Traveling From Austria To The Us: What You Need To Know

Austria is a country of natural beauty and rich cultural history. From the snow-capped Alps to the imperial palaces of Vienna, there is something for every traveller to enjoy. The birthplace of Mozart, Austria is known for its classical music legacy and offers an array of concerts and festivals throughout the year. The country is also part of the Schengen Area, which means that US citizens can enter without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. The total flight time from the US to Austria is approximately 10 hours and 49 minutes.

Visa requirements for US citizens travelling to Austria

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria for stays of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. However, if they intend to remain in Austria for longer than 90 days or wish to work there, they must obtain an Austrian visa.

The visa application must be submitted at the VFS Visa Application Center or the Austrian Consulate General, depending on the state of residence in the US. The application must be lodged within a period of six months and no later than 15 calendar days before the intended start of the trip.

The application requirements include:

• A completed and signed application form
• A passport photo according to ICAO criteria
• A valid passport with at least two free pages, issued no more than 10 years ago, and valid for at least three months beyond the duration of the applied-for visa
• Biometric data in the form of fingerprints
• Proof of the means of transport (reservation or booking)
• Travel, health, and accident insurance valid for the Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000
• Proof of financial means to cover the costs of the stay (most recent three months of checking account statements)
• Proof of residence in the jurisdiction area of the Austrian Consulate General Los Angeles

The consular fee must be paid in cash when lodging the application and is non-refundable if the application is refused.

Visa requirements for US Green Card Holders travelling to Austria

US Green Card holders travelling to Austria are required to obtain a visa if they intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. This is because US citizens are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days, during which time they are not permitted to take up employment.

To stay in Austria for longer than 90 days, US Green Card holders must apply for a Visa D, which entitles the holder to remain in the country for up to six months. This visa must be applied for at the VFS Visa Application Center in Los Angeles or San Francisco, or at the Austrian Consulate General in Los Angeles, depending on the state in which the applicant resides.

The application for a Visa D must be submitted within a period of six months and no later than 15 calendar days before the intended start of the trip. The application must include the following:

• A completed and signed application form
• A passport photo according to ICAO criteria (colour, 35x45 mm)
• A valid passport with at least two free pages, no older than 10 years, and valid for at least three months beyond the duration of the visa
• Biometric data in the form of fingerprints
• A copy of the passport data sheet (the page with the photograph)
• Copies of previous Schengen visas
• Proof of means of transport (reservation or booking; a paid ticket is not required)
• For travel by car: a driving licence, green insurance card, and registration certificate
• Travel, health, and accident insurance valid for the Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000, including repatriation for medical reasons. Family members of EEA citizens and Swiss citizens exercising their right to freedom of movement are exempt from this rule.
• For visiting trips, an informal letter of invitation may be presented
• If the applicant cannot provide proof of sufficient financial means, they must provide the eight-digit ID number of the Electronic Declaration of Sponsorship. The inviter can submit this to the police department locally responsible for their place of residence.
• Certified power of attorney from parents for underage children travelling unaccompanied by parents
• Evidence of the applicant's economic, family, and social roots in their home country (e.g. ownership of property, employment, confirmation of studies, pension entitlement, proof of family ties)
• Invitation signed by the inviting Austrian company on company paper in the original (or company fax/mail to the Consulate), stating the purpose of the trip, dates of travel, name and date of birth, as well as the passport number of the person invited
• Proof of employment (if required)
• For self-employed people: an excerpt from the company register or similar document
• Copy of visa for the onward journey (if required)
• Copy of flight tickets

It is important to note that the Austrian Consulate will not accept responsibility for any documents that go missing in the mail.

Travel documents required for US citizens travelling to Austria

US citizens travelling to Austria for less than 90 days do not need to obtain a visa. However, if they intend to stay longer than 90 days or seek gainful employment, they must obtain an Austrian visa.

To enter Austria, US citizens need:

• A valid passport for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
• Two blank pages in their passport for the entry stamp.
• Proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket.
• Travel, health, and accident insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, including repatriation for medical reasons.

It is also recommended that US citizens:

• Enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed about safety and security alerts.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
• Review the Country Security Report for Austria.
• Check for recommended vaccinations on the CDC website.
• Carry a photocopy of their passport and a second form of ID, such as a driver's license, when sightseeing within Vienna.
• Always carry prescription medications in their original packaging, along with a doctor's prescription.

COVID-19 requirements for travelling to Austria from the US

As of July 2023, there are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Austria. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine, and entry forms. However, it is important to note that travel requirements can change frequently, so it is recommended to check for the latest updates before planning your trip.

Testing Requirements:

Previously, all travellers entering Austria were required to show proof of full vaccination or recovery, as well as a negative PCR test or proof of a booster shot. The PCR test had to be taken within 72 hours before arrival in Austria. Those who had received a booster shot and were fully vaccinated were exempt from the testing requirement.

Quarantine Requirements:

EU+ citizens and residents could enter Austria without a booster dose or a negative PCR test, but they were subject to a ten-day quarantine upon arrival. They could be released from quarantine early if they presented a negative PCR test on the fifth day.

Pre-Travel Clearance Form:

All passengers, regardless of their country of origin, had to fill out a pre-travel clearance form at least 72 hours before entering Austria.

Travel Insurance:

All incoming travellers were advised to have travel insurance that covered COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Austria.

Health Requirements Within Austria:

Austria implemented a 'vaccine passport' system, where individuals had to show proof of recovery or vaccination to access certain places, such as hotels, bars, restaurants, and museums. A 'Green Pass' app was also in development to facilitate this process.

Quarantine requirements in Austria

As of February 23, 2023, Austria has updated its entrance requirements for eligible travellers. The government of Austria will allow travellers to enter the country if they can provide proof of:

• Full vaccination against COVID-19
• A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure
• Recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days

Those who cannot provide proof of one of the above must receive pre-travel clearance and quarantine for 10 days after arriving in Austria. All travellers entering Austria are required to register their travel prior to arrival.

As of September 30, 2020, travellers from 30 European countries, mostly from the European Union and/or the European Economic Area, can enter Austria without complying with health measures such as showing a negative molecular biological test for SARS-CoV-2 or a 14-day home quarantine.

However, if you are entering Austria from a country other than those listed below, you must either:

• Pass a negative test for SARS-CoV-2 that is no older than four days
• Enter a 14-day home quarantine or quarantine in suitable accommodation

If a SARS-CoV-2 test is conducted during the quarantine and the result is negative, the quarantine can be ended early.

Frequently asked questions