United States Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days. An ESTA authorization ($21) is required before travel.
Austria passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to United States.
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before your trip. The fee is $21 USD (a $4 travel promotion fee plus a $17 authorization fee), payable by credit or debit card. Most applications are approved instantly, but allow up to 72 hours. Your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers multiple trips. ESTA does not guarantee entry: a CBP officer makes the final decision at the port of entry.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Austria to United States: What You Need to Know
Austria has been a member of the US Visa Waiver Program since 1991, one of the earliest European nations admitted. The two countries share deep historical and cultural ties: Vienna was central to post-WWII diplomacy, and a large Austrian-American community exists across the US. Austria is home to major US corporate and diplomatic presences, and bilateral trade runs into the billions annually. Austrian Airlines operates direct transatlantic flights from Vienna (VIE), making the US easily accessible. If you hold dual Austrian and non-VWP nationality, always enter on your Austrian passport when using ESTA.
How to Get There
Austrian Airlines flies nonstop from Vienna (VIE) to New York (JFK), Washington (IAD), and Los Angeles (LAX). United, American, and Delta also serve the Vienna route. For other US cities, connections are available via Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa, or Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM.
Money & Banking
The US uses the US Dollar (USD). Cards are universally accepted. Tipping is expected and essential: 18-20% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, a few dollars for taxi drivers and hotel housekeeping. Unlike Austria, tipping is not optional in the US. ATMs are widely available. Exchange EUR to USD before travel or use ATMs at your destination for competitive rates.
Practical Tips
Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before your flight. Carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay. The 90-day limit is strict: overstaying leads to serious immigration consequences including deportation and potential lifetime VWP ineligibility. US customs will ask about your visit purpose and accommodation; answer honestly and concisely. Mobile phone roaming from Austria works in the US, but consider a local SIM for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrian citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
No. Austria is part of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Austrian passport holders can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, but must have an approved ESTA before traveling.
How do Austrian citizens apply for ESTA?
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Complete the form, pay the $21 fee, and receive your authorization, usually within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
How long can Austrian citizens stay in the United States on ESTA?
Up to 90 days per visit. The stay cannot be extended while in the US on VWP status.
How much does ESTA cost for Austrians?
ESTA costs $21 USD total ($4 travel promotion fee + $17 authorization fee). Pay by credit or debit card on the official CBP site.
Can Austrian citizens work in the US on ESTA?
No. ESTA is for tourism, transit, and business meetings only. Any paid employment requires a US work visa.
What direct flights are available from Austria to the United States?
Austrian Airlines flies nonstop from Vienna (VIE) to New York (JFK), Washington (IAD), and Los Angeles (LAX). United, Delta, and American Airlines also serve Vienna with US-bound flights.
Does ESTA guarantee I can enter the US?
No. An approved ESTA allows boarding, but a US CBP officer at the port of entry makes the final admission decision.
Can I enter the US by land from Canada or Mexico on ESTA?
Yes. ESTA covers all modes of entry: air, land (via Canada or Mexico), and sea.