Austria

Terrorist attacks can occur at any time. 

In November 2020, 4 people were killed in an attack in the inner city of Vienna. 

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

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or gatherings celebrating religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• always be aware of your surroundings
• take care near places known to be possible terrorist targets
• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• 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

Austria has a low rate of serious crime.

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

• bag snatching
• pickpocketing

Hotspots for crime include:

• Vienna's largest train stations — Hauptbahnhof, Westbahnhof and Meidling
• 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 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 occur at popular nightclubs and can lead to sexual assault.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks alone
• stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs

More information:

• Partying safely

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, including:

• avalanches
• flash flooding
• mudslides
• flooding

People have been killed in mudslides and avalanches 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
• join an alpine or mountain rescue club for mountain rescue insurance

Before you travel:

• pack suitable equipment
• plan your activities carefully
• 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

Bears and wolves are 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
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)
• If you plan to undertake high-risk activities, such as mountaineering or skiing, make sure your travel insurance covers you in an emergency. 

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 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 (Healthdirect Australia)

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 (Department of Health)

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

Most doctors speak English.

Medical care can be very expensive. Make sure you have travel insurance before you arrive.  

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. This includes marijuana.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

You must always carry an 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) 

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, customs and quarantine rules.

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

Border measures

Land borders are open, but you may be subject to random checks by Austrian authorities, particularly at borders with Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Czech Republic. See the EU Notifications of Temporary Reintroduction of Border Controls for more information.

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again 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.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Austria for details on entry requirements before you travel.

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 (Federal Ministry of Austria for European and International Affairs)
• 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. It 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 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

If you are not a resident of Austria, you can drive on your Australian driver's licence for up to 12 months from your entry date (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

If you're a resident of Austria, your foreign driver's licence is valid for 6 months from the start of your residency permit.

More information:

• Foreign driving licences – conversion (oesterreich.gv.at) (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
• at border crossings
• from petrol stations near the border
• at post offices

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. 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 Danube 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

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

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
A1100 Vienna, Austria
Phone: (+43 1) 506 740
Email: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au
Website: austria.embassy.gov.au
X (Twitter): @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