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If you're planning to travel from the USA to Austria, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, let's talk about visas. As a US citizen, you don't need a visa for tourist or business visits to Austria for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. It's also recommended to have six months of validity on your passport. Additionally, you may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket. From October 1, 2022, all Visa Waiver Program travelers, including Austrian citizens, entering the USA by land are required to have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). When entering the USA, detailed checks are carried out, including fingerprints and digital photographs for the US-VISIT program. Now, let's discuss some other important considerations. Austria has excellent healthcare facilities, but hospitals often require upfront payment or adequate health insurance. Ambulance services are widely available, and you can dial 112 for general emergencies and 144 for an ambulance. Keep in mind that local hospitals won't directly settle accounts with American insurance companies, so you'll need to pay first and claim reimbursement later. If you're bringing medication, be aware of the Austrian Medicine Import Act, which prohibits the import of most prescription drugs. Finally, if you're considering flying with Austrian Airlines, be cautious as there are many negative reviews online.
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What You'll Learn
US citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days
US citizens travelling from the USA to Austria do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or fewer. However, if you are planning to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa. You can apply for a visa that will allow you to stay beyond 90 days at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate General before travelling to Austria, or you can apply in Austria before your 90-day stay has expired. Work is not authorized until an appropriate visa has been obtained.
When travelling to Austria, it is important to be aware of the local laws and customs. Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare. However, crimes of opportunity, such as theft or pickpocketing, can occur in tourist areas, including the plaza around St. Stephen's Cathedral and the nearby pedestrian shopping areas in Vienna's First District. It is recommended to be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings in these areas.
Additionally, some medications that are common in the United States are illegal in Austria, even with a prescription. Austria does not allow the importation of any pharmaceuticals that contain narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. If you require medication while in Austria, you may need to obtain a diagnosis and prescription from an Austrian doctor.
It is also worth noting that Austria collects the fingerprints of all visa applicants. You should ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond the period of your stay if you plan on transiting through a Schengen country.
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You must obey local laws
It is important to remember that you are subject to Austrian law when visiting Austria and that ignorance of the law will not excuse you from any legal consequences. If you violate Austrian law, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations before your trip. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Passports and Identification
According to Austrian law, you must carry your passport with you at all times or keep it in a place where you can access it within a reasonable time. It is recommended to carry a photocopy of your passport and a second form of ID, such as a driver's license, while leaving the original passport locked in a secure location. This is especially important in Vienna, where crimes involving the theft of personal property are more common.
Face Coverings
It is illegal in Austria to wear clothing or objects that conceal the face and make facial features unrecognizable in public places. This law does not apply to medical or fabric face masks, which may be required in certain situations due to public health regulations. Failure to comply with this law can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to €150, and you may be required to accompany police officers to a station to verify your identity.
Driving
If you plan to drive in Austria, be aware of the strict laws regarding driving under the influence. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, and penalties for drinking and driving are severe. You will need to display an "autobahn vignette" (highway-tax sticker) on your vehicle's windshield. Additionally, you must be 18 years old to drive in Austria, and you can drive with a valid Canadian or US driver's license for up to 12 months, accompanied by an international driving permit or an official German translation of your license.
Residence and Business
If you intend to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you must obtain the appropriate visa prior to your trip or before your 90-day stay expires. This also applies if you plan to work or establish a business in Austria. Ensure that you have the necessary permits and licenses, as working without the appropriate visa is not authorized.
Discrimination and Accessibility
Austria has laws prohibiting discrimination against individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities, and these laws are enforced. However, accessibility may be limited in older buildings and tourist attractions outside major cities.
Drug Possession and Trafficking
Austria has strict laws regarding illegal drugs, and violating these laws can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines.
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You can't import prescription drugs
When travelling from the USA to Austria, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond the period of your stay. If you are planning to stay for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa. For shorter stays, citizens of participating countries, including Austria, can enter the USA without a visa for tourist or business purposes, but they must have a paid online registration (ESTA). This must be completed at least 72 hours before departure and costs $21.
