Location: Vienna First District
Events:
According to Vienna police, there are multiple demonstrations expected this evening, Friday, February 20, 2026, related to the Akademikerball, which will take place at the Hofburg. Police will enforce a restricted zone around the Hofburg, Heldenplatz, and a portion of Herrengasse in the 1st district starting at 5:00 p.m. Ball guests with tickets and individuals with business inside the zone will be allowed to enter but they and their bags will be subject to search. U.S. Embassy staff have been advised to avoid the area, if possible.
The largest protest group, with an estimated several hundred participants, will gather at the University of Vienna by Schottentor starting at 5:00 p.m. and begin marching counterclockwise along the Ringstrasse around 5:30 p.m. Police will close sections of the Ringstrasse as participants march, which will result in public transportation service interruptions (i.e., no bus or tram service) along a portion of the Ring.
Police presence will be heavy and widespread traffic delays and disruption are expected in the area Friday evening and night. Details are subject to change as conditions require. Vienna Police will announce any further restrictions via its X (Twitter) account: https://x.com/LPDWien Public transportation updates will be posted on the Wiener Linien website here: www.wienerlinien.at/betriebsinfo
Actions to take:
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you see something that seems odd or out of place, immediately notify the nearest law enforcement officer and move away from the area.
- Always carry your cellphone, programmed with local emergency numbers; Austrian Police (133), Ambulance (144), Fire (122), Europe-wide emergency (112).
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
- Follow the instructions of authorities and road signs regarding closures and detours.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Keep a low profile.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Vienna – Consular Section
Parkring 12A (Marriott Hotel Building), Vienna, 1010, Austria
U.S. citizens emergencies ONLY: +43-1-31-3390
E-mail: ConsulateVienna@state.gov
Embassy website: AT.usembassy.gov
Department of State – Consular Affairs
www.travel.state.gov
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Austria Country Information
