Liechtenstein is a mountainous little principality sandwiched
between Switzerland and Austria. How little? Well, visitors could
technically drive right around the edge of the country in about
eight hours. The eastern region of Liechtenstein, bordering
Austria, is the highest point in a country of impressive mountains,
with the peaks of Grauspitz reaching 8,527 feet (2,599m).
Because of the small size of the country, ski enthusiasts like
to joke about riding from Grauspitz right down the western slope
into Switzerland. Of course, this is not technically possible.
Besides the fact that the slopes end well before reaching
Switzerland, the entire western border of Liechtenstein is made up
of the mighty Rhine River, which is impossible to ski over even in
the dead of winter. Having said that, border crossings are very
relaxed in Liechtenstein and it is easy to bounce between
Switzerland and Austria.
On the route past the lush Rhine Valley that makes up the
western half of the country, a visit to the capital of Vaduz will
yield a handful of remarkable sights. The Vaduz Castle is the
residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. It perches atop a hill
overlooking the city and has become synonymous with the town
despite the fact that no one is actually allowed to visit the
castle. There is an art gallery and the Liechtenstein National
Museum, which tells the story behind how this interesting little
country came to be. Most sightseeing can be done by foot or on a
bicycle; the city is very safe for such activity and certainly
small enough. To see the rest of the country, travellers can simply
rent a car.
Key Facts
Language:
The official language of Liechtenstein is
German.
Passport/Visa:
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the
following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy,
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard
Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows
the holder to travel freely between them. Additionally, foreign
visitors to Liechtenstein must be in possession of the necessary
travel documentation for their next destination.
Liechtenstein shares border services with Switzerland, so if
travellers have a Schengen visa for entry into Switzerland, they
can automatically enter Liechtenstein. There are no border guards
or immigration posts between the two countries. However, those
entering from Austria will need a Schengen visa that allows for
entry into Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at
least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of
departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials
often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and
official sources.
Currency:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 - 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are
of the round, two-pin type common in Europe.
Travel to Liechtenstein
Health Notes when travelling to Liechtenstein
There are no particular health risks associated with travel to
Liechtenstein and no vaccinations are required. Travellers are
always advised to be up to date on vaccinations for MMR (measles,
mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria. Long-term travellers
spending time in forested areas should consider a vaccination for
tick-borne encephalitis. High quality medical care is widely
available but can prove expensive. Comprehensive travel insurance
is recommended.
Customs in Liechtenstein
Travellers to Liechtenstein should expect to find a prosperous,
highly industrialised society that is of a piece with those found
in the rest of Western Europe. One thing to bear in mind might be
that the country's women were only given the right to vote in 1984,
and outmoded and sexist attitudes may still prevail among older
members of society. Generally speaking though, Liechtenstein is a
modern country with a well-educated and flourishing population that
encourage tourism and are friendly to visitors.
Duty Free in Liechtenstein
Travellers to Liechtenstein may import the following goods
without paying custom duty: 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/250g tobacco,
and alcoholic beverages that amount to 2 litres up to 15 percent
volume and 1 litre over 15 percent volume.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the
following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy,
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard
Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows
the holder to travel freely between them. Additionally, foreign
visitors to Liechtenstein must be in possession of the necessary
travel documentation for their next destination.
Liechtenstein shares border services with Switzerland, so if
travellers have a Schengen visa for entry into Switzerland, they
can automatically enter Liechtenstein. There are no border guards
or immigration posts between the two countries. However, those
entering from Austria will need a Schengen visa that allows for
entry into Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at
least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of
departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials
often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and
official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least
three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is
required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at
least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is
required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports must be valid for at least three months after
the day visitors plan to leave. No visa is required for stays of up
to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at
least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is
required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport valid for the period of
intended stay. No visa is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at
least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is
required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at
least three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is
required.
Tourist Offices
Official tourism site: http://www.tourismus.li
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Liechtenstein
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Liechtenstein, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Liechtenstein, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Liechtenstein, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Food and water standards in Liechtenstein are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.
Although Liechtenstein is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Liechtenstein include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Liechtenstein’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Make sure there are seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Liechtenstein, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Liechtenstein for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
WALENSTADT, Switzerland – Two Swiss conceptual artists are offering seven open air “hotel rooms” this summer across a “performance space” encompassing eastern Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
There is another sliver of land wedged in the valley below; a nation so small you could pass through at its narrowest point without even knowing. And that would be a crying shame, because the tiny country of Liechtenstein is one of Europe’s most overlooked gems
There is another sliver of land wedged in the valley below; a nation so small you could pass through at its narrowest point without even knowing. And that would be a crying shame, because the tiny country of Liechtenstein is one of Europe’s most overlooked gems