Entry into the United States
Since October 26, 2005, it is only possible to enter the USA under the VWP if passports that were issued from that date on contain the required biometric data. Additonally, everyone, including children, under the visa waiver programme (including Austria) has to have an authorization prior to travel. The ESTA registration can be filled in at every computer with internet access. It has to be submitted at least 72 hours before travelling. Further information is available in English.
a) Please note that since January 5, 2004, 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" (VWP) after the first 90 days have expired, you must stay 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.
