Turkey Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders can travel to Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under a bilateral visa exemption agreement.
Great news! Austria passport holders can enter Turkey without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No application or authorization required. Present your Austrian passport at the Turkish port of entry. The 90-day allowance is within any 180-day period, similar to the Schengen rule. Note: Turkey is NOT in the Schengen Area, so days spent in Turkey do NOT count toward your Schengen 90-in-180 limit.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Austria to Turkey: What You Need to Know
Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for Austrian tourists, offering a unique blend of European and Asian culture, world-class history (Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia), Mediterranean beaches (Antalya Riviera), and exceptional cuisine. Austria and Turkey have long-standing ties including a large Turkish community in Austria. Istanbul is easily reached from Vienna in under 3 hours by direct flight. Turkey offers extraordinary value for money by European standards.
How to Get There
Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and SunExpress fly Vienna (VIE) to Istanbul (IST or SAW) in about 2.5 hours. Antalya (AYT), Izmir (ADB), and Bodrum (BJV) are served directly in summer from Vienna.
Money & Banking
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash is useful in bazaars and smaller towns. Due to lira weakness, Turkey is very affordable: a full restaurant meal costs EUR 5-10 equivalent. Tipping 10% at restaurants is customary. ATMs are plentiful; use bank ATMs for best rates.
Practical Tips
Istanbul is a city of two continents; take the ferry across the Bosphorus for the experience. The Hagia Sophia (now a mosque) requires modest dress; cover head, shoulders, and knees. Turkish cuisine is excellent: gozleme, balik ekmek (fish sandwich), simit, and Turkish breakfast are highlights. Cappadocia hot air balloons must be booked well in advance and are weather-dependent. The Turkish Lira has weakened significantly, making Turkey very affordable for Austrians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrians need a visa to visit Turkey?
No. Austrian passport holders can visit Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under a bilateral exemption agreement. No prior application or e-Visa is needed for Austrian citizens.
Does time in Turkey count toward the Schengen 90-day limit?
No. Turkey is not part of the Schengen Area. Days spent in Turkey do not count toward the Schengen 90-in-180 day limit. This makes Turkey particularly useful for those who want to extend their European travels.
How do I get from Vienna to Istanbul?
Direct flights from Vienna (VIE) to Istanbul (IST) take approximately 2.5 hours. Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and Pegasus operate this route. Antalya, Izmir, and Bodrum are served directly in summer.
Is Turkey affordable for Austrian tourists?
Yes. Due to the significant depreciation of the Turkish Lira (TRY), Turkey is very affordable for Austrians. A full restaurant meal costs EUR 5-10 equivalent. Hotels, tours, and transport are similarly affordable. This makes Turkey one of the best-value destinations accessible from Austria.
Is Istanbul safe to visit?
Istanbul is generally safe for tourists. The main risks are petty theft in crowded areas, overpriced services targeting tourists (fake guides, overcharging at restaurants), and occasional political protests. Avoid crowded demonstrations. The tourist areas around Sultanahmet and Galata are well-patrolled.
What is the best way to see Cappadocia from Vienna?
Fly from Vienna to Istanbul (2.5 hours), then take a domestic Turkish Airlines flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir (1 hour). Alternatively, fly directly from Vienna to Kayseri seasonally. Cappadocia hot air balloon rides (book well in advance) are the iconic experience.
Do I need to bring cash to Turkey?
Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. In markets (bazaars, local shops) cash in Turkish Lira is preferred. ATMs are plentiful; use bank ATMs for best rates. Euros are sometimes accepted in tourist shops but at disadvantageous rates.