In terms of bringing prescription drugs into Austria, there are some important regulations to be aware of. For stays of up to five days, you can bring medication containing addictive substances without an additional certificate, but you must provide evidence that the medication is for your personal needs. For stays of over five days and up to 30 days, you will need a prescription from your doctor back home, and the amount of medication you bring must not exceed your requirements for 30 days. If you are staying for more than 30 days, you can have the medication prescribed by a doctor in Austria, and a letter from your doctor back home explaining your needs can be helpful. All medication should be left in its original packaging with clear labels, and it is recommended to bring a certified translation of your prescription if it is not in German.
It is important to note that the possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs in Austria can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines. This includes prescription medicines containing addictive substances, such as painkillers and antidepressants. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the regulations and inspection requirements when bringing prescription drugs into the country.
Additionally, it is generally not recommended to ship prescription drugs internationally, as it is illegal to import prescription drugs via mail in many countries. If you are travelling to Austria and need to bring prescription medication, it is best to carry it with you in your carry-on luggage, rather than trying to ship it separately.
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Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
When traveling from the USA to Austria, it is recommended that you register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service that sends you email updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. It is a useful way to stay informed about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
To enroll in STEP, you will need to provide some personal information, including your travel location and dates, as well as an emergency contact. You can enroll in multiple countries at the same time, which is useful if you are visiting several places on your trip. It is recommended to sign up before you leave for your trip, so you can receive alerts about any potential issues or emergencies that may arise.
By enrolling in STEP, you will receive safety and security alerts and other local updates while abroad. This includes information about any protests, demonstrations, or civil unrest that may be occurring. Additionally, if there is an emergency in the country, STEP can help the U.S. embassy get in touch with you and provide instructions on what to do. This could include natural disasters, civil unrest, or family emergencies.
It is important to note that STEP is not an instantaneous communication tool, and it does not promise to serve as one. However, it is still a valuable way to improve your travel safety and stay informed about potential risks or hazards in the country you are visiting.
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Avoid Austrian Airlines
When travelling from the USA to Austria, there are several reasons why you may want to avoid flying with Austrian Airlines.
Firstly, there have been several negative reviews of the airline's food. One passenger reported that they ended up with food poisoning after eating spicy chicken on the CDG-VIE leg of their journey. The same reviewer also noted that the customer service at VIE and the Austrian Airlines Lounge was lacking in charm. Another reviewer described the meals as "mediocre", with very small portions and poor quality. They also mentioned that the flight attendants rushed through the meal services, and advised bringing your own food, especially for family members.
In addition to the issues with food, there have been complaints about the comfort of the seats, particularly in business class. A reviewer who flew business class from LAX to VIE described the seats as "very uncomfortable", with a small hole for feet and a narrow width of 19.3 inches. They also mentioned that it was impossible to sleep, and that the overall grade for the flight was substandard.
Another issue with Austrian Airlines is the lack of entertainment on board. One reviewer noted that there was no Wi-Fi connection, and no movies or series to watch during the flight, which could be a significant downside for those looking for ways to pass the time on long-haul flights.
While Austrian Airlines does offer some advantages, such as the ability to check-in online, via their app, or at the airport, and their commitment to punctuality and reliability, the negative reviews of their food, service, and comfort may be cause for concern for prospective passengers. Therefore, if you are considering travelling from the USA to Austria, you may want to explore alternative airline options to ensure a more enjoyable journey.
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Frequently asked questions
US citizens can stay in Austria for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or intend to work in Austria, you must obtain an Austrian visa.
To obtain an Austrian visa, you must apply prior to travelling to Austria at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate General, or by applying in Austria before your 90-day stay has expired.
Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare. However, crimes of opportunity, such as theft or pickpocketing, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation. It is recommended to always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
In addition to the standard emergency services, Austria has two main breakdown assistance services: ÖAMTC and ARBÖ. They offer 24-hour emergency roadside assistance for a fee. You can also contact your travel provider and insurer, who can advise on the necessary steps and provide applicable assistance.
As of February 2025, all US citizens entering Austria must provide a negative PCR or rapid PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. It is also recommended to have at least six months' validity on your passport and to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed about safety and security alerts. Additionally, it is important to stay updated on travel restrictions and requirements, such as vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine rules.
