Liechtenstein

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.

Climate

Liechtenstein's climate is virtually the same as that of neighbouring Switzerland. It has cold winters, with cloud-cover, snow and rain, while the summers are moderate with a small amount of humidity. The altitude and the surrounding mountains ensure that even in summer Liechtenstein doesn't get very warm. The climate in Liechtenstein is a continental climate.

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 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.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Liechtenstein. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Liechtenstein. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for British passport holders, regardless of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein, for stays of up to three months.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Liechtenstein. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Liechtenstein. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Liechtenstein. A visa is required. Note that entry will be refused to holders of Temporary South African passports.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Liechtenstein. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Liechtenstein. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Liechtenstein, Washington: +1 202 331 0590.
• Embassy of Switzerland, London (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +44 (0)20 7616 6000.
• Embassy of Switzerland, Ottawa (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +1 613 235 1837.
• Swiss Embassy, Canberra (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +61 (0)2 6162 8400.
• Swiss Embassy, Pretoria (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +27 (0)12 452 0660.
• Swiss Embassy, Dublin, (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +353 (0)1 218 6382.
• Swiss Embassy, Wellington, (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +64 (0)4 472 1593.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Bern (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +41 (0)31 357 7011.
• British Embassy, Bern (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +41 (0)31 359 7700.
• Canadian Embassy to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Berne: +41 (0)31 357 3200.
• Australian Consulate-General, Geneva (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +41 (0)22 799 9100.
• South African Embassy, Bern (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +41 (0)31 350 1313.
• Irish Embassy, Bern (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +41 (0)31 352 1442.
• New Zealand Consulate-General, Geneva (also responsible for Liechtenstein): +41 (0)22 929 0350.