Visa Requirements For American Citizens Visiting Austria

Austria is a popular destination for tourists and business travellers alike. For US citizens intending to visit Austria, it is important to be aware of the visa requirements. US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Austria, up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. However, for stays exceeding 90 days or for gainful employment, a visa is required. From 2025, US citizens will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before travelling to Austria. This will allow visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business or short-term study.

US citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days

US citizens don't need a visa for stays in Austria under 90 days. This is known as the "visa waiver program". However, it is important to note that this is limited to 90 days in any 180-day period. During the visa-free stay, US citizens are not permitted to take up any employment.

If you are planning to stay in Austria for longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa. This can be done by applying for a visa at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate before travelling to Austria, or by applying in Austria before your 90-day stay has expired. It is important to note that the application does not automatically prolong the right of stay beyond the allowed 90 days if the processing of the residence permit takes longer.

For US citizens who are students, if your period of study in Austria is less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. However, if you will be studying in Austria for a period of longer than 6 months, you may need a residence permit, which is different from the Austrian National Visa D.

A visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days

American citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Austria. They can visit the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, if they intend to stay longer than 90 days, they must obtain an Austrian visa. This applies to both tourists and those seeking gainful employment in Austria.

The visa application process can be initiated by applying at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate General before travelling to Austria or by applying locally in Austria before the 90-day visa-free period expires. It is important to note that the application does not automatically extend the right to stay beyond the permitted 90 days if the processing of the residence permit takes longer. The application process can take up to six months, and applicants are advised to have all the required documents before scheduling an appointment.

For US citizens seeking to study in Austria for more than 90 days but less than six months, a different set of requirements may apply, such as the Austrian National Visa D (residence visa). Additionally, if planning to stay for more than six months, a residence permit may be needed, which differs from the Austrian National Visa D.

It is recommended to consult official sources or the Austrian Embassy for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and application procedures for stays exceeding 90 days in Austria.

A visa is required for employment in Austria

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria as tourists for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, a visa is required if they intend to stay longer than 90 days or seek employment in Austria.

Visa Requirements for US Citizens

US citizens who plan to stay in Austria for more than 90 days or wish to work in the country must obtain an Austrian visa. They can apply for this visa at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate before travelling to Austria, or in Austria before their 90-day stay expires. It is important to note that the application process does not automatically extend the right to stay beyond the permitted 90 days.

Job-Seeker Visa

Austria offers a Job-Seeker Visa for highly qualified workers from third countries who are seeking employment. This visa allows individuals to stay in Austria for up to six months to look for work. To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria and accumulate a minimum of 70 points based on factors such as special qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age.

Red-White-Red Card

Once individuals receive a job offer, they can apply for the Red-White-Red Card, which is the primary route for non-EU citizens to work and settle in Austria. This card offers a single permit for residence and employment and has more accessible minimum salary requirements for certain worker categories. The application process involves submitting various documents, including proof of qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and health insurance.

Work Permits for Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU citizens can apply for different types of work permits in Austria: restricted work permits valid for one year, two-year work permits, and unrestricted work permits valid for five years. These permits require substantial documentation and typically take about seven weeks to process.

Additional Considerations

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining a work visa or permit in Austria may change. Individuals should regularly check official Austrian government websites or consult legal experts for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, Austria has specific regulations for Au-Pair employment and other types of residence permits.

Visa applications must be submitted at a VFS Visa Application Center

American citizens do not need a visa to visit Austria for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. However, if they intend to remain in Austria for a period exceeding 90 days or wish to work in Austria, they must obtain an Austrian visa.

As of November 1, 2021, applications for Visa C (Tourism) and Visa D (for stays of up to six months) must be submitted at a VFS Visa Application Center. These applications will not be accepted at the Austrian Consulate General. The VFS Global offices and the Consulate General are located at different addresses, so it is important to take note of the correct location.

The specific VFS Visa Application Center you need to go to depends on your state of residence:

• If you live in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, or the U.S. Pacific Islands, you must submit your application at the VFS Visa Application Center in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
• If you live in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Bahamas, you must submit your application at the VFS Visa Application Center in Houston, Miami, or Washington, D.C.
• If you live in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you must submit your application at the VFS Visa Application Center in Chicago or New York.

Please note that the "Job Seeker Visa" application cannot be filed at a VFS Visa Application Center. This application must be filed at the Austrian Consulate General, and you must contact them via email before filing your application.

Additionally, if you do not reside in the United States, you cannot apply for an Austrian visa in the United States. You must apply for the visa at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.

The visa application process:

The visa application process involves several requirements and considerations:

• The application must be lodged within six months and no later than 15 calendar days before the intended start of the trip.
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will delay the visa process. It is important to have all the required documents before submitting the application.
• Each applicant, including adults and children, requires a separate appointment.
• Consular fees must be paid in cash when lodging the application and are non-refundable, even in cases of refusal.
• The application form and supporting documents must be submitted, and proof of legal residence in the USA (such as a green card, passport, or visa) is required.
• Additional supporting documents include accommodation confirmation, a car rental agreement (if applicable), proof of travel insurance, proof of financial means, confirmation of enrolment (for students), and proof of residence in the jurisdiction area of the Austrian Consulate General Los Angeles.
• If you wish to have your passport returned by mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your application.

VFS Global also offers optional services to enhance your application journey, such as form-filling assistance, a premium lounge service, SMS alerts for application updates, and a courier service for document delivery.

US citizens need a passport to travel to Austria

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Austria for stays of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. However, US citizens need a passport to travel to Austria. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. Two blank pages are required for the entry stamp.

From 2025, US citizens will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before travelling to Austria. ETIAS is valid for multiple trips over three years and can be used for tourism, business, or short-term study.

If you are staying for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for an Austrian National Visa. You may also need to apply for a visa if you plan to work in Austria, even if your stay is less than 90 days.

Frequently asked questions