Poland Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders can travel to Poland visa-free with no border controls. Both are EU and Schengen members with full freedom of movement for EU citizens.
Great news! Austria passport holders can enter Poland without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No application or authorization required. Travel with a valid Austrian passport or national ID card. EU citizens have full freedom of movement in Poland with no time cap.
Poland 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 Poland: What You Need to Know
Austria and Poland are both EU and Schengen members. Poland has emerged as one of Central Europe's most dynamic economies and travel destinations. Krakow, Gdansk, Warsaw, and Wroclaw are all excellent city destinations. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial near Krakow is a sobering and essential historical visit. Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains attracts Austrian skiers and hikers. Austrian investment and tourism in Poland has grown significantly since 2004.
How to Get There
LOT Polish Airlines and Ryanair fly Vienna (VIE) to Warsaw (WAW) and Krakow (KRK) directly in about 1.5 hours. ÖBB trains connect Vienna to Krakow with a change in Katowice or Warsaw.
Money & Banking
Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN), not the Euro. Use ATMs (bankomat) for the best exchange rates; avoid exchange offices near tourist sites. Cards are widely accepted in cities. Poland is significantly cheaper than Austria: 40-50% lower for food and accommodation. Tipping 10% is appreciated.
Practical Tips
Krakow is the most visited city after Warsaw: the Old Town (UNESCO) and Wawel Castle are highlights. Book Auschwitz-Birkenau tours in advance; free guided tours fill up quickly. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a unique UNESCO experience near Krakow. Warsaw was completely rebuilt after WWII; the Old Town reconstruction is a UNESCO site. Poland is very affordable: excellent meals cost EUR 5-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrians need a visa to visit Poland?
No. Austria and Poland are both EU and Schengen members. Austrian citizens can travel to Poland with a passport or national ID card without any visa or border controls.
What currency does Poland use?
Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN), not the Euro. Use bank ATMs (bankomat) for best rates. Cards are widely accepted in cities.
How long is the flight from Vienna to Krakow?
LOT Polish Airlines and Ryanair fly Vienna (VIE) to Krakow (KRK) directly in approximately 1.5 hours. Several flights operate daily.
Is Krakow worth visiting for Austrian tourists?
Absolutely. Krakow is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and was never bombed in WWII. The Wawel Castle, Cloth Hall, and St. Mary's Basilica on the UNESCO-listed Old Town Square are outstanding. Day trips to Auschwitz-Birkenau (UNESCO, 90 minutes) and Wieliczka Salt Mine (30 minutes) are essential.
Is Poland cheap compared to Austria?
Yes. Poland is approximately 40-50% cheaper than Austria. Krakow and Warsaw offer exceptional value for accommodation, food, and entertainment. Local beer in Krakow costs EUR 1.50-2.50.
What should I know about visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Auschwitz I requires a guided tour between 10:00-15:00 (book online at auschwitz.org well in advance, especially in summer). Auschwitz II-Birkenau can be visited self-guided at any time. Dress respectfully and bring a jacket; parts are outdoors. The visit is deeply emotional; allow 3-4 hours.