Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a hereditary monarchy based on democratic and parliamentary foundations. The country lies between Austria and Switzerland on the eastern bank of the Rhine River, which forms the border with Switzerland. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on U.S.-Liechtenstein relations for further information.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Liechtenstein, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Although many roads are mountainous and winding, Liechtenstein road-safety standards are high. Public transportation in Liechtenstein is excellent. There is an extensive bus network that connects the capital, Vaduz, with the bus and railway stations in Sargans and Buchs (St. Gallen), Switzerland, and Feldkirch, Austria. In some mountain areas, vehicle snow chains are required in winter. Road travel can be more dangerous during summer, winter holidays, the Easter break, and Whitsunday weekend (late spring) because of increased traffic. If you plan to travel to Liechtenstein via the motorways in Switzerland and Austria, you must purchase and display a motorway sticker (“vignette”) or encounter large on-the-spot fines in these countries. Travel on expressways (indicated by green signs with a white expressway symbol) requires purchase of a vignette, which must be affixed to the car’s windshield.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Liechtenstein, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Liechtenstein’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Liechtenstein remains largely free of terrorist incidents; however, like other countries in the Schengen area, Liechtenstein’s open borders with Western Europe allow for the possibility of terrorist groups entering/exiting the country anonymously.  You should remain vigilant with regard to your personal security and keep abreast with local events.

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 Switzerland on Twitter and visiting 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 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Liechtenstein has a low rate of violent crime. However, crimes of all types do occur. Pick-pocketing and purse snatching are the most common and frequently occur in the vicinity of train and bus stations, airports close to Liechtenstein, and some public parks, especially during peak tourist periods (such as summer and Christmas).  Take sensible precautions to protect your passport and money. Be especially vigilant in regional airports and railway stations, as these locations experience multiple incidents of petty theft almost every day.  

You should be careful on trains, especially on overnight trains to neighboring countries.  Thieves, who steal from passengers while they sleep, can enter even locked sleeping compartments. Thieves have been known to work in pairs to target train passengers; while one member of the pair creates a diversion at a train window or on a platform, the other steals items you have left briefly unattended.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available.  Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

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

• Replace a stolen passport.
• 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 you want us to, we can 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.

The local equivalent to “911” emergency line in Liechtenstein is “144.”  Dial 112 for health emergencies, dial 117 for the police, dial 118 for fire /oil or chemical accidents.

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