Entry rules for Austrians: Where to watch out on vacation

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Before a planned trip, the question often arises: “Do I need a visa for my destination?” Some countries, such as Thailand, Great Britain, and Israel, have recently changed their rules.

The Austrian passport is one of the most powerful in the world; nevertheless, a visa, eVisa, or electronic travel authorization (ETA) is required before entering around 60 countries. In some cases, the documents can be conveniently applied online; in others, however, a personal visit to the embassy is necessary.

New rules for Thailand since May
Since May 1, 2025, Austrian citizens have needed a digital entry card (TDAC) to enter Thailand. This must be completed within three days before departure via the Thai immigration authorities’ website. A printed copy of the confirmation email must be carried on the trip. Registration is currently still free of charge, but this could change soon.

Important: The registration is only valid for the respective trip and not for a specific period, as is usual in some other countries.

Paid ETA for Great Britain
Since 2 April 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required in addition to a valid passport to enter the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).

This is not a visa or tourist tax but an online security check that must be carried out before the start of the trip. The ETA is valid for two years – or until the passport expires if it expires before then – and costs 16 British pounds. Submitting the application at least 72 hours before the planned entry is advisable.

The easiest way to apply for an ETA is via the official “UK ETA App.” Caution is advised: third-party providers offer the ETA at highly inflated prices. Therefore, make sure you only use the official app or website of the British authorities.

Israel has required ETA-IL since the beginning of 2025
Since the beginning of 2025, an electronic travel authorization, the so-called ETA-IL, must be applied for before traveling to Israel. This new system is used for security checks before entry and does not replace the visa, but is primarily intended for tourist and short-term business stays.

The application is made online, and the fee is 25 shekels—the equivalent of around 6 euros. To ensure smooth entry, it is also recommended that the application be submitted early via the Israeli authorities’ official platform.

You can find country-specific travel information on the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs website.