Austria

Austria is a highly developed, stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourism is an important pillar of the Austrian economy and facilities are widely available. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Austria for additional information on U.S.-Austria relations. 

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Austria, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Road conditions in Austria are generally excellent. During the winter, however, roads in alpine areas may become dangerous due to snowfall, ice, or avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods and tire chains are often required. Be extra careful during the heavily traveled vacation periods (e.g., December-February, Easter, and July-August). Be alert when you drive through autobahn construction zones, particularly on the A-1 East/West Autobahn. Reduced lanes and two-way traffic in these zones have resulted in several deadly accidents in recent years. Traffic information and road conditions are broadcast on the English-language channel, fm4, located between 91 and 105 FM depending on the locale.

A U.S. driver’s license alone is not sufficient to drive in Austria. You must also get an international driver’s permit (obtainable in the United States from the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance) or an official translation of the U.S. driver’s license, which can be obtained at one of the Austrian automobile clubs, OEAMTC or ARBOE. This arrangement is only acceptable for the first six months of driving in Austria, after which all drivers must obtain an Austrian license.

Austria requires all vehicles using the autobahn to display an “Autobahn Vignette” highway-tax sticker on the inside of the vehicle’s windshield. The sticker may be purchased at border crossings, gas stations in Austria, and small “Tabak” shops located in Austrian towns. The fine for failing to display a valid autobahn vignette on the windshield of your car is EUR 120 (approximately150 USD), if paid in cash and “on the spot.” For more information, please see the ASFINAG road operator website.

Austrian autobahns have a maximum speed limit of 130 km/hr (81mph), although drivers often drive much faster and pass aggressively. The use of hand-held cell phones while driving is prohibited. Turning right on red is also prohibited throughout Austria. The legal limit for blood alcohol content in Austria is .05 percent and penalties for driving under the influence tend to be stricter than in many U.S. states.

It is mandatory for cars on Austrian motorways and highways to leave an emergency corridor, even when no emergency vehicle is approaching. When traffic stops, create an emergency corridor in between the far-left lane and all others to the right; vehicles should also be using the shoulder. Failure to comply carries a fine of EURO 2,180 (approximately 2,800 USD)

Between November 1 and April 15, the use of winter tires is mandated by law. All-season tires comply if they carry the “MS” mark and have at least 4mm of tread. In addition, local police may require snow chains in heavy snow. Failure to comply with the law results in a substantial fine and the suspension of the cited vehicle's use. Insurance is deemed void if a vehicle which is involved in an accident between November 1 and April 15 is not fitted with winter tires.

Tourists driving rented vehicles must ensure that the vehicle is equipped with the proper tires and pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contract. Many contracts prohibit drivers from taking rented vehicles into eastern European countries. Drivers attempting to enter countries listed as “prohibited” on the car rental contract may be arrested, fined, and/or charged with attempted auto theft. Austrian police are authorized to hold the rented vehicle for the car rental company.

Emergency roadside help and information may be reached by dialing 123 or 120 for vehicle assistance and towing services (Austrian automobile clubs), 122 for the fire department, 133 for police, and 144 for ambulance. The European emergency line is 112.

New traffic regulations that took effect in Austria in April 2013 made it illegal for cyclists to use a handheld mobile phone while riding, with lawbreakers liable for a minimum fine of EURO 50 (approximately 63 USD). As with rules applicable to drivers of motor vehicles, bike riders will be allowed to use a phone via a hands-free kit.

Austrian Federal Railroads (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) offer excellent railroad service to all major towns of the country and also direct connections with all major cities in Europe. Trains are well maintained and fares are reasonable. There is also an extensive network of bus lines operated by the Austrian Postal Service (Österreichische Post). All major cities also offer excellent public transportation services. For more information, please visit the transportation/rail website.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Austrian national tourist office (Österreich Werbung) and national authority responsible for road safety (Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit).

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Austria’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Austria’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Austria remains largely free of terrorist incidents; however, like other countries in the Schengen area, Austria’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups entering and exiting the country with anonymity. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.

Austrian intelligence experts have registered increased radicalization of immigrant Muslim individuals and of small conspiratorial groups, as well as intensified use of the Internet as a propaganda and communications platform.

Every year, a number of avalanche deaths occur in Austria's alpine regions. Many occur when skiers/snowboarders stray from designated ski slopes. Leaving designated slopes to ski off designated paths may pose serious risks and may delay rescue attempts in case of emergency. Skiers and snowboarders should monitor weather and terrain conditions, and use available avalanche rescue equipment. Avalanche beepers (transceivers) are the most common rescue devices and, when properly used, provide the fastest way of locating an avalanche victim, usually enabling authorities to begin rescue operations within minutes. Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering involve a level of risk with a danger of personal injury or death. While the number of people requiring rescue in Austria remains steady each year, there has been a marked increase in air evacuations since July 2013. Alpine rescuers are increasingly concerned about the growing number of people participating in mountaineering activities without proper preparation and planning; people participating in these activities should closely monitor weather and terrain conditions and contact local tourism offices or mountain guide associations for information on trails that are tailored to individual skill levels. Also, it is recommended to buy special leisure insurance. More information, including safety tips, is available on the Austrian Alpine Club website.

To call for emergency, dial 144” (Austrian Red Cross) or the European emergency number “112.”

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Austria on Twitter and visit the Embassy’s website
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for traveling safely abroad

CRIME: Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare, however, crimes involving theft of personal property do occur. As such, most crimes involving U.S. citizens are crimes of opportunity involving theft of personal belongings. Travelers are also targets of pickpockets who operate where tourists tend to gather. Some of the spots where such crimes are most frequently reported include the plaza around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the nearby pedestrian shopping areas (in Vienna’s First District).

The U.S. Embassy has received increasing reports of theft and pick pocketing on public transportation and trains, especially on those lines coming into and out of the city center, as well as on the trains that run between Vienna and Budapest, Prague, and Rome, and in train stations. Secure your personal belongings and always take precautions while on public transportation and in public places such as cafes and tourist areas.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, but by buying them, you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if desired, contact family members or friends.
•  Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Specific information on the Austrian crime victim compensation program can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s website.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Austria is “133.”

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.