Visa Requirements For Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria is a popular destination for tourists, students, and business travellers alike. If you are planning a trip to Austria, you may be wondering if you need a visa. The answer depends on your country of origin and the purpose and duration of your visit. Here is an overview to help you determine if you need a visa for your trip to Austria.

Do US citizens need a visa for Austria?

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria for holiday purposes, for a limited stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, they will need to obtain a visa if they intend to stay longer than 90 days or if they plan to work in Austria.

Entry Requirements for US Citizens

US citizens must have a valid passport to enter Austria. The passport must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least three months' validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
• Be less than 10 years old.
• Have two blank pages for entry stamps.

It is also recommended that US citizens:

• Enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety updates and make it easier to locate them in an emergency.
• Check the latest travel advisories and health requirements.
• Take out comprehensive travel insurance.
• Carry a photocopy of their passport at all times, along with a second form of ID.

Visa Requirements for Extended Stay or Work

US citizens who wish to stay in Austria for longer than 90 days or who wish to work there must obtain a visa before travelling to Austria. They can apply for a visa at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate, or in Austria before their 90-day stay has expired. Work is not authorised until the appropriate visa has been obtained.

ETIAS Travel Authorisation

From spring 2025, travellers from the US will need an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Austria.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Austria?

UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria for holidays or business trips of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, they must hold a valid passport with at least three months' validity beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen area. It is strongly recommended that passports are less than ten years old and have six months' validity to avoid needing to prove departure dates.

UK citizens travelling to Austria will need to show a return or onward ticket or prove they have enough money for their stay. A visa or permit may be required for longer stays, work, study, or business.

From spring 2025, travellers from the UK will require an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Austria.

US citizens do not require a visa to enter Austria for a limited stay. However, US citizens intending to remain in Austria for more than 90 days or who wish to work in Austria must obtain a visa.

Do Australian citizens need a visa for Austria?

Australian citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism purposes. This is because Austria is one of the 27 countries that have implemented the Schengen Agreement, which allows Australian citizens to travel freely across the Schengen member states for up to 90 days without a visa. However, for longer stays, work or study purposes, or for business travel, a visa or permit may be required.

To enter Austria, Australian citizens must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of 3 months beyond their planned departure date from the Schengen area, although 6 months is recommended to avoid needing to prove their departure date. They may also need to show a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for their stay.

It is important to note that entry and exit conditions can change at short notice, so Australian citizens should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Austria for the latest details and ensure they meet all entry and exit requirements. Additionally, Australian citizens should be aware of local laws and customs, such as the requirement to always carry an ID and the illegality of using or carrying illegal drugs.

For those interested in working and holidaying in Austria, there is a Work and Holiday Visa Arrangement between Austria and Australia. This allows Australian citizens between 18 and 30 years old to work and holiday in Austria for up to one year. To be eligible, individuals must meet certain requirements, such as having the primary intention to holiday in Austria and holding a valid Australian passport.

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Austria?

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria for a short stay. However, there are some requirements they must meet.

Firstly, Canadian citizens can enter Austria for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This is a general rule for citizens of many countries, including the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and several European and South American countries.

Secondly, Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. The passport must have:

• At least 3 months left before its expiry date, although 6 months validity is strongly recommended to avoid needing to prove your departure date.
• Been issued within the last 10 years.

Finally, UK sources suggest that Canadian citizens may need to show a return or onward ticket or prove that they have enough money for their stay at border control.

From Spring 2025, travellers from Canada will require an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Austria.

Do New Zealand citizens need a visa for Austria?

New Zealand citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria for a short stay. This is because Austria is a party to the Schengen Agreement, which allows citizens of participating countries to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. However, it is important to note that this visa exemption only applies if the purpose of the visit is tourism, visiting friends or family, or business (without gainful employment in Austria). If a New Zealand citizen wishes to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, or for purposes other than those mentioned, they will need to apply for the appropriate visa.

From spring 2025, travellers from New Zealand will require an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Austria.

In addition to visa requirements, there are a few other things that New Zealand citizens should keep in mind when travelling to Austria. Firstly, it is important to have a valid passport. The passport must have at least three months' validity beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area, although six months' validity is recommended. Each child travelling to Austria must also have their own identification document (passport or identity card). Finally, at border control, New Zealand citizens may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds or a return/onward ticket.

Frequently asked questions