Emergency Help Abroad – Austria

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Austria — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs can lead to fines or imprisonment.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or pepper spray, without authorisation is illegal.

• Drinking alcohol in certain public areas may be restricted by local regulations.

• Drink-driving laws are strict, with low alcohol limits and high penalties.

• Attempting to bring illegal substances into Austria can result in immediate arrest.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Austria values cultural etiquette — respectful behaviour is expected in musical venues, churches and museums.

• Littering in public spaces, alpine trails or lakeside areas is prohibited.

• Damaging natural parks, meadows or forested areas can lead to penalties.

• Modest attire is recommended in religious sites.

• Vandalism or damaging public property is a criminal offence.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification; carry your passport or a copy.

• Pickpocketing can occur in busy urban areas — remain vigilant.

• Public drunkenness or disorderly behaviour may result in fines.

• Scams targeting tourists exist around transport hubs — stay alert.

• Bribing police or officials is illegal and can lead to prosecution.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport requires valid tickets — inspectors issue on-the-spot fines.

• Speeding, seatbelt rules and mobile phone restrictions while driving are strictly enforced.

• Winter equipment (snow chains/tyres) may be required by law.

• Parking violations can lead to fines or towing.

• Overstaying Schengen limits may result in penalties or entry bans.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is regulated and often requires registration.

• Photography may be restricted in museums, palaces and cultural institutions.

• Avoid photographing military buildings, border areas or security sites.

• Always respect privacy when photographing individuals.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing plants, stones or natural materials from protected areas is illegal.

• Hiking off marked trails can be dangerous and may result in fines.

• Swimming in restricted lakes or rivers is not permitted.

• Lighting fires in forests or mountain regions is controlled or banned.

• Ignoring avalanche warnings or mountain safety rules can be an offence.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging heritage buildings, monuments or archaeological sites is illegal.

• Entering restricted castle areas, caves or ruins without permission is forbidden.

• Removing cultural artefacts or historic items is prohibited.

• Purchasing items made from protected species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or acceptable in the UK may carry very different cultural or legal implications in Austria.

• Don’t jaywalk, as fines can be issued even on quiet streets.

• Don’t ignore quiet hours, especially in residential buildings and small villages.

• Don’t litter in parks, lakes or hiking trails, as Austria takes cleanliness seriously.

• Don’t play loud music on trains or mountain viewpoints, where calm is expected.

• Don’t underestimate alpine hiking risks, and avoid trails without proper footwear and weather checks.

• Don’t swim in lakes outside designated areas, or where boat traffic is heavy.

• Don’t touch or disturb wildlife, including deer and marmots.

• Don’t smoke where prohibited, particularly inside cafés and near public transport stops.

• Don’t rely solely on cards, as rural huts and smaller cafés may take cash only.

• Don’t disrespect churches, where modest clothing and quiet behaviour are expected.

• Don’t cycle on pedestrian-only paths, especially in busy city centres.

• Don’t enter private meadows or farmland, particularly during grazing season.

• Don’t assume shops are open on Sundays, as many businesses close.

• Don’t underestimate sun exposure at altitude, especially while skiing.

• Don’t drive fast on mountain roads, where sharp bends and narrow lanes require caution.

• Don’t use drones without permission, especially in alpine areas.

• Don’t feed ducks or fish in lakes, which disrupts ecosystems.

• Don’t ignore avalanche warnings, particularly in winter.

• Don’t stand on fragile alpine vegetation, which recovers slowly.

• Don’t treat service staff casually, as politeness and greetings matter.