Austria raises minimum-income thresholds for 2026 residence-permit applications
Three-week closure of Weststrecke near Innsbruck forces major rail diversions and bus shuttles
Snow and staff shortages trigger 20 % departure delays at Vienna Airport
Latest News
Government unveils new strategy to boost Austria’s tourism competitiveness
On 7 January the Austrian cabinet launched "Vision T", a roadmap to modernise the country’s tourism sector through marketing funds, deregulation and potential new talent visas. The move could shorten permit timelines for hospitality projects and improve staffing options for peak seasons.
Austria Issues Level-6 ‘Do-Not-Travel’ Warning for Venezuela and Activates Crisis Cell
Austria has raised its travel advisory for Venezuela to Level 6 (“do not travel”) and set up an inter-ministerial crisis cell to support some 750 residents and scores of short-term travellers. Companies must review duty-of-care plans, and travellers should expect flight cancellations and complex routings via third countries.
ÖBB to Close Key Tyrol Mainline 7–29 January, Rerouting All Vienna–Innsbruck Trains
From 7 to 29 January 2026, ÖBB will block the Innsbruck–Rum section of the Weststrecke to replace the ageing Rauchmühl bridge. Long-distance trains from Vienna will be diverted, adding up to an hour of travel time, and local buses will substitute for regional trains. Businesses should adjust travel itineraries and check that foreign staff have enough visa validity in case of delays.
Snow and Staffing Issues Push Vienna Airport Departure Delays to 20 % on 6 January
Light snow and staffing shortages caused one in five departures at Vienna Airport to leave late on 6 January. Corporates should anticipate missed connections, use airline apps for re-booking, and ensure accommodation and ground-transport providers can flex around changing arrival times.