Green Card Holders: Visa-Free Entry To Austria?

If you're a US Green Card holder planning to visit Austria, you may be wondering if you need a visa. The answer depends on your country of origin and which passport you hold. As a Green Card holder, you are a permanent resident of the US, but your citizenship status determines whether you need a visa for Austria.

For stays in Austria of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days, US citizens do not require a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days or seek gainful employment, you will need to obtain a visa or residence permit.

To enter Austria without a visa, ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area, although six months validity is recommended. Also, be aware that starting in the spring of 2025, travellers from the US will require an ETIAS travel authorization.

US Green Card Holders and their country of origin

US Green Card Holders who are citizens of EU member states, European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Canada, and the US do not need a visa to enter Austria for a short-term stay. However, if their country of origin is not listed here, they will need to apply for an Austrian Tourist Visa. This is because US Green Card Holders do not enjoy visa-free travel to Austria.

For US Green Card Holders who are citizens of the countries listed above, they can travel to Austria without a visa for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days. During this visa-free stay, they are not permitted to take up any employment. It is important to note that this only applies to those with a valid passport from one of these countries. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen area and should be less than 10 years old.

For US Green Card Holders who are not citizens of the countries listed, they will need to apply for an Austrian Tourist Visa before travelling to Austria. They can do this by contacting the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. The visa application must be submitted no later than 15 days before the planned trip and will require various supporting documents, including proof of financial means to cover the costs of their stay.

Additionally, all travellers to Austria, including US Green Card Holders, should be aware of the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization, which will be required for entry from spring 2025.

The Austrian Embassy website of Washington DC

Visa Requirements for Green Card Holders Visiting Austria: Information from the Austrian Embassy Website of Washington, D.C.

The Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C., provides the following information for green card holders (i.e., permanent residents of the U.S.) intending to visit Austria.

As of November 1, 2021, U.S. citizens do not require a visa for short stays in Austria of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. During this visa-free period, it is not permitted to take up any employment.

However, if you are a green card holder and not a U.S. citizen, you must provide your original green card, along with a copy, as proof of your legal residence in the U.S.A. when applying for a visa.

In addition to the proof of legal residence, you will need to provide the following supporting documents:

• Accommodation confirmation or other written agreements if you are staying with friends (this applies to all joining travellers).
• A car rental agreement (if applicable).
• Proof of travel insurance with no deductibles (some exemptions apply).
• Proof of financial means to cover the costs of your stay (e.g., the most recent three months of checking account statements).
• Confirmation of enrolment (only for students).
• Proof of residence in the jurisdiction area of the Austrian Consulate General Los Angeles.

How and When to Apply for a Visa

The visa application must be submitted no later than 15 days before your planned trip and within a period of six months before your trip. Applications are to be made at the VFS Visa Application Center in Los Angeles and San Francisco and are not accepted at the Austrian Consulate General in Los Angeles.

Every applicant (adult and child) is required to have a separate appointment, which can be scheduled via email with the Austrian Consulate General.

Visa-Free Travel

It is important to note that visa-free travel is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. Overstaying can result in monetary fines, bans on re-entry, arrest, and deportation.

Work Permit

If you intend to work in Austria, you must obtain a visa prior to travelling by applying at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate General. Work is not authorized until the appropriate visa has been obtained.

Austrian Tourist Visa requirements

The requirements for an Austrian tourist visa depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Here are the key requirements to keep in mind:

• Visa-Free Stay for 90 Days: US citizens and some third-country nationals do not require a visa for stays in Austria of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. During this visa-free stay, employment is not permitted.
• Visa C (Tourism): If you plan to stay in Austria for tourism purposes for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Visa C. This visa application must be submitted at a designated Visa Application Center or Austrian Consulate, depending on your state of residence. The application process typically involves providing various documents, including proof of legal residence, travel insurance, financial means, and more.
• Residence Permit: If you intend to remain in Austria for a period exceeding 90 days or wish to work in the country, you must obtain a residence permit. This also applies to US citizens and involves applying at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate before your 90-day visa-free stay has expired.
• Supporting Documents: Regardless of the specific visa type, you will generally need to provide a valid travel document (passport), passport photo, proof of health insurance, proof of financial means, and other relevant documentation as requested by the Austrian authorities.
• Processing Time: It's important to plan ahead, as visa applications can take time to process. In some cases, applications for residence permits may take up to six months.
• Visa Waivers: It's worth checking the official website of the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior to see if your nationality is exempt from visa requirements when entering Austria.

Travel documents for US citizens

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

If you are a US citizen, there are several documents you may need to provide when travelling internationally, depending on your destination and purpose of travel. Here is a list of the most common travel documents for US citizens:

• Passport: This is the most important document for international travel. It serves as proof of your identity and citizenship. US passports must be valid for the duration of your trip and may need to have additional months valid after your intended stay.
• Visa: A visa is an authorization granted by a foreign nation that allows you to enter and stay in that country for a specific purpose and period. The requirements and types of visas vary depending on the country you are visiting. Some countries offer visa-free entry for US citizens for a specific duration, while others require you to obtain a visa in advance.
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): If you are a lawful permanent resident of the US, you will need to present your Green Card when returning to the country. This document confirms your status and allows you to re-enter the US after travelling abroad.
• Nonimmigrant Visa: If you are a non-US citizen visiting the US temporarily, you may need a nonimmigrant visa depending on your purpose of travel. This could include tourist visas, student visas, or work visas.
• Travel Authorizations: Certain countries participate in travel authorization programs, such as the Visa Waiver Program, which allows US citizens to visit for a specific duration without a visa. Make sure to check the requirements for your destination country.
• Proof of Health Insurance: Some countries, like Austria, may require proof of adequate health insurance that provides coverage during your stay.
• Proof of Financial Means: You may need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your trip. This could include recent bank statements or other financial documents.
• Accommodation Confirmation: It is often necessary to provide details of your accommodation, such as hotel bookings or proof of staying with friends/family.
• Other Supporting Documents: Depending on your specific situation, you may need additional documents. For example, students may need confirmation of enrolment, while employees may require proof of employment.

It is important to consult official government sources and the specific requirements of your destination country to ensure you have the correct travel documents. Each country has its own visa and entry requirements, and failing to provide the necessary documentation may result in denied entry or other complications.

COVID-19 requirements for Austria

As of 24 March 2022, the Austrian government has updated its entry requirements. All travellers are permitted to enter the country as long as they can provide proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or a negative COVID-19 test. The following conditions must be met:

• For proof of vaccination, the traveller must have received a two-dose or single-dose approved vaccine. The last dose must have been administered between 14 and 270 days prior to travel. Booster doses are valid for 270 days after being administered.
• For proof of recovery, the traveller must hold a medical certificate issued by their government authorities prior to travel. A certificate of proof of recovery is considered valid for a period of 180 days.
• For proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, the traveller must have undergone PCR testing within 72 hours of travel or rapid antigen testing within 24 hours of travel.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from Austria's COVID-19 entry requirements.

In addition to the above, all incoming travellers should have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Austria.

Frequently asked questions