Austria Visa Requirements for US Citizens: 90-Day Schengen Entry 2026

Americans can visit Austria visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. Austria is part of the Schengen Area, so days here count toward your total Schengen allowance. Starting Q4 2026, you'll need ETIAS travel authorization (€7, valid 3 years). Here's what you need to know about visiting Austria in 2026.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Austria?

No, US citizens do not need a visa to visit Austria for tourism or business purposes if staying less than 90 days. This visa-free access is part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows Americans to move freely across 27 European countries without border checks.

How Long Can Americans Stay in Austria?

Americans can stay in Austria for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen rule that applies to all 27 Schengen countries.

Important: The 90/180 rule uses a rolling 180-day window, not a calendar period. Use our free Schengen calculator to track your days accurately.

What Counts Toward the 90 Days?

• Both entry and exit days count as days present
• Days in any Schengen country (Austria, Germany, Switzerland, etc.) all count together
• Time in non-Schengen countries (UK, Ireland, Croatia before 2023) does NOT count

Austria Entry Requirements for US Citizens

To enter Austria visa-free, you need:

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from the Schengen Area. Austria strictly enforces this requirement.

Recommendation: Have at least 6 months of validity remaining to avoid any issues.

2. Blank Passport Pages

You need at least 1 blank passport page for entry and exit stamps.

3. ETIAS Authorization (Starting Q4 2026)

Starting in late 2026, Americans will need ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to enter Austria:

• Cost: €7 (approximately $7.50)
• Validity: 3 years or until passport expires
• Processing: Completed online in minutes
• Required for: All Schengen countries

4. Proof of Sufficient Funds

Austrian immigration may ask for proof you can support yourself during your stay. While rarely enforced for US tourists, be prepared to show:

• Bank statements
• Credit cards
• Cash (minimum €100 per day is recommended)

5. Return or Onward Ticket

You should have proof of onward travel (return ticket or ticket to another country).

Popular Destinations in Austria

Austria is famous for its Alpine scenery, classical music heritage, and historic cities. All regions follow the same 90-day Schengen rule:

• Vienna: Imperial palaces, opera houses, coffeehouses
• Salzburg: Mozart's birthplace, Sound of Music tours
• Innsbruck: Alpine sports, ski resorts
• Hallstatt: Picturesque lakeside village

What You Cannot Do on a Tourist Visa

The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. You cannot:

• Work for an Austrian employer
• Study long-term (courses over 90 days)
• Establish residency

Students: If you're enrolled in an Austrian university or studying for more than 90 days, you need a student residence permit. Check the Embassy of Austria website for requirements.

Avoiding Overstays

Overstaying your 90-day limit can result in:

• Fines (€500+)
• Deportation
• Bans from re-entering the Schengen Area (3 months to 5 years)
• Immigration holds at future entry attempts

Track your days: Use our free Schengen calculator to ensure you stay within the 90/180 limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

See FAQ schema below for structured answers

Last verified: February 14, 2026 from travel.state.gov