Destination:
Liechtenstein

Overview

Liechtenstein is a mountainous little principality sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. How little? Well, you could technically drive right around the edge of the country in about eight hours, the total border length being 47 miles (76km). The eastern part of the country, the part that borders with Austria, is the highest point with the peaks of Grauspitz reaching 8,527 feet (2,599m).

From there, because of the small size of the country, ski enthusiasts like to joke about riding 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 - impossible to ski over even in the dead of winter.

On your way past the lush Rhine Valley that makes up the western half of the country though, 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 draws the story behind how this interesting little country came to be. Most of your 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, simply rent a car.

Basics

Customs
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 Liechtensteinian women were only given the right to vote in 1984 - and hence, outmoded and sexist attitudes may still prevail amongst older members of society.

Duty Free
Travellers to Liechtenstein may import the following goods without paying custom duty: 400 cigarettes/50 cigars/250g tobacco, 750ml liquor, 50ml perfume and 250ml eau de toilette. Cameras must be declared on arrival, and may be accompanied by a reasonable amount of film.

Currency

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

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 these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, foreign visitors to Liechtenstein must be in possession of the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that Liechtenstein shares border services with Switzerland, and so if you have a Schengen visa for entry into Switzerland, then you 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. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Liechtenstein Tourism
www.tourismus.li

Foreign Embassies in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein Embassies

Regions and Cities