Austria

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 (EU-wide emergency line) for all emergency services.
• Alternatively, you can also dial the following:
  • Dial 122 for fire and rescue. 
  • Dial 133 for police.
  • Dial 144 for ambulance. 
  •  Dial 141 for after-hours medical referrals.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad and increasingly use less sophisticated methods of attack - including knives and vehicles.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools 
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events. They often disrupt traffic and public transportation.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid them whenever possible.  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe and violent crime is rare. 

• Crimes of opportunity involving theft of personal property occur. These crimes frequently take place in tourist areas, including the plaza around St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the near pedestrian shopping areas in Vienna’s First District.
• Beware of pickpockets on public transportation and in bus or train stations. The majority of emergency passports are issued to replace those stolen on trains between Vienna and Budapest, Prague, or Rome.
• Do not leave bags unattended, particularly on intercity trains.
• Do not carry your passport when sightseeing within Vienna. Lock it in your hotel safe or other secure area unless needed for travel. Instead, always carry a photocopy of your passport along with a second form of ID such as a U.S. driver’s license.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are increasingly common in Austria. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include: 

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent and relative targeting 
• Free trip or luggage or car
• Lotteries 
• • Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Austria: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 133.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.
• Review the U.S. Embassy Vienna’s Victims of Crime web page for more information on Austrian crime victim support resources. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. 
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities. 
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally. 
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 

Review our information on Travel Insurance.  

Adventure travel 

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. 
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Austria seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.

Traffic violations

• If you are stopped for traffic violations or transit fines, you can usually pay the fine on the spot. If you cannot pay, the police may go with you to an ATM. They may also take items of value such as cell phones until they receive payment.  
• Austria has many speed and traffic cameras. If you break a traffic law, the camera will catch you. 
• Tickets come in the mail. The government will send the ticket to the address on file. 
• Rental car tickets go to you. If you’re driving a rental car, the rental company will send you the ticket. You must pay it directly.  
• Review more at the U.S. Embassy web page regarding traffic violations, transit fines and other interactions with Austrian law enforcement. 

Arrest notification 

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations. 

• The lesbian and gay community is well-developed in larger cities, including Vienna, Graz, Linz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. Organizations operate freely. 
• While some people still have prejudice against gay and lesbian people, Austria’s laws and social attitudes have become more liberal over time. 
• Gay and lesbian people are protected by law against discrimination. Same-sex couples are allowed to marry or enter a legally recognized civil union.

Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with disabilities or accessibility needs

Laws in Austria prohibit discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities. 

• Public sentiment around disability is generally supportive and respectful. Austria has become more accepting with anti-discrimination laws that apply to people with disabilities. 
• Austria has made efforts to improve accessibility, particularly in urban areas. You can expect professional help when requested, especially in major cities and modern facilities. Accessibility is limited in older buildings, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, castles, and other tourist attractions especially outside of major cities. 
• Make sure to communicate with hotels, restaurants, tours, and attractions to make sure there is appropriate accommodation available.
• Rentals, repair and replacement parts for wheelchairs, orthopedics, and other equipment are available in major cities. For a list of providers, please check City of Vienna’s accessibility website.

Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

Students and prospective students should visit the Study in Austria webpage for current information on student visa requirements. 

Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

Review our information for Women Travelers. 

Human rights

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Austria Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

Dial 112 or 144 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available. 

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Austria. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Public hospitals often need payment up front before providing treatment or admitting a patient.  
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Healthcare facilities 

Health facilities are available throughout Austria. 

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 

Prescription medications 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

• Check with the Federal Ministry Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection to ensure the medication is legal in Austria. 
• If medication contains narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, there are strict rules about bringing it into Austria. Check with Austrian customs before you travel to make sure your medication is allowed.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Austria to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

• Surrogacy is illegal in Austria.  
• For additional information, visit the Austrian Consulate General in New York website. 
• Refer to the Austrian Reproductive Medicine Act. 

Water quality and food safety 

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact. 
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water, though it may not be automatically provided as in some countries. You may need to specifically request tap water ("Leitungswasser"). You may be required to pay a small fee for tap water. Restaurants offer bottled water for purchase. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits is safe. Austria maintains high food safety standards. Fresh produce is safe to consume raw after normal washing.

Altitude 

• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. 
• Allow time for acclimatization, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol initially, and ascend gradually when possible.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude cities like Innsbruck or alpine ski resorts in Tyrol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg provinces. 
• High altitude can affect how your body responds to medication and may exacerbate certain health conditions.

Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Austria.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 

For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

You must display a highway-tax sticker. Make sure you have a valid "autobahn vignette" sticker on the inside of your windshield if you drive on a major highway. Fines for not having one are expensive.  When renting an auto, request information about highway vignettes. 

Emergency phone numbers

Emergency services are excellent and available everywhere. 

• Dial 122 for fire department.
• Dial 133 for police.
• Dial 144 for ambulance services.
• Dial 112 for the European emergency line.

Help usually arrives quickly and professionally.

• Driving safety: Austria does a lot of road construction/maintenance in the summer months.  Speed limits are lower in construction areas and drivers should pay extra attention when entering construction zones. Speed cameras are plentiful in construction zones. 

Night driving is generally safe on Austria's well-maintained roads.

