AustriaUnited States
Austrian passport · policy checked 5 Jul 2026
eTA
Online approval before you fly - not a visa. Must obtain ESTA prior to travel.
90
days
max stay per entry
40.27
USD · visa fee
3-60
days
processing time
Online
apply before travel
Policy note
Admitted for 90 days or less for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program.
VWP nationals who have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen (since March 1, 2011) or Cuba (since January 12, 2021) must obtain a visa instead. Dual nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria are ineligible for VWP.
How Austrian citizens apply for a United States visa
- Apply online before you travel - approval is usually quick. Apply here ↗
United States visa cost for Austrian citizens
USD 40.27
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) - Visa Waiver Program
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) - Visa Waiver Program
2 years or until passport expiry, multiple entries, stays up to 90 days
USD 40.27
United States visa types for Austrian citizens
B-1/B-2 Visitor VisaTourist
180 daysmultiple entry3-60d processingvalid 3650d
Tourism, business visits, transit, medical treatment
Apply with the online DS-160 form (bring the printed confirmation page), upload a photo meeting State Department requirements, pay the non-refundable US$185 MRV fee, and attend a consular interview (ink-free fingerprint scans are taken; an additional reciprocity issuance fee applies for some nationalities, and some renewals qualify for the Interview Waiver). Passport must generally be valid 6 months beyond the stay. Officers may request evidence of trip purpose, intent to depart, and funds; a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not a factor in the decision. The visa does not guarantee entry: CBP decides admission and issues the I-94 record. Overstaying voids the visa under INA 222(g). A valid visa in an expired passport remains usable alongside a new passport. Employment, study, paid performances, foreign-press work, and birth tourism are not permitted on B-1/B-2. Verified against travel.state.gov, July 2026.
Official page ↗E-1 Treaty Trader VisaBusiness
730 daysmultiple entry
Nationals of treaty countries carrying on substantial trade principally between the US and their home country
Only for nationals of countries with a qualifying commerce and navigation treaty with the US. Admitted for up to 2 years per stay, renewable indefinitely while trade continues. Does not lead directly to permanent residence. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above (Taiwan/TECRO E-1 holders are exempt); DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗I Media (Journalist) VisaBusiness
multiple entry3-60d processing
Representatives of foreign media (press, radio, film, print) on assignment in the US
For employees of foreign-based media organisations engaged in informational/news activities. Admitted for Duration of Status. Media work is not permitted on a B visa or under the Visa Waiver Program. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗C-1 Transit VisaTransit
29 daysmultiple entry3-30d processing
Immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country
For travellers passing through the US to another destination. Not valid for layover tourism. Crew joining a vessel or aircraft typically use a combined C-1/D transit/crew visa. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above (C-3 diplomatic-transit applicants are exempt); DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗D Crewmember VisaTransit
29 daysmultiple entry3-30d processing
Crew serving aboard sea vessels or aircraft operating in the United States
For pilots, flight attendants, ship crew and similar personnel. Frequently issued as a combined C-1/D transit/crew visa. Departure generally required within 29 days. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗Family-Based Immigrant Visa (IR/CR/F)Family
single entryvalid 180d
Spouses, children, parents and other qualifying relatives of US citizens and lawful permanent residents to immigrate permanently
Immigrant (green card) category. A US citizen or LPR sponsor files Form I-130. Immediate relatives (IR1/CR1 spouse, IR2 child, IR5 parent) have no annual cap; family-preference categories (F1-F4) are numerically limited with multi-year waits. Grants lawful permanent residence on entry.
Official page ↗K-1 Fiancé(e) VisaFamily
90 dayssingle entryvalid 180d
Foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a US citizen, to enter and marry the sponsor within 90 days
US citizen sponsor first files Form I-129F with USCIS. Visa is single-entry, valid up to 6 months; marriage must occur within 90 days of entry, after which the spouse may apply to adjust status to permanent resident. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗K-3/K-4 Nonimmigrant Spouse VisaFamily
730 daysmultiple entryvalid 730d
Foreign-citizen spouse (K-3) and that spouse's unmarried minor children (K-4) of a US citizen, allowing entry while the immigrant visa petition (Form I-130) is still pending
US citizen spouse first files Form I-130, then files Form I-129F for the K-3/K-4 applicant. Visa is multiple-entry, generally valid 2 years, extendable in 2-year increments (Form I-539) while the I-130/immigrant-visa process remains pending. In practice USCIS/NVC often administratively closes the K-3/K-4 case once the underlying immigrant visa becomes available around the same time, so this category is now rarely completed in full. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to visas issued from FY2026 onward, in addition to the fee shown; implementation/collection timing has varied by post through mid-2026.
