Austria Travel Advice & Safety

Crime

Austria Travel Advice & Safety,Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs. Thieves target tourists, particularly in crowded public areas such as:

• popular tourist areas, including lookouts 
• buses, trains, bus and train stations, and airports
• hotel lobbies 
• restaurants, including outdoor seating areas 

In Vienna, petty crime is common in the city centre, near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and in and around the major rail stations, the Hauptbnhof and Westbahnhof, as well as on international trains travelling to and from Austria.

Criminals may try to distract you and take your attention away from your valuables or belongings. Be cautious of distraction tactics, including people who:

• spill drinks on you or your belongings
• engage you in lengthy conversations
• persistently offer to assist you
• attempt to distance you from your personal belongings

During your trip: 

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place 
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily 
• avoid walking alone after dark 
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas 

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.

Austria Travel Advice & Safety

• government buildings
• schools, including universities
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• cultural venues

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

 Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks. 

The Austrian Interior Ministry maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Austria’s current threat level is 4, “high”, on a 5-step scale.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Fraud
Credit card, debit card and ATM fraud
Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs, particularly in Vienna.

When using your credit or debit card:

cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
review your account statements for any unauthorized transactions
Cybercrime
Cybercrime, malware attacks and online extortion occur.

Criminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks in order to steal personal data or credit card information.

Criminals can monitor social media and listen to your phone conversations.

Be cautious when posting information or photos on social media
Use your own USB adaptor or carry an extra battery pack
Use secure public Wi-Fi networks
Beware of people who show a keen interest in you online
Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
Do not discuss travel plans or any other personal information within earshot of strangers
Useful links
Overseas fraud
Cyber security while travelling
Spiked food, drinks and other items
Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Adventure tourism
Outdoor activities, such as mountaineering, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or other alpine and extreme sports, can be dangerous.

If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities:

share your itinerary with a friend or family member if you’re alone
buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to this type of recreational activity  
ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity
know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, dehydration and heatstroke, which can be fatal
ensure that you have proper equipment and bring sufficient water  
monitor weather conditions and other possible hazards, including avalanches
refrain from using equipment if you are unsure of its condition or safety
Avalanches can occur in mountainous areas, especially in early and late winter. Pay careful attention to warning signs and consider carrying an avalanche beacon.

More information on avalanches

Roads
Mountain roads are often narrow and covered with snow and ice during winter. Roads may close due to avalanches. Carry tire chains in the car if you intend to use mountain roads.

Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.