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Austria
Country Specific Information
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July 29, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
: 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 Background Notes on Austria for additional information, or see the information at the Austrian National Tourist Office web site, http://www.austria.info.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required. U.S. citizens can stay without a visa for tourist/business for up to 90 days in each six-month period. That 90-day period begins when you enter any of the Schengen countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Note: Although European Union regulations require that non-EU visitors obtain a stamp in their passports upon initial entry to a Schengen country, many borders are not staffed with officers carrying out this function. If an American citizen wishes to ensure that his or her entry is properly documented, it may be necessary to request a stamp at an official point of entry. Under local law, travelers without a stamp in their passports may be questioned and asked to document the length of their stay in Schengen countries at the time of departure or at any other point during their visit, and could face possible fines or other repercussions if unable to do so.
There are no vaccination requirements for international travelers.
Visit the Embassy of Austria web site at http://www.austria.org/ for the most current visa information. There are four Austrian Consulates General in the United States. As each one serves clients from a particular region, please contact the appropriate office for assistance. If you reside outside the U.S. please contact the responsible Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. A list of Austrian Embassies/Consulates is available at http://www.bmeia.gv.at/aussenministerium/buergerservice/oesterreichische-vertretungen.html.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
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/exiting the country with anonymity. Americans 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. Despite some terrorism-related
incidents in 2007 directed against individual Austrian nationals or the Government of Austria, authorities overall believe
the likelihood of terrorist attacks in Austria remains relatively low; the State Department rates Austria as a “Medium” threat
for transnational terrorism.
Every year, a number of avalanche deaths occur in Austria's alpine regions. Many occur when skiers/snowboarders stray from
the designated ski slopes. Leaving the designated slopes to ski off-piste may pose serious risks and may delay rescue attempts
in case of emergency. Skiers/snowboarders should monitor weather and terrain conditions, and use the 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.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s, Bureau
of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare. However, crimes involving theft of personal
property have increased in recent years. As such, most crimes involving Americans 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 Vienna’s two largest train stations, the plaza around St. Stephan’s
Cathedral and the nearby pedestrian shopping areas (in Vienna’s First District).
There has been an increase in thefts and pick-pocketing on public transportation lines, especially on those lines coming into
and out from the city center. U.S. citizens are advised to secure personal belongings and always take precautions while on
public transportation and in public places such as cafes and tourist areas. Many citizens have had to disrupt travel plans
while awaiting replacements for lost and stolen passports since emergency passports are generally only authorized in rare
circumstances such as critical medical emergencies.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. Information on the Austrian crime victim compensation program can be found on the U.S. Embassy web site at http://vienna.usembassy.gov/en/embassy/cons/compens.htm.
The local equivalent to the 911 emergency line in Austria is 133.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: There are an adequate number of hospitals available in Austria. Local hospitals will not settle their accounts directly
with American insurance companies. The patient is obliged to pay the bill to the local hospital and later claim a refund from
his/her insurance carrier in the United States. MEDICARE payments are not available outside the United States.
The Austrian Medicine Import Act generally prohibits the import of prescription drugs into Austria, with two exceptions:
A) Travelers residing outside the European Union are allowed to carry with them (as part of their personal luggage) drugs and medicines, but only the quantity that an individual having a health problem might normally carry; and,
B) Travelers while staying in Austria may receive drugs and medicines for their personal use by mail. The quantity is limited to the length of their stay in Austria and must never exceed three packages.
Generally, it is recommended that travelers have either a prescription or written statement from their personal physician
that the medicines are being used under a doctor's direction and are necessary for their physical wellbeing while traveling.
Public health conditions in Austria are excellent. The level of community sanitation in Vienna meets or exceeds that of most
large American cities. Disease incidence and type are similar to that seen in the major cities of Western Europe and the United
States. At the present time, air pollution is not a major health problem in Vienna.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Austria.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at: http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at: http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
Any person, regardless of citizenship, who wants to take up residence in Austria, must be covered by some health insurance plan that covers full medical treatment in Austria. American citizens interested in joining the health insurance plan under the Austrian system should apply to the Health Insurance Agency (Gebietskrankenkasse) in the province (Bundesland) where they reside. Further information may be obtained from the appropriate “Gebietskrankenkasse” http://www.sozialversicherung.at/portal/index.html?ctrl:cmd=render&ctrl:window=esvportal.channel_content.cmsWindow&p_menuid=955&p_tabid=6&p_pubid=687.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Austria is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
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.
Drivers should exercise caution during the heavily traveled vacation periods (December-February, Easter, July-August). Extra
caution is recommended when driving 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. The U.S. driver’s license must be accompanied by an international
driver’s permit (obtainable in the U.S. from American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance)
or by 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. Fines for failing to display a valid autobahn vignette on the windshield of your car are usually around
$120.
Austrian autobahns have a maximum speed limit of 130 km/hr, 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.
Tourists driving rented vehicles should 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.
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.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web-site of Austria’s national tourist office (Österreich Werbung) at http://www.austria.info and the national authority responsible for road safety (Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit) at http://www.kfv.at/.
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. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at: http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Travelers using U.S. issued debit cards in Austrian Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) may encounter problems. If the request for cash is rejected, travelers should check their accounts immediately to see whether the money was in fact debited from their account. If this is the case, they should notify their banking institution immediately. Prompt action may result in a refund of the debited amount. Receipts should always be requested and kept for verification with your home bank. Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Austrian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Austria are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Austria are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Austria. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at Parkring 12a, tel. +43- 1-31339-7535, fax: +43-1-5125835, web site: http://vienna.usembassy.gov/en/index.html.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information sheet for Austria dated January 23, 2008, without substantive changes.
