Austria

There's an ongoing threat of terrorism in Austria. An attack could occur anywhere at any time. 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 an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

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

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. If you feel any symptoms, tell your friends immediately. Ask someone you trust and know well to take you to a safe place. If a friend shows any of these symptoms, don't leave them alone. You may need to seek medical care.

Methanol poisoning

Locals and foreigners, including Australians, have died or become seriously ill from poisoned drinks overseas. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol distillation and production. Protect yourself by making smart drink choices. Choose branded beers, ciders, wines and premixed cocktails in sealed bottles and cans. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been poisoned.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

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:

• Demonstrations 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.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave and read the fine print. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers especially if you plan to undertake adventure sports
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)
• what may void your coverage, such as consuming alcohol or driving a class of vehicle you aren’t licensed to drive, eg. a motorbike

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations and medications you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Austria. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication
• 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:

• Infectious diseases
• 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

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 

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed

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

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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:

• 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.

On 12 October, the new European Union's (EU) European Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, starts.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports. ​

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues when the new system starts.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to 

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements .

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

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

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. 

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

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 (Austrian Government)

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 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

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help 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