Official page ↗F-1 Student VisaStudent
multiple entry5-90d processing
Full-time academic study at SEVP-approved institutions
Duration of Status (D/S) - valid for the duration of your academic program. Requires I-20 from school and SEVIS fee. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; potentially refundable if visa terms are met, but DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗J-1 Exchange Visitor VisaStudent
multiple entry5-60d processing
Au pairs, camp counsellors, interns, teachers, research scholars, professors
Duration of Status. Requires DS-2019 from a designated exchange program sponsor. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; potentially refundable if visa terms are met, but DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗M-1 Vocational Student VisaStudent
multiple entry5-90d processing
Full-time study at vocational or other recognised nonacademic institutions (other than language training)
Requires Form I-20 from an SEVP-approved school plus the SEVIS fee. Admitted for Duration of Status covering the vocational program, generally up to 1 year. Distinct from the academic F-1 visa. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; potentially refundable if visa terms are met, but DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗E-3 Australian Professional Specialty VisaWork
730 daysmultiple entryvalid 730d
Australian nationals coming to perform services in a specialty occupation
Only for Australian citizens. Requires a US job offer in a specialty occupation and a certified Labor Condition Application. Granted in up to 2-year increments, renewable indefinitely. Annual cap of 10,500. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗H-1B Specialty Occupation VisaWork
1095 daysmultiple entry15-180d processingvalid 1095d
Working in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree
Requires employer sponsorship. Annual cap of 65,000 (plus 20,000 for US master's). Initial period 3 years, extendable to 6. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; potentially refundable if visa terms are met, but DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker VisaWork
1095 daysmultiple entry15-90d processing
Temporary or seasonal agricultural work for employers facing a shortage of domestic workers
Employer must obtain a temporary labor certification and file Form I-129. Generally limited to nationals of designated eligible countries. Initial stay tied to the certified period (typically up to 1 year); maximum 3 years before a required departure. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker VisaWork
1095 daysmultiple entry15-90d processing
Temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work (e.g. hospitality, landscaping, seafood processing)
Employer must obtain a temporary labor certification and file Form I-129. Subject to a statutory annual cap (66,000). Generally limited to nationals of designated eligible countries. Maximum 3 years. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗H-3 Trainee/Special Education Exchange Visitor VisaWork
730 daysmultiple entry15-90d processingvalid 730d
Practical training (e.g. in agriculture, commerce, finance, government) or a hospital-affiliated special education training program, that is unavailable in the trainee's home country and is not primarily productive employment
US employer/institution files Form I-129. Standard H-3 trainees may stay up to 2 years; the special-education exchange visitor sub-category is capped at 18 months and limited to 50 visas per fiscal year. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to visas issued from FY2026 onward, in addition to the fee shown; implementation/collection timing has varied by post through mid-2026.
Official page ↗L-1 Intracompany Transferee VisaWork
1825 daysmultiple entry15-90d processingvalid 1825d
Transferring to a US office in a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge role
Must have worked for the sponsoring company for at least 1 year in the past 3 years. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; potentially refundable if visa terms are met, but DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗O-1 Extraordinary Ability VisaWork
1095 daysmultiple entry15-90d processingvalid 1095d
Individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in film/TV
Petition-based (US employer or agent files Form I-129). Initial stay up to 3 years, extendable in 1-year increments. No annual cap. Can be a stepping stone to EB-1A permanent residence. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗P-1 Athlete and Entertainer VisaWork
1825 daysmultiple entry15-90d processing
Internationally recognised athletes and members of internationally recognised entertainment groups
Petition-based (Form I-129). P-1 individual athletes may be admitted up to 5 years (extendable to a total of 10); entertainment groups and P-2/P-3 performers are generally admitted up to 1 year. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗Q-1 International Cultural Exchange VisaWork
456 daysmultiple entry15-90d processingvalid 456d
Participation in an approved international cultural exchange program that provides practical training, employment, and sharing of the participant's home-country history, culture, and traditions
Program sponsor/employer files Form I-129. Total stay is capped at 15 months with no extension beyond that; the participant must then remain outside the US for at least 1 year before returning on a new Q-1 program. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate.
Official page ↗R-1 Religious Worker VisaWork
1825 daysmultiple entry15-90d processing
Ministers and other religious workers employed by a bona fide non-profit religious organisation in the US
Requires a US petitioner (Form I-129) that is a bona fide non-profit religious organisation. Initial stay up to 30 months, extendable to a total of 5 years. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗TN USMCA Professional VisaWork
1095 daysmultiple entry
Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying occupations under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA)
Available only to Canadian and Mexican citizens in USMCA-listed professions with a US job offer. Canadians may apply directly at a port of entry (no visa foil required); Mexicans obtain a TN visa at a consulate. Admitted up to 3 years, indefinitely renewable. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward; since it attaches to actual visa issuance, it is expected to apply mainly to Mexican TN applicants who obtain a consular visa foil, not to Canadians who are admitted visa-free at the port of entry. DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026.
