cannot meet these entry requirements, you may be refused entry at the border. This decision is final for that trip.

Make sure your documents are complete and up to date before you travel. Austrian authorities apply the same rules as other countries under the ETIAS system, so the process is consistent across the region.

Special ETIAS Situations for UK Travellers

Certain travel scenarios may involve different ETIAS rules or extra steps. These situations usually apply to transit, minors, or travellers whose authorisation was denied.

Transit through Austria

If you’re transiting through an Austrian airport, you may still need ETIAS depending on your travel plans. The requirement applies if you leave the international transit area or pass through border control.

If you remain inside the transit zone, ETIAS is not usually required. But if your route includes a connection to another ETIAS country, such as Germany or Italy, you must apply before departure.

You should also confirm with your airline whether your connection counts as a formal entry into Austria.

Travelling with Children

Children need their own ETIAS, even if they’re on a family trip. A parent or legal guardian must apply on their behalf.

The process is the same, except minors do not pay the €20 fee. You’ll still need to provide full details and ensure their travel document is valid for entry.

Minors must meet all entry conditions at the Austrian border. That includes showing a return ticket and accommodation address if asked.

Here’s what you need to apply for a child:

• Valid passport
• Guardian contact details
• Application form completed by parent
• Declaration of representation (if submitted by a third party)

If the child is travelling with someone who is not their parent, Austrian officials may request written consent or legal documentation.

If ETIAS is Refused

If your application is denied, you cannot travel to Austria or other ETIAS countries. The system will notify you by email with a reason for refusal and steps to appeal.

Reasons may include mistakes in your application, mismatched documents, or red flags during the security checks. You can reapply with corrected information or file an appeal with the issuing authority.

If your situation is urgent, you may be able to request a limited-validity ETIAS. This is only granted in exceptional cases, such as emergencies or humanitarian reasons.

Common reasons for refusal

Even if you are approved in the future, border guards may still refuse entry if you don’t meet Austria’s standard conditions.

All non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, are subject to the same travel authorisation process. Whether you’re going for business, leisure, or to visit family, your ETIAS must be valid, accurate, and linked to your passport.

ETIAS vs. the EES in Austria

ETIAS and the EES are two separate systems that work together to manage border crossings in Austria and other participating countries. One checks your travel authorisation before arrival, the other records your movements when you enter and exit.

How EES Works

The EES is a digital border control system used to register non-EU nationals every time they cross the external border of Austria or other European countries in the scheme. It applies whether you are entering for the first time or re-entering after visiting another country.

Austria started introducing EES in October 2025. Full use of the system is expected by April 2026, with gradual rollout across airports, land borders, and seaports.

The EES automatically records the date and place of your entry and exit. If you’re refused entry, that is also logged.

This is a replacement for passport stamps. It makes the process faster and reduces errors at busy crossing points.

EES applies to:

• UK citizens entering Austria with ETIAS
• Non-EU nationals entering without a visa (e.g., from Australia or Canada)
• Non-EU nationals who need a short-stay visa

EES only covers short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. If you plan to live or work in Austria, you must apply for a national visa or residence permit.

How ETIAS and EES Work Together

ETIAS checks your identity, background, and travel plans before you leave the UK. Once approved, it grants permission to board a plane or cross into Austria.

When you arrive, EES scans your passport and logs the actual time and place of entry. The two systems are separate, but both must be used correctly.

If you are missing either a valid ETIAS or your passport cannot be scanned into EES, you may be denied entry. Even if ETIAS is approved, EES verifies whether you have overstayed on a previous visit.

This helps authorities across Austria and other Schengen countries monitor overstays and spot repeat offenders.

If your EES record shows you overstayed on a past visit, it can impact future ETIAS approvals. Repeated violations may lead to entry bans across all EES countries.

Prepare Now for ETIAS in Austria

From late 2026, UK travellers will need ETIAS authorisation to enter Austria for short stays. To avoid delays, check that your passport is valid and learn how the new rules affect your trip. 

Planning early will help you travel smoothly through Austrian border checks. Stay updated on ETIAS launch announcements and ensure your passport meets the requirements before planning your trip to Austria.