Austria

Crime
The crime rate in Austria is low. However, petty crime (such as pickpocketing and bag snatching) is increasingly common in shopping areas, restaurants, cafés, hotel lobbies, on public transport at tourist attractions. Thieves use a variety of methods to distract people. Travellers on international trains and buses, such as the train between Vienna and Budapest, are often targeted for theft. New Zealanders in Austria should be alert of their surroundings and take steps to safeguard their personal belongings at all times. Never leave your bags unattended.

New Zealanders should also be wary of ATM and credit card fraud, and only use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business.

Terrorism
Terrorist groups, individuals returning to Europe from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Austria and across Europe. Groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past. 

On 2 November 2020, four people were killed and several others injured in an attack in Vienna.

New Zealanders in Austria are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places. If there is an attack, leave the area as soon as it’s safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Civil unrest
Demonstrations occasionally occur in Austria.  New Zealanders in Austria are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent.  They can disrupt traffic and public transport.

General travel advice
Under Austrian law, you're required to carry identification documents at all times.

A high risk of avalanches exists in parts of Austria. Follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator.  Skiing outside of prepared skiing areas (off-piste) is dangerous.  Stick to marked slopes and trails.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment and heavy fines.

If you're in public places or buildings, it's illegal to cover your face with clothing or objects which makes your facial features unrecognisable.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Austria should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.  You should check your policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend undertaking in Austria, such as adventure sports.

New Zealanders in Austria are encouraged to register their details [2] with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• Travel to Europe [3]

• For current health alerts [4]