On January 23, 2014, The U.S. Embassy in Vienna informs U. S. citizens that on the evening of January 24th, 2014, the Wiener Akademiker Ball will take place at the Hofburg in the First District. Police expect a demonstration to protest against the organizers of the ball will close down the area near the Hofburg Palace and Heldenplatz. The area immediately surrounding the ball venue will be restricted to ball guests, residents, and business owners after 5:00 pm, with street closures beginning at 3:00 pm.
Most of the first district and areas south of Wipplingerstrasse and west of Rotenturmstrasse/Kärtnerstrasse will likely be affected by closures and/or demonstrations with heavy police presence. If you normally leave your car on the street overnight in the affected areas, it should be left elsewhere. Lack of access to the area, unruly crowds and damage to personal property are real possibilities. At last year's event, police reported approximately 3000 demonstrators with a number of arrests and several minor injuries.
We remind you that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Vienna at the number below. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Austria enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the U.S. Embassy.
Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
The U.S. Embassy's Consular Section in Vienna is located at Parkring 12a, 4th Floor 1010 Vienna, Austria. To reach the American Citizens Services unit during business hours, please call 31-339-7535, or e-mail us at ConsulateVienna@state.gov. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is +43 1-31-339-0.