Damon Mcknight
Austria is not closed to US citizens, but there are some rules and requirements for US citizens to be aware of before travelling to the country. US citizens can stay in Austria for up to 90 days without a visa, but they must register with ESTA and pay a fee of $21. They will also need to present a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or an antigen test (not older than 48 hours). US citizens who intend to remain in Austria for longer than 90 days or who wish to work in Austria must obtain an Austrian visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can US citizens enter Austria? | No, unless they hold Austrian or European citizenship/residency |
| US travel advice for Austria | Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions |
| Austrian travel advice for US | Visa-free entry with ESTA for up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| US visa requirements for Austria | No visa required for stays under 90 days within each 180-day period |
| Austrian visa requirements for US citizens | Visa required for stays over 90 days or for employment |
| ESTA registration fee | $21 |
| ESTA validity | 2 years, unless changes are made to the travel document |
What You'll Learn
- US citizens can stay in Austria for up to 90 days without a visa
- US citizens must register with ESTA to enter Austria
- US citizens must pay a fee for ESTA registration
- US citizens must complete ESTA registration at least 72 hours before departure
- US citizens must present a negative COVID-19 test to enter Austria
US citizens can stay in Austria for up to 90 days without a visa
However, 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 prior to travelling to Austria at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate General, or by applying in Austria before your 90-day stay has expired. It is important to note that the application does not automatically prolong your right to stay beyond the allowed 90 days if the processing of the residence permit takes longer.
Additionally, US citizens who wish to be gainfully employed in Austria must obtain an Austrian visa, regardless of the length of their stay.
When travelling to Austria, it is recommended that you enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. You should also follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter, and review the Country Security Report for Austria. Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity and two blank pages, and that you have appropriate travel insurance.
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US citizens must register with ESTA to enter Austria
Austria is not closed to US citizens, but there are some requirements that US citizens must follow to enter the country.
US citizens who intend to remain in Austria for a period exceeding 90 days or who wish to be employed in Austria must obtain an Austrian visa. Visa-free travel is limited to 90 days in any 180-day period. US citizens can apply for a visa at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate General before travelling to Austria or before their 90-day stay has expired.
Additionally, all travellers to Austria from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, including the US, are required to register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ESTA application must be completed at least 72 hours before departure and can be done online. A fee of USD 21 is charged, and the registration is valid for two years, provided there are no changes to the travel document. If you renew your passport, a new ESTA registration is required.
It is important to note that an ESTA rejection does not mean entry to Austria is not possible, but that a US visa must be applied for at the US embassy.
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US citizens must pay a fee for ESTA registration
Austria is not closed to US citizens, and they can visit the country for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. However, US citizens must pay a fee for ESTA registration if they plan to enter Austria under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The ESTA travel promotion fee, also known as the "authorization charge," was increased from $10 to $17 and extended until 2027. As a result, the total fee for an approved ESTA is now $21, which includes the $17 travel promotion fee and a $4 operational fee. This fee must be paid per application and is non-refundable in case of denial. It is important to note that the ESTA is only valid for a maximum of 90 days at a time and is generally approved for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ESTA application process typically involves confirming passport requirements, completing the online application, and paying the associated fees. US citizens should allow up to 72 hours to receive authorization to travel to Austria under the VWP. It is recommended that travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.
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US citizens must complete ESTA registration at least 72 hours before departure
Austria is not closed to US citizens, but there are some requirements that US citizens need to be aware of before travelling to Austria.
Visa Requirements
US citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria if they are staying for less than 90 days within each 180-day period. However, if they intend to stay longer than 90 days or will be gainfully employed in Austria, they must obtain an Austrian visa.
ESTA Registration
US citizens travelling to Austria must complete an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) registration at least 72 hours before departure. This is a mandatory requirement for travellers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, which includes Austria. The ESTA application can be filled out online and has a fee of USD 21. The registration and fee are valid for 2 years, unless there are changes to the travel document. In that case, a new ESTA registration is required.
Passport Requirements
Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond the period of your stay in Austria. It is recommended to have at least 6 months of validity.
Other Requirements and Recommendations
- Two blank passport pages are required for the entry stamp.
- Proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket may be requested.
- It is recommended to follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter and review the Country Security Report for Austria before travelling.
- Enrolling in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) is suggested to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.
- It is important to be aware of local laws and regulations, as US citizens are subject to local laws while in Austria.
- US citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance and ensure their health insurance plan provides coverage overseas, as most healthcare providers only accept cash payments.
- US citizens should also be aware of any medication restrictions and ensure that any prescription medication they bring is in its original packaging, along with a doctor's prescription.
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US citizens must present a negative COVID-19 test to enter Austria
Austria is not closed to US citizens, but there are entry requirements that must be met. As of June 15, 2024, Austria has relaxed its COVID-19 measures, with masks now only mandatory on public transport and in the health sector. However, there are still some COVID-19 entry requirements in place.
If arriving from a 'virus variant' country or area, a negative molecular biological test result (e.g. PCR) is required, along with pre-travel clearance and a 10-day quarantine. The quarantine period can be shortened to 5 days with a further negative test result. Exemptions from the negative test requirement are made for those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days and no longer pose an epidemiological risk, but a medical certificate is still required.
It is possible to get tested upon arrival at Vienna International Airport, but this test must be done immediately or at the latest within 24 hours of entering the country.
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Frequently asked questions
US citizens can enter Austria without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. However, you must register online with ESTA and pay a fee of $21.
ESTA registration is valid for two years, unless you change or renew your passport.
You will need to present a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or an antigen test (not older than 48 hours). You will also need to fill out a form before entering Austria.
No, a rejection does not warrant a refund. However, it does not mean that entry to the USA is not possible; it means that a US visa must be applied for at the responsible US embassy.
