Essential travel info for Liechtenstein

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are of the round, two-pin type common in Europe.

Language

The official language of Liechtenstein is German.

Money

The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency of Liechtenstein. Credit and debit cards are common in larger towns and tourist areas, but locals use cash in the more rural parts of the country.

Tipping

Tipping isn't expected though it is appreciated.

Health

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.

Safety

Crime levels are low but there are instances of petty street crime. Visitors should take precautions to avoid bag-snatching and pickpocketing, and should not leave their valuables unattended.

Local 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 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.

Doing business

The business culture is traditional and formal, so visitors should schedule appointments in advance, and be punctual. They should also stand when introduced to someone, greet with a firm handshake, exchange business cards when meeting, and address contacts with their personal title and surname. Formal business wear is expected, though it should be conservative with a minimum amount of accessories. Visitors should keep in mind that the business etiquette in Liechtenstein requires that most meetings are conducted over lunch.

Duty free

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.

Communications

The international access code is +423. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. Free WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants and similar establishments.

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.

Entry requirements

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Irish citizens must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required.

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.

Liechtenstein