United States entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can travel to the United States for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days without a traditional visa — you just need an approved ESTA through the Visa Waiver Program. As of 2026, you must apply online at least 72 hours before departure. For longer stays, work, or study, you'll need a specific visa from the US embassy in Vienna.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (eVisa) authorizationYou must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding your flight to the U.S. Required for visa-free entry | Apply online at the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/) at least 72 hours before departure. The cost is US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization). Approval is often instant but can take up to 72 hours. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival. Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your Austrian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the border officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket helps show you intend to leave the U.S. within your allowed stay. Not explicitly required but strongly recommended | While not a formal requirement for Austrian citizens, U.S. border officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit. Not explicitly required but may be requested | No specific amount is mandated, but be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) if asked by a border officer. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard customs declaration. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Austrian citizens entering the United States. | Not required |
| Maximum stayDo not overstay your 90-day limit; it is strictly enforced. 90 days | You may stay in the United States for up to 90 days per visit under the Visa Waiver Program. This stay is not extendable. | Required |
ESTA is not a visa — don't overstay
Overstaying your ESTA even by one day can get you banned from the Visa Waiver Program for years. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
Biometrics at entry
All visitors to the US have their fingerprints scanned and photo taken at immigration. This is routine and takes about 30 seconds.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and a credit card. Approval usually comes within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your ESTA approval, return ticket, and first night accommodation. Keep them easily accessible — not buried in a bag.
3
Arrive at the airport
Check in for your flight. The airline will verify your ESTA status before issuing a boarding pass. If your ESTA is expired or denied, you won't be allowed to board.
4
Go through US immigration on arrival
At the airport, join the 'Visitors' queue (not US citizens). Hand over your passport and ESTA approval. The CBP officer will ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where staying, how long). Answer honestly and briefly. They'll take your photo and fingerprints, then stamp your passport.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your checked bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 6 months (typically)
ValidityUsually 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$185 (plus possible reciprocity fee)
Required for stays over 90 days or if ESTA is not approved.
Work Visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (e.g., H-1B: $190 base fee plus other fees)
For employment in the US; must be sponsored by an employer.
Student Visa (F-1)
Max stayDuration of academic program
ValidityVaries
Cost$185 (SEVIS I-901 fee additional)
For study at a US educational institution.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$205 USD (€190) base + $500 fraud fee
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of academic program + 60 days grace
$185 USD (€170) visa fee + SEVIS fee $350
For full-time students enrolled at SEVP-approved institutions. Allows on-campus employment and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD (€970,000) minimum investment
For investors who invest at least $1.05M in a new commercial enterprise creating 10+ jobs. Leads to permanent residency and citizenship path.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD (€190) visa fee
For nationals of treaty countries (Austria qualifies) engaged in substantial trade between the US and Austria. Requires majority ownership by Austrian nationals.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA application feeIncludes $4 processing fee; payable online by credit card. | $21 |
| ESTA authorization feeCharged only if authorization is approved. | $4 |
| Visa application fee (B1/B2)For stays over 90 days or if ESTA not approved. | $185 |
| Visa issuance fee (reciprocity fee)Austrian nationals may be subject to a reciprocity fee; check with the embassy. | Varies |
| Extension of stay (I-539)For B1/B2 visa holders; not applicable to ESTA. | $455 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
No transit visa needed
Austrian citizens transiting through the US are generally eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) and do not need a transit visa.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are not eligible for ESTA (e.g., previous overstay, criminal record), you will need a C-1 transit visa.
- If you plan to leave the airport during transit, you must have a valid visa or ESTA.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus present in most states; risk peaks in summer and fall.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; safe food handling practices recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center
850 NW, Washington, DC 20530
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
All extension applications are filed by mail; no walk-in services.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For info appointments only; extensions handled via mail.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
For tourism or business stays under 90 days, you can use the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) — no visa needed. For work, study, or longer stays, you must apply for a specific visa at the US embassy in Vienna.
Most applications are approved within minutes. But apply at least 72 hours before your flight. If your application is 'pending,' you may need to wait longer — don't book non-refundable tickets until you're approved.
No. The Visa Waiver Program does not allow extensions. You must leave the US before 90 days. Overstaying can result in a ban from the program.
You'll need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy in Vienna. This requires an interview, costs $185 USD, and takes several weeks. Plan ahead.
Yes. Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. A return ticket or a ticket to another country is required.
Yes, ESTA is valid for entry by air, land, or sea. But you still need a valid passport and must comply with the 90-day limit.
You should leave before your passport expires. A valid passport is required for re-entry to Austria and for any onward travel. Contact your embassy in the US for emergency passport renewal.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.