Austria: Safe Haven For Indians?

Austria is considered one of the safest holiday destinations in the world, with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. However, there have been reports of racism and racial profiling in the country. Travellers of colour, including Indians, have reported experiencing racist incidents and being targeted by law enforcement. It is important for Indians travelling to Austria to be aware of this and to exercise caution, particularly in areas that attract a high number of visitors, such as Vienna's Ringstrasse, where pickpocketing and scams are common. In addition, Austria has raised its terrorist alert level to high following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and travellers are advised to stay informed and follow the advice of local authorities.

Racism in Austria

Austria has been deemed one of the most racist EU states, with people of African descent facing "shocking levels of racism and discrimination" in the country. A report by the Vienna-based Fundamental Rights Agency (published in October 2023) revealed that there has been no progress in addressing racist harassment or violence in Austria. This is further supported by a personal account from a Black woman living in Austria, who details her experiences with racism and microaggressions in the country.

A study on racism against Black people in 13 EU countries found that race-based discrimination is most prevalent in Austria and Germany. The data showed that 72% of respondents in Austria reported experiencing discrimination due to their skin colour, origin, or religion in the past five years. Additionally, Austria ranked first in discrimination by the police, with 53% of men and 24% of women surveyed having been stopped by the police in the previous five years.

When looking for work, Black people felt the most discriminated against in Austria compared to the other 13 countries surveyed. This was reported by 59% of respondents. Overall, the study found that on average, 45% of respondents across all 13 countries had experienced discrimination.

Personal accounts from Indians who have travelled to Austria also suggest that racism is prevalent. One UK citizen of Indian descent shared their experience of facing multiple racist incidents during a week-long holiday in Austria, including passport checks, hostile behaviour from locals, and racial profiling by law enforcement. However, it is important to note that not everyone shares the same experience, and there are also reports of Indians who have not encountered any racist incidents during their visits to Austria.

In summary, while Austria is deemed one of the most racist EU states, it is important to acknowledge that individual experiences may vary. Some individuals may encounter racism and discrimination, while others may not. It is crucial to address and eradicate racism in all its forms, and the Austrian government and relevant organisations should take steps to create a more inclusive and welcoming society for people of all ethnicities and backgrounds.

Terrorist attacks in Austria

While Austria is a relatively safe country, there is always a risk of terrorist attacks, which cannot be ruled out. Here are some details of terrorist incidents in Austria:

2024 Vienna Terrorism Plot

On 2nd November 2020, a 20-year-old Austrian of North Macedonian origin carried out a terrorist attack in downtown Vienna, killing four people and injuring 23 others. The attacker was shot and killed by the police, and subsequent investigations led to 15 arrests and 18 house searches. The attack was deemed an "Islamist extremist" act, and the gunman had previously tried to travel to Syria to join ISIS. This incident caused a heightened security alert in Vienna, with citizens advised to stay indoors.

Palestinian Terrorist Incidents

There have been several Palestinian terrorist incidents in Austria, although specific details of these events are not readily available.

Assassination of Karl von Stürgkh

Details of this incident are not readily available, but it is classified as a terrorist incident.

Vienna Temple Attack

Limited information is available about this attack, but it is classified as a terrorist incident.

Racism and Discrimination

While not all experiences are negative, there have been reports of racism and discrimination against people of colour in Austria, including Indians. These incidents can range from passive aggressiveness to outright hostility. For example, a UK citizen of Indian descent recounted their experience of racism during a holiday in Austria, which included passport checks, hostile behaviour from locals, and discrimination by law enforcement. However, it is important to note that not everyone will have the same experience, and there are also reports of friendly and welcoming Austrians.

Petty theft and pickpocketing

Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. However, petty theft and pickpocketing do occur, especially in areas that attract a high number of visitors, such as the Ringstrasse in Vienna, the city's largest train stations, and the shopping strip Getreidegasse in Salzburg (where Mozart's house is located).

To avoid petty theft and pickpocketing in Austria, it is recommended that you take the following precautions:

• Keep your valuables, such as your passport, in the hotel safe or ask reception how they can be secured.
• Be wary of bumping, a ploy used by pickpockets to divert your attention and get close enough to steal your wallet. If you are bumped or pushed in a crowd, turn around immediately and identify the culprit.
• Keep a tight hold of your bag in a crowd, preferably in front of your body.
• Be cautious of people claiming to be plain-clothes police, especially in the city centre area of Innere Stadt in Vienna. Demand to see their police badge or other identification before handing over any valuables.
• Be aware of con artists who may use ploys such as asking for help or "accidentally" staining your clothes to distract you.
• Avoid using a bum bag, as these are easy targets for thieves.
• Wear a money belt underneath your clothes to keep your essentials secure.
• Keep valuable devices attached to you or your bag using a phone case/lanyard combo or a lanyard.
• Be vigilant in crowds and steer clear of commotions, which may be a smokescreen for theft.
• Be on guard in train stations, especially when arriving and when you may be overwhelmed by your new surroundings and overburdened by luggage.
• Never set down valuable items, such as your phone or wallet, on a train seat or restaurant table where they can be easily swiped.
• Keep your hotel room free of clutter and stick to an unpacking routine to reduce the risk of losing items and to make it easier to notice if something goes missing.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your trip to Austria is safe and enjoyable.

Scams and con artists

While Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, scams and con artists still pose a risk to travellers. Here are some common scams and tips to avoid them:

Pickpocketing and Theft

Pickpocketing is a common issue in areas with high tourist traffic, such as Vienna's Ringstrasse, the city's largest train stations, and popular attractions like St. Stephen's Cathedral. Be cautious in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure and in front of your body. Be aware of "bumping", where pickpockets divert your attention by bumping or pushing you. If this happens, turn around immediately to identify the culprit.

Accommodation Scams

When booking accommodation, watch out for poor spelling and grammar on websites or emails, unverifiable contact information, and payment methods that are not traceable. Ensure the website has a valid security certificate (https:// and a padlock symbol) and research reviews from other travellers. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Fake Plain-Clothes Police

Be cautious of people claiming to be plain-clothes police officers, especially in the Innere Stadt area of Vienna. Always ask to see their police badge and identification before complying with any requests.

ATM Scams

Be wary of strangers offering help if your card gets stuck in an ATM. They may be attempting to steal your card or obtain your PIN.

Distraction Scams

Con artists may use various tactics to distract you and steal your belongings. Be cautious of strangers asking for help or accidentally staining your clothes. Keep a tight hold of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.

Train Travel

Be vigilant when travelling on trains, especially the route from Prague to Vienna, where there have been reports of slashed bags and pockets, resulting in the theft of passports and wallets.

Online Scams

Avoid buying from online touts or individuals dressed as Mozart, as these may be scams.

Overall, while scams and con artists are a concern in Austria, practising common sense and staying vigilant can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Local laws and customs

Austria is frequently cited as one of the best places to live in Europe, and it is known for being remarkably safe and clean. However, it is important to be aware of local laws and customs when visiting any country. Here are some key things to keep in mind when visiting Austria:

Passports and Identification

Under Austrian law, you are required to have your passport readily accessible at all times. If you do not carry your passport with you, it must be in the same district as you, and you must be able to access it within a reasonable time. It is recommended to carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport and keep the original in a safe place. A UK driving licence is not recognised as an official form of ID in Austria.

Face Coverings

It is illegal in Austria to wear, in a public place, any clothing or object that conceals the face and makes facial features unrecognisable. Failure to comply with this law can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to €150. This law does not apply to medical or fabric face masks, which are compulsory in certain situations due to coronavirus regulations.

Public Transport

If you are using an individual paper ticket on a bus, tram, or train, make sure to validate it in the machine on the vehicle or in the station. Failure to do so may result in a high, on-the-spot fine.

Drugs

Drug laws in Austria are similar to those in the UK. Possessing or trafficking drugs will be dealt with severely, and a lengthy prison sentence is typical if convicted.

Food and Drink

When travelling to Austria, you cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into the country. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, such as certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons.

Money

If you are travelling to Austria with cash or travellers' cheques worth 10,000 euros or more, you must declare them. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave the country.

Outdoor Activities and Adventure Sports

If you plan to participate in outdoor activities or adventure sports, ensure that you use a well-established company and that your insurance covers your specific activity. For certain sports activities, such as skiing, potholing, and mountaineering, your insurance should include mountain rescue services, repatriation to your country of residence, and transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment. Always follow safety instructions and consider hiring a guide for expert advice.

Driving

Driving laws in Austria can be complex, especially for those driving caravans or motorhomes. If you plan to drive, make sure to review the rules of the road and driving regulations specific to Austria. All vehicles on motorways and expressways in Austria are subject to tolls, and you must display a vignette (sticker) inside your windscreen to avoid a fine.

Frequently asked questions