Germany Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders can travel to Germany without any border controls or time limits. Austria and Germany share an open Schengen border, effectively making cross-border travel feel domestic.
Great news! Austria passport holders can enter Germany without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No application, registration, or authorization is needed. Travel with a valid Austrian passport or national ID card. As both countries are EU members, Austrians have the right to live and work in Germany indefinitely under freedom of movement. For stays as a tourist, there is no formal 90-day cap between two EU/Schengen states for EU citizens.
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Austria to Germany: What You Need to Know
Germany and Austria share a 800-kilometer open border and are both Schengen members. The relationship is the closest Austria has with any neighbor: a shared language, intertwined economies, and deep historical bonds mean that millions of Austrians live, work, and study in Germany and vice versa. There are no passport checks at the border; driving, cycling, or walking across is entirely routine. Innsbruck is just over 2 hours from Munich by train or car.
How to Get There
ÖBB operates direct Railjet trains from Vienna to Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. Overnight Nightjet services run to Berlin, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf. Ryanair, Eurowings, and Austrian Airlines serve multiple German airports from Vienna.
Money & Banking
Germany uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted widely, though Germany retains a stronger cash culture than Austria in smaller establishments. Tipping 5-10% is customary at sit-down restaurants. ATMs (Geldautomaten) are widely available.
Practical Tips
The Innsbruck to Munich route is about 90 minutes by car or 2 hours by train. Vienna to Munich takes roughly 4 hours by ÖBB Railjet. Trains are frequent and reliable. Germany has an extensive Autobahn network but some sections have speed limits; Austrian vignettes are not valid on German roads, which are toll-free for passenger cars. German cities have excellent public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrians need a visa or passport to enter Germany?
No visa is required. Austrians can enter Germany with just a valid Austrian national ID card (Personalausweis). No border checks exist between Austria and Germany as both are Schengen members.
Is there a time limit for Austrians staying in Germany?
No. As EU citizens, Austrians have the right to live, work, and stay in Germany indefinitely under EU freedom of movement. There is no 90-day Schengen cap for EU citizens visiting other EU states.
How long does it take to travel from Vienna to Munich?
The ÖBB Railjet travels Vienna to Munich in approximately 4 hours. By car via the A8 motorway it takes about 3.5-4 hours. A direct flight takes about 1 hour but airport time makes rail faster city-to-city.
Do Austrian driving licenses and vehicle insurance work in Germany?
Yes. Austrian driving licenses are fully valid in Germany. Austrian KFZ liability insurance (Haftpflicht) is valid throughout the EU. An international green card is not required for Germany.
Do I need a German toll vignette for driving in Germany?
No. Germany does not charge tolls for passenger cars on the Autobahn. Austrian motorway vignettes are not transferable and not valid in Germany, but German roads require no equivalent sticker for cars.
Can Austrians work in Germany without a work permit?
Yes. EU freedom of movement allows Austrian citizens to live and work in Germany without any permit or visa. Registration with the local Einwohnermeldeamt (residents registration office) is required within 14 days for stays over 3 months.
What is the emergency number in Germany?
Police: 110. Fire and ambulance: 112. The EU emergency number 112 also works across Germany and all EU member states.