Austria

Consular Section
Parkring 12A (Marriott Hotel Building)
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

U.S. Embassy Vienna
NOTE: No consular services are provided at the Embassy.

Boltzmanngasse 16
1090 Vienna, Austria
Telephone: +43-(0)1-313-390
Email: ViennaUSEmbassy@state.gov

For the latest information on COVID-19 situation and potential restrictions, please visit Austria's official travel portal at https://www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information.

Prospective residents or anyone intending to stay longer than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa. Visit the Embassy of Austria’s website for current visa information or the Government of Austria’s website on migration. Austria collects the fingerprints of all visa applicants.

• Students and prospective students should visit the Study in Austria webpage for current information on student visa requirements. Fulbright students and scholars with questions should contact their respective program officer.

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. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
• You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket.
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

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: Some 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 – against soft targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

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 frequently occur in tourist areas, including the plaza around St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the nearby pedestrian shopping areas in Vienna’s First District.

• Beware of pickpockets on public transportation and in bus or train stations. Trains between Vienna and Budapest, Prague, or Rome are high-risk.
• Do not leave bags unattended.
• Do not carry your passport when sightseeing within Vienna; lock it in your hotel safe or other secure area unless needed for travel. Instead, carry a photocopy of your passport at all times along with a second form of ID such as a U.S. driver’s license.

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime: Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You can call the police at 133. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at+43-(0)1-313-390. Report crimes to the local police at 133 and contact the U.S. Embassy

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We may be able to help victims of crime with the following:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is regulated and rules are enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff are typically on hand to support organized activities. In the event of an injury, medical treatment is available throughout the country. Outside of a major cities, it may take first responders and medical professionals longer to stabilize a patient or 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:

• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires 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 to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

• You can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Austria. If you break Austrian laws, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection may confiscate the items or fine you, 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:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Austria. The LGBTQI+ community is well-developed in larger cities, including Vienna, Graz, Linz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. LGBTQI+ organizations operate freely. While there is some societal prejudice against LGBTQI+ persons, Austria has become more liberal with laws and social opinion concerning sexual orientation and gender identity. Anti-discrimination laws also apply to LGBTQI+ persons. Same sex couples are permitted to marry or enter a legally recognized civil union.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: Laws in Austria prohibit discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities, and are enforced. Accessibility is limited in older buildings, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, castles, and other tourist attractions especially outside of major cities. Rentals, repair and replacement parts for wheelchairs, orthopedics, and other equipment are available in major cities. For a list of providers, click here to see City of Vienna’s accessibility website.

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 emergency services are available countrywide.

• For general emergency services in Austria, dial 112.
• To call an ambulance, dial 144.
• Ambulance services are widely available.

Local hospitals will not settle accounts directly with American insurance companies. You must pay the hospital’s bill and later claim reimbursement from the insurance carrier in the United States. The Austrian Medicine Import Act prohibits the import of most prescription drugs into Austria. However, non- European Union residents are allowed medicines as part of their personal luggage, but only the quantity required for the period of time you’ll be in the country. Travelers may not receive medicine by mail from abroad while in Austria. If a particular medication is not available in Austria, an Austrian pharmacy may be able to order the medication prescribed by a local physician from a pharmacy in the United States.

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 health 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.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals on its website. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Austrian Ministry for Health to ensure the medication is legal in Austria.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Health facilities

• Austria has world class healthcare facilities throughout the country.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” or adequate health insurance prior to service or admission. Patients who need emergency or life-saving medical treatment will not be turned away for lack of payment or insurance.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Austria.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals       

• Many medications that are common in the United States are illegal in Austria, even with a prescription. Austria does not allow the importation of any pharmaceuticals that contain narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. Obtaining such medications in Austria is either impossible or requires a diagnosis and prescription from an Austrian doctor. Please review the medication rules on the websites of the Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Austrian Health Ministry.

Altitude

Many cities in western Austria are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions in Austria are excellent. During the winter, roads in alpine areas may become dangerous due to snow, ice, or avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods. Snow tires or chains may be required in certain provinces or mountain towns. If you are renting a car in winter months and driving to a ski resort, check with your car rental company to ensure your vehicle is properly equipped.

Be alert when you drive through autobahn construction zones, particularly on the A-1 East/West Autobahn. Traffic information and road conditions are broadcast on the English-language channel, FM4 (frequency depends on location). Traffic information is posted on digital signs, and trackable in popular mobile apps. 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:

• Penalties for driving under the influence are stricter than in many U.S. states.
• Display an “autobahn vignette” highway-tax sticker on the inside of the vehicle’s windshield. The fine for failing to display a valid sticker is EUR 120 ($150 USD), paid in cash “on the spot.”
• The maximum speed limit is 130 km/hr (81mph) on the Austrian autobahns.
• It is against the law to use a hand-held cell phone while driving.
• It is against the law to turn right on red.
• It is mandatory for cars on Austrian motorways to pull over when an emergency vehicle is approaching. On two-lane roads or larger, vehicles pull over to either far left or far right to create an emergency corridor down the center.  
• You could be issued a substantial fine for not usin winter tires on your vehicle between November 1 and April 15, depending where you are driving. Your car insurance is void if you are in an accident, and your vehicle does not havewinter tires.
• Read your rental contract closely.You may be arrested, fined, and/or charged with attempted auto theft if you try to drive a rental car in countries listed as “prohibited” on the car rental contract.
• A U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in Austria. A U.S. driver's license must be accompanied by an international driving permit or by an official translation of the U.S. driver's license, which can be obtained in the United States at AAA, or at one of the Austrian automobile clubs (ÖAMTC or ARBÖ). U.S. citizens who intend to take up residence in Austria must obtain an Austrian driver’s license after six months of arriving.

Public Transportation: Austrian Federal Railways (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) offers train service to all major towns in Austria and major cities in Europe. There is also an extensive network of Österreichische Post bus lines. All major cities have excellent public transportation systems. 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 compliant 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.