Safety and security

Social unrest

Protests and demonstrations do take place in Liechtenstein. These are often aimed at international organisations and international meetings. Some protests have become violent in the past. Monitor the local media and other important sources of information about possible demonstrations, avoid affected areas and follow the advice of local authorities.

Terrorism

Along with other European countries, there is potential for Liechtenstein to experience international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Crime

The level of serious crime in Liechtenstein is relatively low and most visits to the country will be trouble free. However, you should always take sensible precautions:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Be aware that petty theft does take place in Liechtenstein, especially around main train stations, filling stations, on public transport, at airports and in city centre areas.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Liechtenstein, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Berne if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Liechtenstein, you should exercise the same caution as when driving in Ireland. If you want to drive:

• Bring your full Irish driver’s licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught

Traffic offences

Liechtenstein traffic regulations are strictly enforced and any serious breach of the rules, particularly in the case of driving under the influence of alcohol, can result in heavy fines, loss of license and/or imprisonment.

Speeding is taken very seriously and breaking the speed limit could result in a hefty fine, which can be sent to you even after you have left the country. If you don’t pay it, you may have difficulties when entering/leaving Liechtenstein.

Winter equipment

All cars must be fitted with winter tyres when driving in Liechtenstein during the winter months. Snow chains may also be required for mountainous routes.  

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.

Illegal drugs

Drug possession carries heavy fines and prison terms in Liechtenstein. They can vary depending on the amount and type of narcotics involved.

Alcohol

The drinking age for beer, wine and alcoholic cider is generally 16 (though higher in some cantons or individual shops), while the age for any other alcohol (eg spirits, alcopops, etc.) is 18.

Additional Information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

If you’re unsure about the entry requirements for Liechtenstein, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Liechtenstein.

You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.

Climate

Liechtenstein has a continental climate, influenced by the Alps. Cold and dry northerly winds can make temperatures drop very quickly, even in clear weather.

Avalanches

Avalanches, snow drifts, flash floods and mudslides are a danger in Alpine areas. The weather in these regions is unpredictable and can change suddenly. If you travel to alpine areas, monitor local weather and safety conditions, follow advice from local authorities, equip yourself appropriately, plan your activities carefully and inform someone of your plans. You should also observe all written warnings and notices and stick to marked slopes and trails.

Travel Insurance

We can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you haven’t broken the terms and conditions.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.

Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.

Emergency expenses

Your policy should cover:

• All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
• Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.   
• 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
• Lost and stolen possessions.
• Cancellation and curtailment.
• Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports).

Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

European Health Insurance Card

As an Irish resident you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there. Ensure that you get or renew your EHIC (the new name for the E111) before you go, and remember, you need one for every person travelling in your group.

Apply for your EHIC and find out more information.

The EHIC is not a substitute for proper travel insurance provided by a reputable insurer. It doesn’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. Also, some private hospitals may not accept the EHIC, so you should check with the hospital administrator beforehand.