Austria

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

There's an ongoing threat of terrorism in Austria. There have been terrorist attacks and arrests related to planned attacks. Austrian authorities have assessed the current terrorism threat level as high, the second highest on a five-step scale. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities. Report anything suspicious to the police.

Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• public transport, including train stations and airports
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• government buildings and schools
• places of worship or religious holidays
• public areas that attract large groups of people, such as tourist attractions, music and cultural events, festivals, pride events, seasonal markets, sporting venues and shopping centres

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats
• be cautious around known targets, including in crowds and public places
• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously, including alert sirens, public broadcast announcements and text messages to your mobile phone
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism
• Austrian Police 

Austria has a low rate of serious crime.

Petty crime is common on public transport and in tourist areas, including:

• bag snatching
• pickpocketing

Hotspots for crime include:

• Vienna's largest train stations — Hauptbahnhof, Westbahnhof, Meidling and Praterstern.
• International trains and buses
• Tourist attractions, including St Stephen's Cathedral, the Imperial Palace (the Hofburg) and  shopping areas

To protect yourself from crime:

• watch your belongings in crowded areas and on trains, buses and taxis
• do not place valuables in the overhead storage area on trains
• carry your belongings, including your passport, on your body
• be alert to suspicious behaviour
• don't walk on isolated streets or parks alone after dark
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• leave a situation if you think there may be danger
• monitor local media for new safety risks
• keep your passport separate from your other ID

More information:

• Scams

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people are usually peaceful but can turn violent. They can disrupt traffic and public transport. 

Protests in Vienna are usually held around the Ring Road and on the Mariahilfer Strasse shopping street. 

To stay safe:

• avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor local media

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Austria experiences severe weather events and natural disasters, such as

• avalanches
• mudslides
• floods and flash floods

People have been killed in severe weather events in recent years.

Weather in alpine regions is unpredictable. It can change suddenly.

If you're visiting an alpine area:

• monitor local weather
• check safety conditions
• take weather warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities
• obey warning signs and notices
• take out alpine/snow sports or mountain rescue insurance

Before you travel:

• pack suitable equipment
• plan your activities carefully and make sure you are physically fit for what you have planned
• tell someone about your plans

Skiing outside of prepared skiing areas (off-piste) is dangerous and may void your insurance. Stick to marked slopes and trails.

Hiking or mountain climbing without appropriate footwear (hiking boots) is dangerous. Stick to marked trails.

For avalanche updates in English, register with the following:

• Avalanche Warning Service Tyrol (German)
• European Avalanche Warning Service

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters. 

More information:

• Mountain Rescue service Tirol
• Alpine Club Austria (German)

Bears and wolves are very occasionally encountered in mountain areas. You should take particular care if you're in an area where bears have been sighted.

In Austria, some hospitals may ask for credit card details, regardless of insurance.

For specific information on Bringing Medication into Austria (Austrian Federal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection).

West Nile virus (WNV) cases have been reported in Austria. There's no vaccine to prevent WNV.

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested and rural areas. They're active from spring to autumn.

To protect yourself from illness: 

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests
• remove ticks as soon as possible, making sure to remove the whole tick
• monitor the tick site for signs of infection

More information:

• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
• World Health Organization 

Measles

Measles cases can occur. Austria has experienced outbreaks in the past. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

More information:

• Measles immunisation service

Other health risks

Outbreaks of foodborne and other infectious diseases can occur. These include:

• Hepatitis

To reduce your risk of illness:

• practice good hygiene
• avoid contaminated food or water
• make sure your vaccinations are up to date

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Austria for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical facilities is of a similar standard to Australia.

Most doctors speak English.

Medical care can be very expensive. Ensure your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered).

More information:

• Medical assistance overseas 

Drugs

Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Possessing even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

You must always carry ID, such as your passport. You may be asked to produce it by local police.

Preaching is illegal unless you belong to a registered religious group and have a permit.

If you're in public places or buildings, it's illegal to cover your face with clothing or objects so you can't be recognised.

You may be fined or have to attend a police station if:

• you refuse to uncover your face when asked
• it's not possible to confirm your identity

More information:

• Ban on face coverings (Austrian Chancery) 

Local customs

Same-sex relationships are legal in Austria.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

If you're an Australian-Austrian dual national and you visit Austria, you may have to complete national service.

Contact the embassy or consulate of Austria for advice before you travel.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Visas

Austria is part of the Schengen area, meaning you can enter the country without a visa in some cases.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Austria for details about visas, currency and customs.

Ensure that you meet all entry and exit conditions. The Australian government can't assist you if you don't.

Border measures

You may be subject to random checks by Austrian authorities and authorities of neighbouring countries. See the EU Notifications of Temporary Reintroduction of Border Controls for more information.

Make sure you:

• check that the entry stamp in your passport is readable when you enter the Schengen area for the first time. Border officials may ask you to show them an onward or return ticket.
• carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area.

More information:

• Visa – BMEIA - Außenministerium Österreich (Austrian Embassy Canberra)
• Entry/Exit System (EES) European Commission

Children

Children aged under 18 years who travel alone or with one parent may need a letter of consent from the non-travelling parents. Check with an embassy or consulate of Austria for details.

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Austria's currency is the Euro (EUR).

Only change money at banks or other authorised dealers or withdraw cash from ATMs.

Declare funds of more than 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Austria and a non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not just cash. Failure to do so will result in fines.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

More information:

• Cash controls in Austria (Austrian Ministry of Finance)

Driving permit

You can drive for up to 6 months with your valid Australian driver’s licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted). You must also have either:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP), or
• a German translation of your licence

 More information:

• Foreign driving licences 

Road travel

Road conditions are generally good. However, roads in alpine areas can be hazardous in winter.

Some mountain roads may close for extended periods.

Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 November to 15 April when driving in winter conditions. Carry snow chains if driving in mountainous areas in winter.

To drive on the motorways (autobahn), you must display a current highway toll sticker called a vignette.

You can buy a vignette online or from petrol stations.

Random vignette checks occur. You'll be fined if you don't have one.

You must have in your car:

• a first aid kit
• a warning triangle
• high-visibility warning vests

If you get out of your vehicle on the shoulder of the road, you must:

• put a warning triangle behind the vehicle
• wear high-visibility warning vests (driver and passengers)

Check your rental car has the required safety equipment.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer that your policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Taxis are generally reliable and safe but may not accept payment by card. Make sure the meter is running.

Public transport

Austria's public transport network is well-developed and reliable.

You'll be fined if you travel on public transport without a valid ticket.

To avoid a fine:

• follow all passenger notices
• validate your ticket before starting your journey
• keep your ticket until the end of your journey
• show your ticket to inspectors if asked

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

If you plan to join a river cruise, find out about:

• general health advice
• travelling by boat

Make sure you consider border crossings and travel with your passport.

Air travel

Check Austria's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Emergency assistance:

Call 112 for emergency assistance, or:

Fire and rescue services
Call 122.

Medical emergencies
Call 144.

Police
Call 133.

For non-emergency police issues, contact the local police. Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Vienna

The Icon, Gertrude-Fröhlich-Sandner-Str. 2
1100 Vienna, Austria

Phone: +43 1 506 740
Email: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au
Website: austria.embassy.gov.au
X: @AusAmbVIE
Facebook: AusEmbassyVie

See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia