Traveler Toolkit
Austria Country Security Report
Austria Country Security Report
Published: March 7, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Austria Travel Advisory and Austria International Travel Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
Boltzmanngasse 16
1090 Vienna, Austria
+ +43-(0)1-313-390
Emergencies: + 43, 1-31339-0, press #7. Hours. 0800-1700, Monday-Friday
U.S. Consular Section - Vienna (for American Citizen Services)
Marriott Hotel, Parking 12A, A1010 Vienna, northeast side entrance, 4th floor
Hours: 0800-1700, Monday-Friday
Tel: +43 (1) 31339 7535
OSAC Country Chapter
The Vienna Country Chapter is active.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Austria Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Austria.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Vienna as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Austria.
The crime emergency line in Austria is 133. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare, 52.9% of cases are solved by police. 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. There is a general uptick of petty crime during the holiday season as many tourists visit the Christmas/Easter/and other holiday markets. The most common crime experienced by U.S. travelers is purse/wallet snatching, typically in crowded public areas. Other crimes of opportunity include trains, restaurants, shopping areas, and crowded tourist areas, in which criminals distracted a victim who usually was not in direct physical control of valuables.
Crime in Austria increased in 2024 (most recent data released in 2025), with 534,193 reported criminal offenses, with a 1.2 percent increase compared to 2023 and the highest level recorded since 2016. Nearly all crime had increases, including property crime, economic and financial crimes, violent crime, cybercrime, and organized crime. Violent crime also increased slightly and accounted for approximately 16 percent of all reported offenses, the trend has continued an upward trend after a decline in 2022.
Property offenses represented the largest share of reported crimes and account for roughly one-third of all offenses, remaining the most common type of crime in Austria. Additionally, thefts by breaking and entering increased significantly in recent years, with some categories of break-ins increasing by nearly 20 percent. Thieves target merchants and residences, most notably during the holiday shopping season. Armed robberies in jewelry stores and banks occur occasionally. Residential burglaries continue to fluctuate, but remain below the levels seen a decade ago due to improved security measures and policing.
Organized crime, primarily involving Balkan criminal groups (including Serbian and Bulgarian networks), is present in Austria, though it is usually non-violent and often focuses on burglary, property theft, ATM attacks, and organized fraud.
Visitors should beware of pickpockets on public transportation and in bus or train stations. Trains between Vienna and Budapest, Prague, or Rome remain common areas for opportunistic theft. Bags should never be left 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, always carry a photocopy of your passport along with a second form of ID such as a U.S. driver’s license. As a non citizen of Austria you must carry an ID with you.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Be alert to criminal schemes in public places such as cafes and tourist areas. Be especially cognizant of your possessions in the plaza around St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the nearby pedestrian shopping areas in Vienna’s First District These crimes were overwhelmingly non-violent and seldom involved weapons.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Austria.
A kidnapping threat against U.S. nationals in Austria is not currently an issue of concern.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Vienna as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Austria.
Travelers should take the potential for terrorist-related incidents seriously. While there is no prominent homegrown Islamist group in Austria, international groups such as ISIS and Hamas have received support from some Austrian Muslim extremists. The potential remains for individuals to be inspired by these international groups and commit acts in crowded areas.
The Austrian Interior Ministry maintains a public alert system on terrorism, and the current the current threat level is 4 (high), on a 5-step scale. Some terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking Western victims of opportunity, to include 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, and shopping malls/markets; and public transportation systems.
Austria is a transport and finance hub, and various international terrorist groups and individuals operate in country, using it as part of their support base. Since 2016, Austrian authorities have enhanced efforts to counter incitement of terrorist acts motivated by extremism and to combat the problem of foreign terrorist fighters. Religiously motivated extremism also presents a potential threat to European security.
In February 2025, a man stabbed six people in the center of the southern city of Villach, close to the main square, killing a 14-year-old boy. The attacker was radicalized by ISIS propaganda online and later admitted that the group had inspired the attack. It was the first terrorist attack since a lone-gunman terror attack in November 2020 in Vienna’s First District, an area highly frequented by tourists. The perpetrator was an ISIS-inspired individual known to Austrian authorities. Following this attack, the Austrian government undertook reformations in its national security structure for better information sharing and investigation coordination. Austrian security services are successful is disrupting terrorist plotting. Notable disruptions include:
- In August 2024, Austrian security services arrested three suspects who were plotting to attack Taylor Swift’s concert series in Vienna. Austrian officials said the main suspect was inspired by ISIS, and planned to attack outside the Ernst Happel stadium, where more than 30,000 fans were expected to gather, with knives and homemade explosives.
- On December 23, 2023, Austrian police detained four people in connection with threats to Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna during the holiday season. Austria’s Ministry of Interior said the arrests were part of an investigation into an Islamist network. Earlier that month, Austrian police arrested a teenager who was planning to attack a synagogue in Vienna. Austrian security services increase protection measures in public spaces during the holidays.
- In June 2023, Austrian security services arrested three ISIS supporters who were planning to attack Vienna’s LGBT Parade using knives and a vehicle. The parade was attended by 300,000 people.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Austria as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Austria. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Austria is a stable democracy, and the country's political stability and election process is secure and dependable. Austria last held parliamentary election on September 29, 2024, and there were reports of spontaneous election related demonstrations and counter-demonstrations in the weekend leading up the elections.
Protests & Demonstrations
Groups are generally free to protest; peaceful protests concerning a variety of political causes are common in Vienna. Protests may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Civil disorder associated with public protests or demonstrations is rare but does occur.
Protest organizers must request a protest permit from the Vienna city government at least 24 hours in advance. The permit delineates the parameters of the protest and advises the police of the planned activity. Police control for planned demonstrations is consistently very good. However, the possibility exists of any demonstration becoming violent, so travelers should avoid them, when possible, especially when rival groups will be present. In October 2023, some pro-Palestinian protests were prohibited following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel though at least one large protest proceeded peacefully.
Protests and demonstrations occur frequently but are rarely disruptive. Many occur in the First and Ninth districts of Vienna. Check the U.S. Embassy alerts page for planned demonstrations.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S. sentiment is not common in Austria. There are occasionally demonstrations close to the U.S. Embassy that are peaceful and conclude without violence.
Law Enforcement
All police in Austria are federal (Bundespolizei), they maintain internal security in all nine states, and report to the Ministry of Interior. The army is responsible for external security but also has some domestic security responsibilities and report to the Defense Ministry. The Federal Criminal Police is the international point of contact (Bundeskriminalamt, BK. BK conducts federal investigations under the Interior Ministry’s Directorate General for Public Security. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces.
Police Response
The police emergency lines in Austria are 133 (Austria) and 112 (inter European Union).
The quality of police services is comparable in training, efficiency, and expertise to that of most U.S. cities. Police authorities are highly professional. Visitors are encouraged to cooperate fully with police requests. Response times are generally within eight minutes. In large cities and vacation resorts, an English-speaking officer is usually available to assist crime victims. Victims of any type of crime should notify the police immediately. For special crimes such as domestic violence or sexual assault, the police have specially trained officers available throughout the country to ensure that all victims’ rights are respected and that cases are handled with sensitivity.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Austria has a substantial network of highways and roads, all in generally excellent condition. Traffic typically flows in an organized manner. In large cities, complex tram and bus systems share city roads with cars, creating unique driving hazards. The large network of mountain roads requires good, attentive driving skills.
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. Find traffic information and road conditions on the English-language radio channel located between 91-105 FM depending on the locale. Reach emergency roadside help and information by dialing 123 or 120 for vehicle assistance and towing services.
Under normal conditions, the speed limit in towns is 50km/h; on country roads, it is 100km/h; and on the Autobahn (highways), it is 130km/h. Electronic radar detectors are located on all autobahns, motorways, and in cities to assist the police with speed enforcement. Austria employs cameras in controlled speed zones, and tickets drivers for speed violations automatically. All vehicles on the Austrian Autobahn must have a toll vignette (sticker) for passenger vehicles or a toll transponder for heavier commercial vehicles. Purchase vignettes at gas stations, local “Tabak-Trafik” tobacco shops, or online.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Fines for violating this limit range from 218€ to 3,634€, and result in the suspension of the driver's license. Drivers may not use a hand-held cell phone while driving, or turn right on red.
Cars on Austrian motorways must leave an emergency corridor, even when no emergency vehicle is approaching. When traffic stops, create an emergency corridor in between the far-left lane and all others to the right.
A U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in Austria. Authorities require an international driving permit or an official translation of the U.S. driver's license, obtained at one of the Austrian automobile clubs (ÖAMTC or ARBÖ). This arrangement is only acceptable for the first six months of driving in Austria, after which all drivers must obtain an Austrian license.
During the winter, roads in alpine areas may become dangerous due to snowfall, ice, or avalanches, which may block some minor mountain passes for prolonged periods. Winter tires or appropriately rated all-season tires are required on cars during the fall and winter months. Carry snow chains in winter; doing so may be compulsory in some areas. Drivers receive substantial fines for failure to use winter tires on a vehicle between November 1 and April 15. Car insurance becomes void if a vehicle is in a wintertime accident without winter tires.
Authorities may arrest, fine, and/or charge with attempted auto theft any drivers attempting to enter countries listed as “prohibited” on a car rental contract.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transit systems are excellent. Fines for riding without a validated ticket can be up to 100€ and must be paid on the spot. Tickets can be purchased from terminals in stations, online, or through the Wiener Linen app on iOS and Android devices. Be especially cautious when walking near tram tracks, as trams are nearly silent and strike several pedestrians and vehicles each year. Beware of pickpockets on public transportation, on trains, and in train stations. Transport coming into and out of the city center and trains that run between Vienna and Budapest, Prague, and Rome are of particularly high risk. Do not leave bags unattended.
Aviation Concerns
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.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
Danube cruises are popular and considered safe for travelers. Management of commercial and recreational boating on inland lakes is adequate.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Austria, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Austria.
Austria's legal protections and law enforcement efforts meet western standards.
Health Concerns
The medical emergency lines in Austria are 144 and 112. 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.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Austria. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Travelers should stay up to date with all vaccines recommended by the CDC.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
The Austrian Medicine Import Act generally prohibits the import of prescription drugs into Austria. However, non-European Union residents may carry medicines as part of their personal luggage, but only the quantity required during the course of their 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. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Austrian tap water is potable.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Austria.
Austria experiences several deadly landslides and avalanches each year; 26 people have been killed by avalanches in the 2025/26 season. Managed ski areas monitor avalanche danger, and authorities bring down potential avalanches under controlled conditions. If participating in winter sports outside of controlled areas, individuals should receive avalanche avoidance training, heed avalanche danger cautions, monitor weather conditions, and carry rescue/survival gear. Austria has a outstanding and reliable avalanche warning system, available for free online or via apps, with hourly updates.
Review OSAC’s report, Landslides: What Are They and How to Prepare.
Cybersecurity
Austria maintains strict privacy laws that govern the release of personal information.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
Governments, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and private enterprises may all face active intelligence threats in Austria. Keep data secure and remain aware of your surroundings when conducting private business.
Import/Export Restrictions
Austria is part of the harmonized trade system of the European Union (EU) and importing and exporting are covered by EC Regulations. There are no restrictions on the import and use of satellite phones.
The Austrian Medicine Import Act generally prohibits the import of prescription drugs into Austria. However, non-European Union residents may carry medicines as part of their personal luggage, but only the quantity required during the stay.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.