United States entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders need a visa or an approved ESTA to travel to the United States. For tourism or business visits under 90 days, the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) is the standard route — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, you must apply online at least 72 hours before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate in Austria. You need to complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and attend an in-person interview. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer in summer.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Austrian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may deny boarding if your passport expires within 6 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital return ticket or onward itinerary ready. Airlines check this before boarding from Vienna. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and contact info. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or credit card | Have a recent bank statement or a credit card showing available credit. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
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 May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (€170)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (€170)
Same fee as single entry; permits multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$185 USD (€170)
Requires acceptance at a SEVP-approved school and proof of funds.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$205 USD (€190) base + $500 fraud fee
Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
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 |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Standard nonimmigrant visa application fee. | $185 USD (€170) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Austrian citizens. | $185 USD (€170) |
| Stay Extension (Form I-539)Fee for extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission. | $370 USD (€340) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay may lead to visa revocation and future inadmissibility; no fixed daily fine. | $0 USD (€0) |
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 do not need a transit visa to change flights at US airports, as they are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) for short stays. However, ESTA approval is required before travel.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- ESTA required for all air travel to the US, including transit
- Holders of valid US visa may transit without 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 $160 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 May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.