Liechtenstein is one of the smallest states in the world that underwent a total transformation from an entirely agricultural state to one of the richest in the world. People of Liechtenstein enjoy one of the highest HDI in the world and one of the highest average wages. Liechtenstein is also considered one of the safest countries in the world.

Travelling info

Visitors traveling to Liechtenstein may enter the country using a passport or their national ID card as long as they are a citizen of one of the EU nations or Schengen zone nations. Those who wish to visit Liechtenstein, and happen to be a citizen of one of the EU nations or Schengen area nations, may do so without the requirement of a visa. Those from the outside of either convention must obtain a Schengen visa which allows traveling throughout the entire Schengen area. Tourists who wish to drive in Liechtenstein must have a valid driving permit. Tourists coming from EU countries may use their national driving permits. Those who hold driving permits issued in countries outside of the EU should obtain an international driving permit. Such permit is only a translation of the original document and does not substitute for it. Such documents are extremely helpful when dealing with police, especially when the original driving permit is written in non-Roman scripture.

Travelling hazards

Although many roads are mountainous and winding, Liechtenstein road safety standards are high. Public transportation in Liechtenstein is excellent. There is an extensive bus network that connects the capital, Vaduz with the bus and railway stations in Sargans and Buchs (St. Gallen), Switzerland, and Feldkirch, Austria. In some mountain areas, vehicle snow chains are required in winter. Road travel can be more dangerous during summer, winter holidays, the Easter break, and Whitsunday weekend because of increased traffic. If you plan to travel to Liechtenstein via the motorways in Switzerland and Austria, you must purchase and display a motorway sticker called vignette or encounter large on-the-spot fines in these countries. Travel on expressways requires a purchase of a vignette, which must be affixed to the car’s windshield.

Environmental hazards

There are no dangerous animals in Liechtenstein. Although wolves and bears have been sighted in the surrounding countries there have been no sightings of any of these animals in Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein is landlocked, or even double landlocked meaning that countries surrounding it, namely Austria and Switzerland are also landlocked. The only other country in that position is Uzbekistan. Despite that Liechtenstein offers various water activities in its many rivers and lakes which are safe from any dangerous creatures.
Avalanches and landslides are the most common and dangerous natural hazards occurring in Liechtenstein. Earthquakes of small magnitudes occur in countries surrounding Liechtenstein however none have exceeded a magnitude of 4 in the past decade.

Health hazards

There are currently no outbreaks of any diseases in Liechtenstein nor are there any vaccination requirements in order to enter the country. There are however several vaccinations which are recommended to ensure a safe trip. These are the routine vaccinations aka MMR vaccinations, Hepatitis A and B and rabies vaccines. Liechtenstein public healthcare provides excellent quality of care to all its citizens. Despite the fact that there are roughly 70 general practitioners, there are no long waiting lines. Expats who happen to be citizens of one of the EU countries and possess a European Health Insurance Card are eligible to receive services in public healthcare facilities at a reduced cost. Those who are not citizens of EU member nations should purchase private medical insurance which will cover possible medical expenses. Private clinics also provide excellent quality of service however such services might come at an expense.
In case of an emergency dial 144.

Crime

Liechtenstein belongs to the group of the safest nations in the world. Although not ranked in any major rankings probably due to its small size, the country receives virtually no crime. Last murder in the country took place in 1997. Even petty crime is very rare as Liechtenstein does not receive that many tourists over the year. There are under 10 people currently serving sentences in jail, and those who serve sentences that exceed 2 years are sent to prisons in Austria. There is no risk of terrorism in Liechtenstein. Narcotics of any sort are illegal in the country, possession, cultivation and distribution fall under heavy criminal offenses.

Summary

The small principality of Liechtenstein wedged between Switzerland and Austria. It is an excellent destination to relax and enjoy some hiking trips. Once a year everyone in Liechtenstein is invited to enjoy a beer in the Vaduz castle garden, the party is hosted by the Prince himself. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://visareservation.com/liechtenstein-visa-requirements/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/liechtenstein
(EHIC)
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559