Official page ↗E-2 Treaty Investor VisaInvestment
730 daysmultiple entry
Nationals of treaty countries investing a substantial amount of capital in a US business they direct
Only for nationals of qualifying treaty-investment countries. No fixed minimum investment (must be 'substantial' and proportional to the enterprise). Renewable indefinitely but does not directly lead to a green card. Also tracked under residency-by-investment programs. A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee (Public Law 119-21, Sec. 100007) applies to nonimmigrant visas issued from FY2026 (Oct 1, 2025) onward, in addition to the fee shown above; DHS/State had not published uniform collection guidance to all posts as of early-to-mid 2026, so rollout timing varies by consulate. Not included in the fee shown above.
Official page ↗EB-5 Investor VisaInvestment
multiple entry365-730d processing
Immigrant visa through investment of at least USD 1.05M (or USD 800K in rural/high-unemployment areas) creating 10 US jobs
Leads to lawful permanent residence (Green Card). Can apply through a USCIS-designated Regional Center. In addition to the $3,675 I-526/I-526E petition filing fee shown, a separate $1,000 EB-5 Integrity Fund fee is required at initial filing (and annually thereafter for regional-center-associated petitions) under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022; not included in the the fee shown figure above. As an immigrant visa category, EB-5 is exempt from the new FY2026 Visa Integrity Fee that now applies to most nonimmigrant visas.
Official page ↗G Visa (International Organization Representative/Employee)Diplomatic
multiple entry
Representatives of foreign governments to, and officers/staff of, designated international organizations (e.g. the United Nations), plus their immediate family members
Covers G-1 (principal resident representatives of recognized governments to a designated international organization), G-2 (other accredited representatives), G-3 (representatives of governments not formally recognized by the US), G-4 (officers/employees of international organizations, e.g. UN staff), and G-5 (attendants/servants/personal employees of G-1 to G-4 holders). Filed via Form DS-1648. No MRV application fee is charged, and G-1 through G-4 (plus G-5 domestics) are exempt from the FY2026 Visa Integrity Fee that now applies to most other nonimmigrant visas.
Official page ↗NATO VisaDiplomatic
multiple entry
Representatives, staff, and civilian/military personnel of NATO or its Allied Commands assigned to the United States, plus their immediate family members
Covers NATO-1 through NATO-6 classifications for national representatives and staff of NATO/Allied Commands, plus NATO-7 for their attendants/servants/personal employees. Filed via Form DS-1648. No MRV application fee is charged, and NATO-1 through NATO-6 are exempt from the FY2026 Visa Integrity Fee.
Official page ↗S Nonimmigrant Visa (Witness/Informant)Humanitarian
1095 daysmultiple entry
Individuals with critical, reliable information on a criminal organization or enterprise (S-5) or on terrorism (S-6) who assist a federal or state law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or court, plus qualifying family members (S-7)
S classification must be requested on the alien's behalf by a federal or state law enforcement agency, prosecutor's office, court, or DOJ/DHS via Form I-854; individuals cannot apply for S status directly. Congress caps new classifications at 200 S-5 (criminal) and 50 S-6 (terrorism) per fiscal year, plus S-7 for qualifying family members. Maximum period of admission is 3 years under INA 214(k). Extremely rarely encountered relative to other nonimmigrant categories.
Official page ↗T Nonimmigrant Visa (Victims of Human Trafficking)Humanitarian
1460 daysmultiple entry
Victims of a severe form of human trafficking, and qualifying family members, who comply with reasonable requests to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking, allowing temporary stay with a path to permanent residence
Principal applicants generally file Form I-914 with USCIS while already present in the US (no USCIS filing fee); qualifying family members abroad may obtain a derivative T visa through consular processing. Congress caps principal T grants at 5,000 per fiscal year (family members are not counted against the cap). Initial stay is up to 4 years; may lead to lawful permanent residence after 3 years (or sooner if the related investigation/prosecution concludes). Created by the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.
Official page ↗U Nonimmigrant Visa (Victims of Criminal Activity)Humanitarian
1460 daysmultiple entry
Victims of qualifying crimes committed in the US who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime, allowing temporary stay with a path to permanent residence
Principal applicants generally file Form I-918 with USCIS (no USCIS filing fee); qualifying family members abroad may obtain a derivative U visa through consular processing. Congress caps principal U grants at 10,000 per fiscal year (family members are not counted against the cap). Initial stay is up to 4 years; may lead to lawful permanent residence after 3 years of continuous presence in U status.
Official page ↗United States visa for Austrian citizens - FAQ
Do Austrian citizens need a visa for United States?
Not a visa, but yes - an approved eTA (a quick online pre-screening) is required before travelling.
What documents do Austrian citizens need for United States?
A passport valid well beyond your planned stay (commonly three to six months, depending on the destination), proof of onward travel and funds, and any documents required for the specific United States visa category - check the official portal for the exact passport-validity rule.
Check entry with visas you already hold →What “eta / e-permit” means →