Best Austria Tours & Vacation Excursions: Your Austria Tour

Austria is part of the Schengen Area — a border-free zone that allows seamless travel between participating European countries.
U.S., Canadian, Australian, and U.K. citizens may enter Austria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business purposes.

Starting in mid-2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before entering.

To enter Austria, you’ll need:
• A valid passport with at least three months’ validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Zone
• Proof of onward travel or return ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay

While travel insurance is not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended. Medical care in Austria is excellent, but can be expensive for non-EU visitors.
A comprehensive policy should include coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
If you plan to ski or hike in the Alps, make sure your insurance includes winter sports or adventure coverage — mountain rescue services are not free.

Yes — tipping is customary but modest. Service charges are usually included in restaurant bills, yet it’s polite to round up or leave 5–10% for good service.
In cafés or bars, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving small change is appreciated.
For taxi drivers, rounding up to the next euro is common, while hotel staff and guides typically receive €1–€3, depending on the service.

Absolutely — tap water in Austria is among the cleanest in the world. It often comes directly from protected Alpine springs.
You can safely refill your bottle anywhere, including public fountains in cities like Vienna and Salzburg, where drinking water points are clearly marked.

Internet access in Austria is fast and reliable.
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and most public spaces.
If you’d like mobile data, you can easily purchase a local SIM card or an eSIM from major providers like A1, Drei, or Magenta. Coverage is excellent — even in smaller towns and ski regions.

Yes — most U.S. and Canadian carriers offer international roaming plans that work in Austria. However, roaming charges can be high.
For longer stays, it’s best to buy a local SIM or eSIM for affordable data and calls.
Austria uses GSM 900/1800 networks, compatible with most modern unlocked phones.

Public toilets in Austria are clean and well-maintained, especially in cities and tourist areas.
You may need to pay a small fee (€0.50–€1) at some restrooms in train stations or gas stations.
Toilets are marked with “WC” signs. In modern cafés, museums, and hotels, facilities are of a very high standard.

Austria is an exceptionally safe and orderly country with excellent healthcare standards. Common sense and a few specific precautions for the Alpine environment will ensure a smooth, healthy trip.
For your safety:

• In cities: Be aware of your belongings in crowded tourist areas, such as around Stephansplatz in Vienna or Salzburg's Old Town, and on public transport.
• In the mountains: Always check the weather forecast and trail conditions before hiking. Stick to marked paths, inform someone of your route, and be prepared for rapid weather changes. In winter, follow avalanche warnings and ski within your ability on marked pistes.
• Emergency number: The universal European emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services is 112.

For your health:

• Healthcare: Austria has a world-class healthcare system. As a non-EU visitor, you will need to pay for services and claim reimbursement later via your travel insurance. Keep all receipts.
• Insurance is vital: Comprehensive travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, evacuation (including from mountain areas), and your planned activities (skiing, hiking, etc.), is mandatory for EurotourClub guests and highly recommended for all travelers.
• Tap water: The tap water, especially from mountain sources (Quellwasser), is safe and of excellent quality. Using a refillable bottle is encouraged.
• Altitude & sun: Use high-factor sunscreen. The Alpine sun is strong, and UV radiation increases with altitude, even on cloudy days.
• Medications: Carry any prescription medications in their original containers with a copy of the prescription.

Our recommendation: For the latest general advice, checking your government's travel advisory for Austria before departure is always wise. For any specific concerns about your itinerary, your EurotourClub planner is here to help ensure your adventure is both safe and unforgettable.