Exploring Austria: Travel Possibilities Amidst Restrictions

Austria has been in the news recently due to the election of a far-right, anti-immigrant party with roots in Nazism. The country has also been impacted by Russia's decision to cut off natural gas supplies, which has led to an energy crisis. So, can you visit Austria right now?

Characteristics	Values
Current Alert Level	Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Terrorism Threat Level	High (4 on a 5-step scale)
Terrorist Targets	Government buildings, airports, transportation hubs, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, cafes, shopping centres, markets, hotels
Petty Crime	Common, especially in crowded public areas and at night
ATM Fraud	Common, especially in Vienna
Demonstrations	Occur and can turn violent
Mass Gatherings	Monitor local media and follow instructions of local authorities
Mountaineering/Skiing	Never go alone, always hire an experienced guide, buy travel insurance, ensure good physical condition, inform a friend/family member
Road Conditions	Generally good, but mountain roads are often narrow and covered in snow/ice
Entry Requirements	No tourist visa required for stays under 90 days within each 180-day period
Currency Restrictions	Declare funds of more than 10,000 Euros when travelling between Austria and a non-EU country
Identification	Must carry ID at all times, illegal to cover your face in public
Drug Penalties	Severe, including heavy fines and prison sentences
Driving	Need international driving permit or German translation of licence, winter tires mandatory from Nov 1 to Apr 15

Entry requirements

Passports and Visas

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria if they plan to stay for less than 90 days within each 180-day period. However, their passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For longer stays, a visa is required, and visitors must obtain the appropriate visa from the Embassy of Austria.

Health and Safety

Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare. However, petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, are common in tourist areas and on public transportation. It is recommended to always carry your ID and keep your belongings secure.

There is also a threat of terrorism in Austria, with targets possibly including tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, shopping centres, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners. The Austrian Interior Ministry maintains a public alert system on terrorism, and Austria's current threat level is 4, "high", on a 5-step scale.

Driving

If you plan to drive in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old and carry an international driving permit or a German translation of your driver's licence. Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15, and all vehicles must have high-visibility vests and a highway toll sticker called a Vignette.

Currency

The currency of Austria is the Euro. If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must declare it to customs when entering or leaving the European Union.

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Local laws

Austria has a low rate of serious crime, but tourists should be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, which are common in crowded public areas like pedestrian shopping areas, restaurants, cafés, and public transportation. It is recommended to carry your passport on your body and be vigilant in these areas.

It is illegal to cover your face in public places to hide your identity. Dual nationals may have to complete national service, so check with the Austrian Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

Austria has strict drug laws, and even carrying small amounts can lead to heavy fines and prison sentences.

If you plan to drive in Austria, be aware that you must be 18 years old and have an international driving permit or a German translation of your driver's license. Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15, and there are strict traffic laws that you should familiarize yourself with before getting behind the wheel.

Finally, always carry your ID with you, as local authorities may ask to see it.

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Health and safety

Austria has world-class healthcare facilities throughout the country, with medical treatment available everywhere. However, outside of major cities, it may take longer for first responders and medical professionals to arrive and stabilise a patient or provide life-saving assistance. Therefore, it is recommended that U.S. citizens purchase medical evacuation insurance.

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 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 to bring medicines as part of their personal luggage, but only the quantity required for the duration of their stay in the country.

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. Therefore, 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.

COVID-19 tests in Austria are widely available at local pharmacies, including rapid and PCR tests. U.S. citizens are responsible for paying for all costs upfront. Results are normally delivered by email, but you may also request a physical copy from the lab. The COVID-19 vaccine is available free of charge for U.S. citizen residents of Austria and those with valid Austrian healthcare E-cards. U.S. citizen visitors may be required to pay vaccination costs upfront.

Many cities in western Austria are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take the necessary precautions.

Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare. However, crimes of opportunity involving the theft of personal property do occur, particularly 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 areas 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.

Drink spiking can occur at popular nightclubs and can lead to sexual assault. To protect yourself, do not accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended. Stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs.

Austria is part of the Schengen area, meaning you can enter the country without a visa if you are a citizen of a Schengen country. However, entry and exit conditions can change at short notice, so it is essential to stay updated with the latest information.

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Public transport

As of March 2022, Austria plans to drop most of its COVID-19 restrictions, including those on public transport. However, wearing FFP2 masks will remain obligatory in public transport, taxis, and vehicles of taxi-like companies. Masks are also mandatory in places that offer essential services/goods (supermarkets, banks, post offices, pharmacies, petrol stations, public authorities, etc.).

From 5 March 2022, proof of vaccination or recovery will no longer be required to use public transport. Instead, proof of a negative test will be sufficient.

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Outdoor activities

Austria is a great destination for outdoor activities, especially in the Alpine regions. Here are some ideas for outdoor pursuits in Austria:

Cycling

The Drau cycle path, or Drauradweg, is a 227-mile route stretching from Toblach in Italy to Marburg in Slovenia. The Austrian sections of the route take you through pristine floodplains, picturesque towns and villages, with breathtaking views of the natural scenery. The first section in Austria goes from Innichen to Lienz, a 30-mile stretch, and the second takes you from Lienz to Spittal an der Drau, a 46-mile stretch.

The Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Bike Tour from Vienna is a full-day guided tour that takes you through the Austrian countryside, with wine-tasting included.

Hiking

The Lienz Dolomites offer amazing walking trails with hikes that take you past rugged rock formations, lush green meadows, pristine lakes, and incredible views of the surrounding valleys.

Paragliding

Tandem paragliding over Lienz is an incredible way to take in the views. You can opt for a 10-minute whistle-stop tour or a longer 90-minute flight.

Rafting

White water rafting is an adrenaline-pumping activity that is offered on two rivers in Austria. The River Isel in East Tyrol offers grade III and IV rapids, and the River Drau, a former transport route for ore and coal, is one of the last great river landscapes in the Southern Alps.

Swimming

Lake Tristacher See is a wild swimming spot surrounded by lush greenery. The lake has a deep-water drainage system, keeping the water clean year-round, and it reaches temperatures of 24°C in the summer. You can also walk around the lake on a short trail.

Cable Car

The Top of Innsbruck Roundtrip Cable Car offers spectacular mountaintop views of Innsbruck without the hike.

Boat Tour

The Danube Valley Day Trip from Vienna includes a boat ride along the Danube and a visit to the old town, as well as stunning views of the valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

The City Sightseeing Tour in an Electro Vintage Car takes up to five people on a nostalgic ride through Vienna, with stories and unknown facts about the city shared by the driver.