Apply for a visa based on your longest stay country. How to queue for standing-room opera tickets? Which season is best for the lakes or the Alps? Get these key details sorted before you go.
Visa & Entry
Austria is part of the Schengen Area. Most foreign visitors need to apply for a Schengen visa: if your trip is mainly in Austria, apply through the Austrian embassy or consulate and visa centre in your own country. Required documents typically include your passport, flight and hotel bookings, itinerary, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. Standard processing takes around 15 days; apply a month in advance during busy periods. Vienna International Airport and Salzburg Airport are convenient entry points. Arrival by train or bus from neighbouring countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, or Hungary does not involve border checks — just show a valid Schengen visa for free movement.
Best Time to Visit
- April–June: Apricot blossoms and green landscapes in the Wachau Valley, city concert season, and moderate crowds.
- July–August: Peak time for the Salzburg Festival and mountain hiking; book lake accommodations early.
- December: Best atmosphere for Christmas markets in Vienna and Salzburg, also the start of the ski season.
Budget Reference (Per Person, Excluding Flights)
| Category | Daily Cost | Description |
|---|
| Budget | 80–110 euros | Hostels / budget chains, supermarkets, and basic restaurants |
| Comfortable | 160–240 euros | Four-star hotels, sit-down restaurants, concert tickets, and cable cars |
| Premium | 300+ euros | Luxury stays like Hotel Sacher, opera orchestra seats, and private car hire |
Etiquette & Taboos
- Dress slightly formally for opera houses and concert halls — even standing-room areas require neat, tidy attire.
- Keep quiet when entering churches; no flash photography inside St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
- In cafés, take a seat or grab a paper and wait for your table — just call out “Zahlen” when you’re ready to pay.
- Leave a 5–10% tip or round up the bill; it’s a common local practice.
- Keep noise down in quiet train cabins and residential areas at night.