Current Information
Further information about the corona virus (COVID-19), as well as travel to Austria and the United States can be found here.
General Information about entering the US
ESTA Online Registration before travelling to the U.S.
Travelers from the visa waiver program (including Austria) to the US without a valid U.S. Visa must apply for ESTA (electronic system for travel authorization) prior to travel.The ESTA registration form can be filled in from any computer with internet access. A feeof USD 21,- will be charged. Applications must be submitted no less than 72 hours prior departure.
- Travelers do not need to fill in the I-94 form on board of the plane as all the information is submitted through the ESTA registration already
- Each approved ESTA application will be valid for 2 years unless the traveler's passport expires sooner. If you renew your passport, you have to apply (and pay) again.
- For any problems or inquiries regarding ESTA you can call the (US) phone number at +1 202 344 3710 (Mo-Fr 9-5 EST = 3 pm to 23 pm in Austria)
- If the ESTA application is denied, it does not mean you cannot enter the US. You have to apply for a US visa at your nearest US Consulate (in Austria: Vienna)
- Also a third party can pay the fee with a credit card
It is only possible to enter the USA under the "Visa Waiver Program" if passports that were issued from that date on contain the required biometric data. Additonally, everyone, including children,under the "Visa Waiver Program" (including Austria) has tohave an authorization prior to travel. The ESTA registration can be filled in atevery computer with internet access.It has to be submitted at least 72 hours before travelling.
- a) Please note that all Austrian citizens entering the United States under the "Visa Waiver Program" (vacation or business trip,no visa required for stays not to exceed 90 days) or with a (valid) U.S. non-immigrant visa have been subject to the new immigration regulations (photo and finger printing at port of entry) as set forth by the Department of Homeland Security.
- b) Austrian citizens are reminded that short-term trips to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean are not sufficient to get an extension of their visa-free stay in the United States (beyond the 90 days as set forth by the "Visa Waiver Program"). If you wish to re-enter the US on the "Visa Waiver Program" after the first 90 days have expired, you muststay outside the US for at least 30 days.
The entry into the US with an emergency passport is only possible with a valid US visa or together with the Green Card.
For further information please visit the website of the US Embassy in Vienna.
ESTA for entry by land
Effective October 1, 2022, all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers intending to enter the United States by land will be required to obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to application for admission at land border ports of entry.
Further information can be found here.