• Winter driving requires extra caution. From November 1 to April 15, driving in alpine and mountain areas requires special care because of snow, ice, and avalanche risks. Mountain roads can be dangerous in winter.  During winter months, roads in alpine areas may become dangerous because of snow, ice, or avalanches. This is common in mountain passes and routes to ski resorts. Some mountain roads may be closed for long periods during bad weather.  Snow tires or chains may be required in certain areas or mountain towns.
• Check your rental car in winter. If you rent a car in winter and plan to drive to a ski resort, make sure your rental company gives you a car with winter tires. Your car insurance may not cover you if you have an accident without them.
• When emergency vehicles approach, you must pull to the far left or right to create an emergency corridor down the center.
• Spare equipment is less critical in Austria because roads are excellent and roadside help is easy to get. However, it's still a good idea to carry spare equipment if you're driving in remote alpine areas.

Traffic signs and safety standards

Traffic signs are clear and easy to find throughout Austria.

• Traffic information is easy to access. You can hear traffic updates on the English-language radio station FM4. Traffic information also appears on digital signs and in popular mobile apps.
• Safety standards are high. Austria has strict vehicle maintenance requirements and enforces traffic laws.

If you are involved in a traffic accident 

People are generally helpful and professional. Austrian emergency workers and bystanders are willing to help.

• Cars must pull over for emergency vehicles. On Austrian highways, all cars must pull over when an emergency vehicle is coming. 
• On roads with 2 or more lanes, vehicles pull to the far left or far right to create an emergency corridor down the center. This law is strictly enforced.

Traffic laws  

• Speed limits:
  • Maximum 81 mph (130 km/hr) on autobahns, though many sections have slower limits.
  • Speed limits in cities are typically slower than in U.S. cities and are often enforced with speed cameras.
• Winter driving rules: Snow tires are mandatory between November 1 and April 15 in certain areas. If you don't have them, your insurance won't cover you and you'll get a fine.
• When emergency vehicles approach, you must pull to the far left or right to create an emergency corridor down the center.
• DUI penalties are stricter than in many U.S. states.
• No hand-held cell phones while driving.
• You cannot turn right on red.

Important safety concerns

Transit stops

Bus and tram stops in cities are sometimes built so passengers must cross a traffic lane to get from the sidewalk to the bus or tram. When driving you must not pass transit vehicles that are stopped for boarding. You could easily hit passengers crossing the street.

Pedestrians and crosswalks

Many Austrian cities are crowded with pedestrians. They generally have the right of way. You must stop to let pedestrians cross at striped crosswalks, even if there are no other signs or traffic lights.

Cyclists and bike lanes

Many cyclists ride on rural and mountain roads throughout Austria. Slow down and give them plenty of space when passing.

• Many cyclists also commute in cities. Bike lanes often weave through narrow, shared spaces. Drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists should be very careful in crowded areas with mixed traffic.
• Most 1-way streets in cities allow cyclists to ride in the opposite direction. Look both ways carefully when crossing one-way streets.

Construction zones

Be alert when driving through autobahn construction zones. You must drive much slower, and the temporary traffic lanes are often very narrow.

Alpine conditions

Winter roads in alpine areas can be dangerous because of snow, ice, or avalanches. Some mountain roads may close for long periods.

Highway tax

You must display an "autobahn vignette" sticker on your windshield. If you don't, you'll get a €120 cash fine.

Rental car restrictions

Read your rental contract carefully. Driving into prohibited countries may result in arrest or charges of attempted auto theft

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxi and ride shares are generally safe and reliable in Austria.

Public and commercial transportation 

Public buses and metro are generally safe throughout Austria. 

• You must purchase a ticket from a machine and then validate it on board or have a valid electronic ticket from the local transit system’s phone app.
• Plain-clothes fare inspectors board transit vehicles randomly and request to see passenger tickets. If you do not have a valid ticket, they may ask you to step off at the next stop and pay an on-the-spot fine.  
• Review more at the U.S. Embassy web page regarding traffic violations, transit fines and other interactions with Austrian law enforcement. 
• Visit the website of Austria’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety. 

Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Austria’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Avalanches

• Expect avalanches during winter and early spring from November to April. Austria's alpine regions face significant avalanche danger during winter months, particularly in mountainous areas and ski resorts.
• Travelers can monitor avalanche conditions at the European Avalanche Warning Service (EAWS) website.

Winter road hazards

• Winter dangers occur from November to April.  Snow and ice create dangerous driving conditions on alpine roads during winter, with some mountain roads closed for extended periods.
• Snow tires or chains are mandatory in certain provinces and mountain towns between November 1 and April 15.  Failure to comply voids car insurance and results in fines.

Severe winter weather

• Expect severe weather from November to April. Heavy snowfall and ice can impact transportation and infrastructure throughout Austria's mountainous regions during winter months.
• Traffic information is broadcast on FM4 (English-language channel) and posted on digital signs and mobile apps, with emergency roadside assistance available by dialing 123 or 120.

Helpful resources: 

• Dial 112 for emergency services. 
• Dial 122 for fire department. 
• Dial 133 for police. 
• Dial 144 for ambulance services.

Traffic Information: FM4 radio, digital highway signs, mobile apps

Roadside Assistance: Austrian automobile clubs (ÖAMTC or ARBÖ). Dial 123 or 120.

U.S. Embassy alerts: Weather and demonstration alerts available through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.
• Review the U.S. Embassy Vienna’s web page about Living and Working in Austria for more resources.

Embassies and consulates