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Reconsider travel to Austria due to COVID-19.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Austria due to COVID-19.
Austria has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including day cares and schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within Austria. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Austria.
Read the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Austria:
Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.
6 months beyond planned date of departure from from the Schengen area
One page required for entry stamp
Not required for stays under 90 days within each 180 day period
None
10,000 Euro maximum
10,000 Euro maximum
U.S. Embassy Vienna
Boltzmanngasse 16
1090 Vienna, Austria
Telephone: +43-(0)1-313-390
Email: embassy@usembassy.at
Consular Section
Parkring 12A
1010 Vienna, Austria
Telephone: +43-(0)1-31339-7535
Emergency after-hours telephone: +43-(0)1-31339
Fax: +43-(0)1-5125835
Email: ConsulateVienna@state.gov
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Austria for information on U.S.-Austria relations.
Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Austria.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.
Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:
Crime: Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe and violent crime is rare. Crimes of opportunity involving theft of personal property do occur. These crimes are most frequently reported in tourist areas, to include the plaza around St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the nearby pedestrian shopping areas in Vienna’s First District.
Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.
International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 133 and contact the U.S. Embassy at+43-(0)1-313-390. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
For further information:
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:
LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Austria. The LGBTI community is well-developed in all larger cities, such as Vienna, Graz, Linz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. LGBTI organizations generally operate freely. While there is some societal prejudice against LGBTI persons, Austria has become more liberal with laws and social opinion concerning sexual orientation and gender identity. Anti-discrimination laws also apply to LGBTI persons. Same sex couples are permitted to marry or enter a legally recognized civil union.
See our LGBTI travel information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. Accessibility and accommodation may be very different than what one finds in the United States. Austrian federal law mandates access to public buildings for persons with physical disabilities, so accessibility has greatly improved. While many stores and restaurants in Austria still lack ramp or elevator access, most tourist attractions are accessible. A comprehensive assessment of public buildings, including tourist sites, restaurants, cafes, and hotels in Vienna, is available at the Vienna Tourist Information website. Click here for information regarding accessibility in other regions of Austria.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers.
Medical facilities and staff are generally excellent and widely available for emergency services.
Local hospitals will not settle accounts directly with American insurance companies. You must pay the bill to the local hospital and later claim a refund from the insurance carrier in the United States. The Austrian Medicine Import Act generally prohibits the import of prescription drugs into Austria, however, non- European Union residents are allowed medicines as part of their personal luggage, but only the quantity required during the course of the stay. Travelers may not receive medicine by mail while staying in Austria. If a particular medication is not available locally in Austria, an Austrian pharmacy may be able to order the medication prescribed by a local physician from a pharmacy in the U.S.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals on their website. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions in Austria are generally excellent. During the winter, 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 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 located between 91-105 FM depending on the locale. 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.
Traffic Laws: Please see Austria’s travel webpage for detailed information related to driving. Below are key laws to consider:
Public Transportation: Austrian Federal Railways (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) offer excellent railroad service to all major towns and all major cities in Europe. There is also an extensive network of Österreichische Post bus lines. All major cities offer excellent public transportation services. Click here for Vienna’s public transportation website.
See our road safety page for more information. Visit the website of Austria’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
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.
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