Last Updated: 10 August 2000
Still Current at: 29 October 2000

MOST VISITS TO AUSTRIA ARE TROUBLE-FREE. VISITORS TO SKI RESORTS SHOULD TAKE ADVICE ON WEATHER AND AVALANCHE CONDITIONS BEFORE THEY TRAVEL. THE MEASURES TAKEN BY THE 14 EU PARTNERS TO LIMIT BILATERAL CONTACTS WITH AUSTRIA ARE NOT DIRECTED AT OTHER FORMS OF CONTACT SUCH AS TOURISM OR TRAVEL.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Sensible precautions should be taken, especially around major railway stations after dark.

LOCAL TRAVEL

Visitors using Austrian motorways and "A" roads must possess and display a Motorway Vignette on their vehicle as they enter Austria. Failure to have one will mean a heavy, on the spot fine. Motorway Vignettes are obtainable at all major border crossings into Austria and at larger petrol stations. For further information visit the website at www.vignette.at

There is a ban on all lorries over 7.5 tons laden weight (without trailer) or over 3.5 tons (with trailer) which applies throughout the year on all motorways on Saturdays between 1500 hours and 2400 hours and on Sundays and Public Holidays between 0000 hours and 2200 hours. Lorries over 7.5 tons laden weight are also prohibited from using motorways throughout the year between 2200 hours and 0500 hours. From mid-June to mid-September further restrictions apply. There is a ban on lorries over 7.5 tons laden weight overtaking on several motorways. Visitors should look out for special prohibiting signs.

Visitors arriving in Austria by road should note that under present EU regulations, EU nationals are not allowed to drive non-EU rental cars into EU territory.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Drug laws are similar to those in the UK. Possession or trafficking of drugs will be met with strict penalties and usually a lengthy prison sentence.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Holders of full British passports do not need visas to enter Austria.

HEALTH

The standard of healthcare is high. There exists a reciprocal healthcare agreement between UK and Austria by which British nationals are covered for emergency treatment whilst visiting Austria. British visitors should always carry a completed from E111 to access emergency treatment, obtainable free of charge from most British post offices. However, the form is no substitute for medical and travel insurance. In-hospital treatment attracts a nominal daily charge, which varies from hospital to hospital.

Visitors are advised to seek medical advice regarding inoculations for tick-borne encephalitis before travelling.

GENERAL

Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel and medical insurance before arriving in Austria.

If you are planning a skiing holiday it is advisable to contact the Austrian Tourist Agency in London (tel: 020 7629 0461) for advice on weather and safety conditions before travelling. Visitors should be aware that off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. All safety instructions should be followed meticulously given the danger of avalanches in some areas. Avalanche information can be obtained by telephoning +43 512 581839, or visit the website at www.lawine.at

CONTACT DETAILS

The Consular Section of the British Embassy in Vienna is situated at Jauregasse 10, A-1030 Vienna; (tel: +43 1 71613 5330; fax: +43 1 71613 5900).

Office Hours (GMT): (Winter) Mon-Fri: 0800-1200 and 1300-1600 (Summer) Mon-Fri: 0700-1100 and 1200-1500

British Diplomatic Missions in Austria: contact details

For medical and inoculations advice, contact your GP. The Department of Health's Health Advice for Travellers website provides travel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK. The site advises on health risks around the world and how to avoid them, a country-by-country immunisation checklist and how to obtain medical treatment abroad.
Visa information is available from the relevant Embassy/Consulate in London.
FCO Travel Advice is also displayed on BBC2 CEEFAX (see p470 for details). NB: While every care has been taken in preparing these notes, neither Her Majesty's Government nor any member of the British Consular Staff abroad can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.

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