Europe
Is Austria safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Austria safe?
Very safe. Pickpockets work central Vienna, the U-Bahn and Christmas markets; in the Alps, weather, avalanches and hiking falls are the bigger risks.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-08-20.
- Homicide rate: 0.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 4.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 133 · Ambulance 144 · Fire 122 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Comfortable alone, including at night in Vienna; usual care around Praterstern and a few U6 stations late at night.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Pickpockets in central Vienna and on public transport
- Avalanche and fast weather changes in the Alps
- Drug scenes around a few Vienna stations at night
Common scams
- Costumed 'Mozart concert' ticket sellers near Stephansdom charge inflated prices
Laws visitors break by accident
- Motorways and expressways need a vignette; driving without one brings steep fines.
- Nazi symbols and salutes are serious crimes.
- Riding public transport without a valid ticket brings an on-the-spot penalty fare.
Safety by place in Austria
Quick answers
Is Austria safe for tourists?
Very safe. Pickpockets work central Vienna, the U-Bahn and Christmas markets; in the Alps, weather, avalanches and hiking falls are the bigger risks.
Is Austria safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable alone, including at night in Vienna; usual care around Praterstern and a few U6 stations late at night.
What is the emergency number in Austria?
Police 133 · Ambulance 144 · Fire 122 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs
- KlimaTicket Österreich
- ÖBB Austrian Federal Railways
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System
- Speedtest Global Index: Austria
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.