Liechtenstein travel guide
About Liechtenstein
A pocket-sized principality in the heart of Europe, Liechtenstein rarely tops anybody's bucket list of continental must-sees. Yet this tiny, landlocked nation offers more than you'd imagine: from long-standing history to sky-high mountains; cliff-hanging castles to odd cultural quirks.
Many of Liechtenstein's historical highlights are located in the capital, Vaduz. While this tiny town may only have around 5,000 inhabitants, it also boasts an array of fascinating museums and galleries – including the Liechtenstein National Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the FIS Ski and Winter Sports Museum – as well as the atmospheric Prince's Wine Cellars and the neo-Gothic Vaduz Cathedral. All these attractions are watched over by the pretty Vaduz Castle, which remains the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein.
Vaduz isn't Liechtenstein's only town of historical note. The second town, Schaan, is actually larger than Vaduz, and comes with its very own impressive church and Roman remains, while Balzers in the south west boasts what is perhaps Liechtenstein's most arresting fortification. There are also beautiful chapels to be found in lesser-visited villages like Triesen and Planken.
And yet the true star of Liechtenstein is the remarkable nature. This country has arguably the most impressive landscape in Europe. Most of the peaks in Liechtenstein soar more than 2,000m (6,562ft) into the sky, making Liechtenstein a premier destination for skiing, hiking and mountain biking. Its shimmering lakes are also a big draw for swimmers.
As well as its permanent attractions, Liechtenstein also excels when it comes to unusual events. Some of the fun annual highlights include the Monster Concert (where troupes of musicians and dancers dress in outlandish costumes and bang drums), the Cattle Drive (where cows and sheep are festooned in colourful garments and adorned with bells) and the LGT Alpine Marathon (where competitors from around the globe run for 26 miles through the mountains).
Factor in Liechtenstein's dynamic dining, drinking and live music offerings, and you have a pocket sized nation that punches well above its weight.
Key facts
160 sq km (62 sq miles).
37,776 (UN estimate 2016).
235.2 per sq km.
Vaduz.
Imperial principality with a hereditary constitutional monarchy.
Prince Hans Adam II since 1989.
Prime Minister Daniel Risch since 2021.
Travel Advice
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Get travel advice updates
Sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Follow and contact FCDO:
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
Switzerland handles immigration and customs matters for Liechtenstein. If you’re not sure how the Swiss entry requirements apply to you, contact the Swiss Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Liechtenstein follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
- have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
- have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document, or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Liechtenstein, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
- as a tourist
- to visit family or friends
- to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
- for short-term studies or training
The requirements for working in Liechtenstein are different.
If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.
If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.
If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.
Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period
To stay longer, you must meet the Liechtenstein government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need (in German).
If you’re in Liechtenstein with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
See passport stamping if you live in Liechtenstein.
New Schengen entry requirements
Plans for the introduction of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area has been delayed. Information will be updated when available.
Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Liechtenstein guide.
Customs rules
Switzerland handles customs matters for Liechtenstein and there is an open border between the 2 countries. See advice on customs rules for Switzerland.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Liechtenstein
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Liechtenstein, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Crime
Crime levels are low, but there are instances of petty street crime. Take precautions to avoid bag-snatching and pickpocketing and do not leave your valuables unattended.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous areas all year round. You can check updates from the European Avalanche Warning Service. Follow all warnings and consider carrying search equipment.
Conditions on roads in mountainous areas can quickly become difficult in winter. Carry water, food, warm clothing and medicines in your vehicle.
Hiking and mountaineering
Check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly equipped for the worst-case scenario. Do not undertake any activity alone and consider hiring a guide. Always leave a copy of your itinerary with someone.
Alpine hazards throughout the year include:
- avalanches and snowdrifts
- landslides and flooding
- glacial crevasses and hollows
- rockfall
- thunderstorms
- altitude sickness
- sun exposure
- sudden weather changes
If you are taking part in extreme sports, check the company is well established and make sure the specific activities are covered by your travel insurance.
Skiing
Off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. Your insurance should include mountain rescue services, helicopter costs and repatriation or transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment.
Avalanche beepers (receivers) are the most common rescue devices and when properly used provide the fastest way of locating an avalanche victim.
Read more about preparing for winter sports abroad.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Liechtenstein, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in RAC’s Liechtenstein guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
You can drive in Liechtenstein with a UK driving licence. You do not need an international driving permit (IDP).
Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. Alpine winters make driving more difficult. Equip your car with winter tyres and snow-chains, and check road conditions before departure.
The police strictly enforce road regulations. If you are stopped by police for a traffic offence you could face a heavy fine and a possible prison sentence.
Tolls
If you plan to travel to Liechtenstein using motorways in Switzerland or Austria, you must buy and display a motorway vignette (sticker) in those countries or risk a large on-the-spot fine.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical numbers
Dial 144 or 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Liechtenstein
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Liechtenstein, including biting insects and ticks between April and October.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Liechtenstein. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Liechtenstein
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Liechtenstein where some staff will speak English.
Health insurance cards
Liechtenstein now accepts health insurance cards.
To get medically necessary state healthcare in Liechtenstein, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
- how to apply for a GHIC
- how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
- who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
- what treatment counts as medically necessary
A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
- changes to travel and accommodation bookings
- additional standard costs for treatment
- medical repatriation to the UK
- treatment that is ruled non-urgent
- private healthcare
- private clinics
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Liechtenstein.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Liechtenstein
Fire: 118
Police: 117
Ambulance: 144
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Liechtenstein or Switzerland
- dealing with a death in Liechtenstein
- being arrested in Liechtenstein
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Get travel advice updates
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow and contact FCDO:
Risk information for British companies
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Switzerland and Liechtenstein on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
