Travel To Austria: Us Entry Rules And Requirements

Austria is accepting US travelers, with no COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens. US citizens can enter Austria without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. However, those intending to stay longer than 90 days or seeking employment in Austria must obtain an Austrian visa. Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, but travelers should still exercise normal precautions and be aware of the risk of terrorism and theft.

No visa or COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens

US citizens can enter Austria without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is known as the 90/180 rule. However, starting in 2025, Americans will need to register through a new screening system called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before travelling to Austria and other countries in the Schengen Area. The ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows for multiple short stays (up to 90 days) in the Schengen area.

To enter Austria, US citizens must:

• Enter through an authorised border point.
• Carry proof of identity and a valid travel document.
• Possess the required documents to present at the border.
• Demonstrate compliance with stay conditions and have sufficient financial resources.
• Not be subject to any entry bans.

The following documents are required when entering Austria:

• A valid US passport. The passport should have been issued within the last ten years, be valid for at least three months after leaving Austria, and have at least two blank pages.
• Proof of a return ticket. A ticket that shows the entrance and departure dates.
• Proof of the purpose of entry. Documents that demonstrate the reason for travelling to Austria.
• Proof of accommodation in Austria. This can be shown through a hotel or apartment reservation or an invitation letter if staying at a friend's or relative's place.
• Proof of sufficient financial means. Documents showing you have enough financial means to support yourself during your stay in Austria. The Austrian Embassy and Consulates in the United States do not openly stipulate the required amount of money needed to be able to enter Austria. You are generally advised to account for at least EUR 100 (equivalent to USD 105.63) per day, as this is the average amount a tourist spends in Austria.
• Travel insurance for Austria. A travel medical insurance document with a minimum coverage of €30,000 or $33,300 (as of October 2023). While travel insurance is not mandatory for US citizens visiting Austria, it is highly recommended to have coverage. Although there is no official requirement, officials at the port of entry may ask for proof of purchased travel insurance. Lack of proper coverage could lead to difficulties at the port of entry, including potential denial of entry.
• ETIAS authorisation starting from 2025.

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens.

Register online with ESTA for visa-free entry

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows nationals of certain countries, including Austria, to travel to the United States for tourism or business for less than 90 days without a visa. To enter the US under the VWP, travellers must:

• Be a citizen of a country listed as a VWP member country.
• Possess a VWP-compliant passport.
• Possess ESTA authorisation.
• Stay in the United States for 90 days or less.

ESTA Requirements

To obtain ESTA authorisation, travellers must register online and pay a fee of $21. The registration must be completed at least 72 hours before departure and is valid for two years, provided there are no changes to the travel document. If the passport is renewed or changed, a new ESTA registration is required.

ESTA Registration

The ESTA application can be completed online from any computer with internet access. The application requires:

• A valid passport with an integrated chip (e-passport).
• Completion of the ESTA application form.
• Payment of the $21 fee.

ESTA Authorisation

Once the ESTA application is approved, travellers will receive authorisation to enter the United States under the VWP. It is important to note that ESTA authorisation does not guarantee entry into the United States, as travellers must still meet standard VWP conditions and are screened at their port of entry.

Enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. State Department to help protect U.S. citizens when they travel abroad and notify them of potential dangers or disruptions to their travel plans. The program works by leveraging the State Department's network of embassies and consulates around the world.

Here's how to enrol in STEP:

• Subscribe to STEP online: Provide your full name and email address, along with the countries you plan to visit.
• Sign up for email alerts: If you're currently travelling, you can receive email alerts and updates relevant to your itinerary.
• Download the Smart Traveler app: You can also download the free Smart Traveler app from iTunes and use it to sign up and receive alerts.
• Remember to enrol for each trip: Keep in mind that STEP enrolment is valid on a per-trip basis. You need to enrol separately for each international trip you take.

By enrolling in STEP, you can receive important information about your destination before you leave, stay informed about safety and security issues, and get help in emergency situations. Additionally, STEP makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you during an emergency and facilitates your access to local embassy or consulate services if needed.

No mandatory COVID tests or quarantine for US travellers

Austria is accepting US travellers, and there are no mandatory COVID tests or quarantine requirements for US travellers. Here is some more information on travelling to Austria from the US:

Entry Requirements

US citizens can enter Austria without a visa for up to 90 days within each 180-day period. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must obtain the appropriate visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay, and you should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps.

COVID-19 Entry Requirements

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens travelling to Austria. Vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors from the US can enter without restrictions and are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon entering the country. Additionally, travellers from the US are not required to quarantine upon arrival. Mask usage is also not mandatory in public spaces and on public transportation.

Other Recommendations

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
• Review the Country Security Report for Austria.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your trip.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler's Checklist.

Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe

Austria is accepting US travelers. US citizens can stay in Austria for up to 90 days without a visa. However, they must register online and pay a fee of $21 for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Residential burglaries are also a significant concern, especially in affluent areas. While overall crime rates are low in Austria, most criminal activity is concentrated in the larger metropolitan areas. The US government rates Vienna as "medium" for levels of residential crime.

Austria has a well-developed legal system, and corruption cases are typically investigated and prosecuted. The country has strict laws and regulations in place, and law enforcement agencies are well-equipped to combat crime. The judicial system is independent and operates without political influence.

In addition to low crime rates, Austria also has strict gun control laws and a well-regulated firearms industry. Gun-related crimes are low compared to other European countries. However, there are occasional reports of privately held firearms being acquired unlawfully.

Frequently asked questions