Ensure a safe and healthy visit to Austria with our detailed guide on recommended vaccinations, food and water safety, general safety tips, emergency numbers, and insurance advice tailored for travelers.
Health and safety in Austria are generally of high standards, making it a relatively safe destination for travelers. Here are some key points to consider when planning your trip:
Recommended Vaccinations
Routine Vaccines: Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Travel Vaccines: No specific travel vaccinations are typically required for Austria, but it's always a good idea to consult with a travel medicine specialist or your healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you plan to visit rural areas or have specific health concerns.
Food & Water Safety
General Safety: Austria boasts high standards of hygiene, and it's generally safe to eat out and drink tap water throughout the country.
Precautions: Standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding raw or undercooked meat and seafood, but these concerns are minimal in Austria due to stringent food safety regulations.
General Safety Tips
Crime: Austria is known for its low crime rate, but like any popular tourist destination, it's wise to be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas and public transport.
Outdoor Activities: If you're engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or skiing, ensure you're well-prepared for the weather and terrain. Follow local advice and safety guidelines.
Emergency Numbers
General Emergency: 112 (European emergency number, works for police, fire, and medical emergencies)
Police: 133
Fire Brigade: 122
Ambulance: 144
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): If you're a resident of an EU country, ensure you have an EHIC card for access to healthcare services.
Insurance Recommendations
Travel Insurance: Even though Austria has a high standard of healthcare, travel insurance is recommended for non-EU residents to cover unexpected medical expenses and trip-related issues like cancellations or lost luggage.
Health Insurance: Check your health insurance policy to ensure it covers international travel. Consider additional coverage, if necessary, especially for activities that might be considered higher risk.
Additional Tips
Healthcare: Austria offers excellent healthcare facilities. In case of a medical emergency, you can go to the nearest hospital or clinic. Pharmacies are widely available for minor ailments.
Sun Protection: During the summer or when visiting high-altitude destinations like the Alps, use sun protection due to stronger UV radiation.
Tick-Borne Diseases: In rural and forested areas, there's a risk of tick-borne encephalitis, especially from spring to autumn. Consider vaccination if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors in affected areas.
Avalanche Safety: In winter, if you're heading to the mountains, be aware of avalanche risks and check local conditions.
