Travel Vaccines and Advice for Austria
With sweeping landscapes, stunning mountain views, and plenty of history, Austria is a must-visit.
Travelers seeking city life can find it in Vienna, Austria’s largest city. Witness award winning stallion dressage shows at the stunning Hofburg Palace. Vienna is an architectural wonder waiting to be explored.
Salzburg, Austria is the birthplace of Mozart. The city has many museums to educate both the most seasoned and new fans of his music. Austria is perhaps most known for the Sound of Music. Fans will be satisfied with a tour of settings from the movie.
For the most outdoorsy and sport loving travelers, Innsbruck is a mecca for fanatics of everything athletic related. It has hosted two Winter Olympics and one Youth Olympic Winter Games. The iconic ski jump tower, cable car, and Olympic Bobsled track makes this gem in Tyrol is a must-see.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Austria?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Austria
Do I Need a Visa for Austria?
What Is the Climate Like in Austria?
How Safe Is Austria?
Outdoor Sports in Austria
What Should I Take to Austria?
U.S. Embassy in Austria
Do I Need Vaccines for Austria?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Austria. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Austria: hepatitis A, polio, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Tick-borne Encephalitis –
Ticks –
Present throughout the country with some rural regions having at increased risk. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Austria |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Tick-borne Encephalitis | Ticks | Present throughout the country with some rural regions having at increased risk. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Austria |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It’s typically spread through contaminated food or water. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective immunization that protects against the virus, usually given in two shots for long-term prevention.
- Tick-borne Encephalitis – Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially severe viral infection transmitted by ticks. To ward off TBE, individuals must prioritize both tick bite prevention and vaccination, particularly when residing in or traveling to endemic areas.
- Rabies – The rabies virus is a deadly threat that spreads through bites and scratches from infected animals. Preventing rabies involves timely vaccination, avoiding contact with wildlife and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten. The rabies vaccine is instrumental in developing immunity and safeguarding against this fatal disease.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus causes liver infection, spreading through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention measures include safe practices and, notably, hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine effectively triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, offering reliable, long-term protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.
Several countries in Europe have had outbreaks of routine diseases like measles and pertussis. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
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.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Austria
Prevent Bug Bites in Austria
Prevent bug bites by wearing long clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug-prone hours and secure your sleeping space with nets and screens. If bitten, clean the affected area, avoid scratching, and consider over-the-counter treatments, while promptly seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
Food and Water Safety in Austria
When eating abroad, prioritize cooked and hot foods, choose reputable eateries, and practice good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages, avoid tap water, and enjoy hot drinks or alcohol responsibly. To avoid travelers’ diarrhea, follow these tips: eat well-prepared foods, drink safe water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be selective about local dishes.
Altitude Sickness in Austria
Altitude sickness, marked by symptoms such as headaches and fatigue due to low oxygen levels at high elevations. AMS can be avoided through gradual ascent, hydration, and certain medications like acetazolamide. If AMS strikes, descending promptly to lower altitudes, resting, and seeking medical assistance if symptoms persist are crucial steps for recovery.
Do I Need a Visa for Austria?
Travelers staying less than 90 days in Austria, do not need a visa. You must have a valid passport with at least six months validity.
Staying 90 days or less is strictly enforced by Austrian officials. If you do plan to stay longer than 90 days, a visa must be acquired. Students wishing to study abroad in Austria must have a student visa.
Austria Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Austria? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Austria and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Austria?
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 travelers should assess this before making travel plans. The temperature in the winter months are usually around freezing, but can be as low as -3. 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 70’s.
How Safe Is Austria?
The United States 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.
Outdoor Sports in Austria
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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 150 miles 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.
What Should I Take to 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.
U.S. Embassy in Austria
The U.S. State Department recommends signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free program allows the U.S. Embassy in Austria to update you if any emergency or risks were to occur within the country.
The U.S. embassy in Austria offers services to travelers and citizens. They help American citizens with things like passports and also help American citizens who need emergency assistance, like medical emergencies or getting out of jail.
U.S. Embassy Vienna
Boltzmanngasse 16
1090 Vienna, Austria
Phone: (+43-1) 31339-0
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
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