Austria Travel Advice

• There are confirmed and suspected cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in Austria. Enhancing personal hygiene and wearing a face-mask can help to protect against Swine Flu. If you have flu symptoms, you are advised to stay home and avoid any travel until fully recovered.

• There is a general threat from terrorism in Austria. Please be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

• If you intend to ski in Austria, you should be aware that during and around the winter season there is continued danger of avalanches in some areas of the country. Even during summer time this danger still exists for snow covered areas. You are advised to follow local media on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel.

• Under Austrian law, you are required to have your passport readily accessible at all times. You are advised to carry your passport with you at all times as proof of identification. If you do not carry your passport with you, your passport must be in the same district as you and must be able to access it within one hour.

• You are advised to beware of pickpockets when travelling on public transport and in crowded areas. Do not leave valuables unattended.

• Only individuals over 18 years of age holding valid driving licences may drive in Austria. The only exception to this rule are those under 17 years old who drive for practice reasons under supervision and have met the required legal conditions.

• When driving in Austria, you are advised to carry a full driving licence, ownership documents and insurance details at all times.

• The legal limit for driving under the influence in Austria is 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (and/or 10 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood for beginners, coach and HGV drivers). Penalties for driving under influence and over the limits are strict.

• High visibility warning vests are required for all drivers. They need to be stored within reach of the driver and must be worn day or night when exiting the vehicle on the hard shoulder or in the event of breakdown. Only 'hands free' mobile telephones can be used whilst driving.

• From 1st January 2008, it will no longer be compulsory for cars to be driven with headlights switched on throughout the day all year round.

• On Austrian motorways ('Autobahn') and 'S' roads, it is compulsory to display a Motorway Vignette on the inside of the windshield of the vehicle as you enter Austria. Failure to do so will result in a heavy, on-the-spot fine. Motorway Vignettes are obtainable at all major border crossings into Austria and at larger petrol stations.

• You are advised that possession or trafficking of drugs in Austria will result in strict penalties and usually a lengthy prison sentence.

• You are recommended to obtain a comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and ensure that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.