Damon Mcknight
Austria is a popular tourist destination, and travellers from many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, do not need a visa for a holiday of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, there are some important entry and customs requirements to be aware of before planning a trip to Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Travel Advisory Level | 1: Exercise Normal Precautions |
| Passport Validity | 3 months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area (6 months recommended) |
| Visa Requirements | Not required for stays under 90 days within each 180-day period for citizens of EU, EEA countries, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Canada, US, and others. |
| ETIAS Travel Authorisation | Required for travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand from spring 2025 |
| Identification Documents | Each child needs their own identification document (passport or identity card) |
| Currency Restrictions | 10,000 Euros or equivalent |
| Health Requirements | No COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens. Recommended vaccinations available on CDC country page. |
| Pet Requirements | Maximum of 5 animals per person. Each animal must have a microchip, a pet passport, and a valid rabies vaccination. |
What You'll Learn
Entry requirements for US citizens
US citizens are required to have a valid passport to enter Austria. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay. Additionally, US citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter Austria for a short stay. This can be obtained by applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation, which is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. The application for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 7 and can be completed online or through a mobile application. Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within minutes. However, it is recommended to apply for the ETIAS authorisation well in advance of the planned journey.
Once the ETIAS travel authorisation is obtained, US citizens can enter Austria for short-term stays, usually up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is important to note that having a valid ETIAS authorisation does not guarantee automatic entry into Austria. Upon arrival, border guards will verify that the traveller meets the entry conditions.
US citizens should also ensure that their passport details correspond to the information in their ETIAS authorisation. Any discrepancies may result in a refusal of boarding and entry at the border. Additionally, it is the traveller's responsibility to ensure that their ETIAS travel authorisation is still valid at the time of their trip.
It is recommended that US citizens check the latest travel advice from the US government and the Austrian government before planning their trip to Austria. This will help them stay up to date with any changes in entry requirements or travel restrictions.
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Identification documents
Each traveller must carry a valid identification document (ID card or passport) when entering Austria. Children's entries in a parent's passport are no longer valid, and each child needs their own identification document.
Swiss nationals require a valid ID or a passport that has been expired for a maximum of five years to enter Austria. German citizens require a valid ID or passport (or one that has not been valid for more than one year).
Nationals of EU, EEA countries, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Canada, and the US do not need a visa to enter Austria. All other nationalities require a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days.
UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand nationals do not need a visa for holidays in Austria (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). However, at border control, travellers may need to show a return or onward ticket or proof of sufficient funds. A visa or permit may be required for longer stays, work, study, or business.
US and Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond their planned date of departure from the Schengen area. Although a six-month passport validity is recommended.
Austrian border control may reintroduce checks at its borders in line with the Schengen rules (Article 23 of the Schengen Borders Code), which allow member states to exceptionally reinstate border control at internal borders if there is a serious threat to public order or internal security.
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Passport validity
Your passport must meet the following two requirements:
Date of issue
Your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive in Austria. If you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago.
Expiry date
Your passport must have an expiry date that is at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Although six months of validity is strongly recommended to avoid needing to prove your departure date.
If your passport does not meet these requirements, you may not be able to travel to Austria or other countries in the EU.
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Visa requirements
The visa requirements for entering Austria depend on the traveller's nationality and the intended duration of their stay. Here are the visa requirements for different groups of travellers:
Nationals of EU, EEA Countries, Switzerland, and Others
Nationals of countries within the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and select other countries, including Australia, Japan, Canada, the US, and New Zealand, do not need a visa to enter Austria for short stays. This visa exemption typically applies for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, travellers from this group may need a visa or permit for longer stays, work, study, or business-related activities.
Third-Country Nationals
Third-country nationals who require a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area can enter Austria with a valid Schengen visa without needing a separate Austrian visa. The Schengen visa typically allows stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.
UK Nationals
UK nationals do not need a visa for holidays or short stays in Austria of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, at border control, they may need to show a return ticket or proof of sufficient funds for their stay. For longer stays, work, study, or business purposes, a visa or permit may be required.
US and Canadian Nationals
US and Canadian passport holders can enter Austria without a visa for tourism or short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Their passports must have a validity of at least three months beyond their planned departure from the Schengen Area, although six months is recommended. For longer stays, work, or study, a visa or permit may be necessary.
Australian and New Zealand Nationals
Australian and New Zealand citizens can enter Austria without a visa for tourism or short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. They may need to demonstrate sufficient funds or show a return or onward ticket at the border. For extended stays, work, study, or business purposes, a visa or permit is likely required.
Indian Nationals
Indian nationals require a Schengen visa to enter Austria. The application process involves providing biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photo. The processing time for a Schengen visa is a minimum of 15 days, but it may take longer in certain cases.
Travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (from Spring 2025)
From spring 2025, travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will need an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Austria.
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Travel authorisations
Passports
Your passport must meet the following requirements for entry into Austria:
- Valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
- Less than 10 years old.
- Two blank pages for entry stamps.
Visas
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Austria for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period):
- EU
- EEA
- Switzerland
- Australia
- Japan
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United States
Citizens of other countries require a Schengen visa for short stays. Under the Schengen Agreement, third-country nationals with a visa can enter Austria without needing a separate Austrian visa.
If you intend to stay in Austria for longer than 90 days, or if you plan to work there, you must obtain an Austrian visa.
ETIAS
From spring 2025, travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will require an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Austria.
Children
Each child must have their own identification document (passport or identity card). Entries for children in a parent's passport are no longer valid.
Pets
You can bring a maximum of five animals per person into Austria. Each animal must:
- Be identified by a microchip. A clearly legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is also accepted.
- Have a pet passport issued by a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority, showing a valid rabies vaccination and, if applicable, a valid booster vaccination.
Other Considerations
- You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket when entering Austria.
- Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.
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Frequently asked questions
Nationals of the EU, EEA countries, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Canada, the US, and New Zealand do not need a visa to enter Austria. All other nationalities require a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days. US citizens who intend to remain in Austria for a period exceeding 90 days or who wish to work in Austria must obtain an Austrian visa.
Your passport must have at least three months left, although six months' validity is recommended to avoid needing to prove your departure date. It should also be less than 10 years old, even if it has more than six months left.
There are no COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens.
A maximum of five animals per person are allowed. Each animal must be identified by a microchip and have a pet passport issued by a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority.
