Travel Advice for the USA

Since October 26, 2005 holders of Austrian biometric passports travelling for tourist and business purposes are permitted to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for a maximum of 90 days and therefore do not need to obtain a visa. Additionally, every foreigner travelling under the VWP is obligated to register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to each travel to the USA at least 72 hours before travelling. Please note the handout of the Department of Homeland Security for further information.

Since January 5, 2004 all foreigners entering the US under the "Visa Waiver Program" or with a valid US non-immigrant visa are subject to the new immigration regulations (photo and fingerprint taken at the port of entry) as set forth by the Department of Homeland Security.

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 US (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" (VWP) after the first 90 days have expired, you must leave the US for at least 30 days.

Foreigners who travel on a non-biometric passport and want to benefit under the visa waiver program are immediately repatriated without exceptions and on their own costs. Therefore airlines deny holders of non-biometric passports without a visa endorsed or a valid green card the transportation to the US.

Austrians travelling on non-biometric and emergency passports need to apply for a visa at the US Embassy in Vienna or may hold a valid US green card.