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“Every time you cross a border – even when traveling within the EU and in the Schengen area – a travel document is required. This also applies to short trips to our neighboring countries,” says ÖAMTC travel expert Yvette Polasek. Crossing the border without a travel document is an administrative offense and is even punishable.
The most important travel document is the passport – in 40 European countries, however, the identity card is also accepted for entry. “If you are traveling outside of Europe, travel registration may also be necessary, for example in the USA. And for some countries, a visa must also be applied for in good time,” says Polasek. Very important: Before starting your journey, all documents should be checked for validity and completeness.
Expired Passport Penalties
“Contrary to many opinions, you are not allowed to travel everywhere with an expired passport. However, exceptions confirm the rule: Austria has an agreement with some European countries, e.g. Germany or Croatia, which in principle allows you to travel with a passport for up to five years enter the country with an expired passport,” says Polasek. However, she warns: “Both airlines and cruise ships require a valid passport in the carriage regulations. It can therefore happen that carriage is denied with an expired passport. And there can also be problems when checking into hotels with an expired passport come.” In our neighboring countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in particular, holidaymakers without a valid passport are often fined.
Do children need their own travel documents?
When traveling abroad, each child needs their own passport, it is no longer possible to enter it with their parents. “If minors are traveling without a legal guardian or with only one parent, we recommend taking a power of attorney with them, i.e. a declaration of consent from the legal guardians. Preferably in the respective national language,” says the ÖAMTC expert. Because in some countries there are always problems when entering the country. At www.oeamtc.at/allein-reisende-kinder the club provides power of attorney templates in 16 languages for download.
Is the driver’s license sufficient as ID?
Is the driving license a valid travel document? Although the driver’s license is an official photo ID in Austria, it is not a recognized travel document abroad. “The myth persists that a driver’s license is enough for a short trip to neighboring countries, but that’s simply wrong,” says Polasek. A passport or identity card may also be required within the Schengen area. A valid passport or identity card should never be missing abroad – only these documents prove nationality and
Traveling with the dog
Do you need a passport for dogs? If the pet comes with you on holiday, it must also pack its own “passport”, the so-called EU pet ID card. This is available from all veterinarians. You can find out everything that needs to be considered when your four-legged friend goes on holiday with you at www.oeamtc.at/reisen-mit-hund.
Source: Nachrichten
