ESTA for Austrian Citizens - ESTAForm.org
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ESTA for Austrian Citizens

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Austria became a member of the Visa Waiver Program in 1991 and this means that citizens of Austria are able to apply for an ESTA, as opposed to a US visa. This makes tourist and business trips to the US for citizens of Austria much simpler.

ESTA Requirements and Important Information

  • Links to a biometric passport
  • Can only be used for trips of up to 90 days maximum
  • Is required if arriving in US by sea or air
  • For business, tourism, medical or transit
  • Can be used multiple times whilst ESTA is valid
  • Children must have their own ESTA
  • Is valid for two year (or when passport expires if sooner)
Application for Austrian Citizens
Apply for ESTA

Benefits of Applying for ESTA for Austrian Citizens

Austrians that want to visit the US for a holiday, to see all of the sights, or even attend a business conference can benefit from the much simpler process of applying for an ESTA instead of a visa. The main difference between the two, is that the ESTA can be completed through just a short online form that will usually be approved (or declined) within 24 hours.

For citizens from countries that do not have the benefit of being in the VWP, the process is much longer. First they must complete the DS-160 form and then they arrange an interview at the US Embassy in their country. This can take weeks to happen and then for the Embassy to process the visa, sometimes even longer.

With an ESTA, Austrian citizens can simply fill the form in, which should take no longer than 20 minutes and then pay the application fee and submit the application. They will then receive a response via email in regards to whether their ESTA is approved. This all happens online and will usually be very fast.

As well as the faster, simpler process, the ESTA enables citizens from Austria to make multiple visits to the US using the same ESTA, as long as it is still valid.

How Austrian Citizens Can Apply for ESTA

Applying for an ESTA is very quick and straightforward, it just requires an internet connection, 10 minutes of time, a valid passport and email address, plus a card to make the payment for the application with. Applicants will need to provide details such as name, address, DOB and their travel itinerary. Their details will then be screened by the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether the application will get approved.

Once submitted, the confirmation of whether ESTA has been accepted or refused will be sent via email. This is usually very quick and can take just a few hours, but in some cases it can take longer, so it is advised that at least 72 hours prior to travelling is given for the application.

Passport Requirements for the US ESTA

In order to travel using ESTA, an individual must have a passport that meets the following requirements:

  • A passport must be valid.
  • The passport must be electronic and contain a digital chip with basic data on its holder.
  • The passport must be machine-readable.

Why Am I Being Asked About My Employment Information?

The employment section on an ESTA application is crucial. It serves to demonstrate that you have a job and intend to return home after visiting the USA, thus proving your non-immigrant status.

Can You Change Your Status if You Enter the United StatesUnder the Visa Waiver Program?

Austrian citizens cannot change their status after entering the US.

If they want to change their status, they must depart from the USA and then apply for a visa or immigration status from their country. It is essential to follow the US immigration laws and seek professional help to ensure compliance with the rules.

How Long Does the ESTA Application Process Take?

ESTA processing times are typically short - minutes or up to 24 hours. However, in exceptional cases requiring an extra application review, it can take a maximum time of 72 hours.

How Much in Advance Should I Submit an ESTA Application?

You should ideally apply for ESTA once your travel dates are confirmed, or at least 72 hours before departure, to avoid any issues. While it's possible to apply at the airport just before your flight, it can put you at risk of processing delays and unforeseen problems. Therefore, it's recommended to apply well in advance for a stress-free travel experience.

How Long Is My ESTA Valid For?

Your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, depending on which one comes first. After this, you must re-apply for the ESTA if you intend to keep travelling to the US.

How Long Can Travelers from Austria Stay in the US Under an ESTA?

Austrian citizens can stay in the USA for up to 90 days. This applies to citizens from all other countries under the VWP.

Can an Austrian Citizen Extend Their ESTA Beyond 90 Days?

There's no option for Austrians to extend their ESTA beyond the period of 90 days. For longer stays, they must apply for a regular visa.

It is important for Austrian citizens to comply with the terms and conditions of the ESTA and not overstay the allowed 90 days to avoid any immigration violations.

Updating Your ESTA: When Do Austrian Nationals Need to Applyfor a New Travel Approval?

In some situations, Austrian nationals must apply for a new travel approval. Here are some of them:

  • They have changed their name or gender;
  • They have received a new passport for any reason;
  • Their citizenship status has changed;
  • If their answers to eligibility questions in the ESTA form have changed;
  • Their existing ESTA has expired because the two-year term has elapsed.

Important Information About ESTA

Before starting your ESTA application, there are a few more important information Austrian citizens need to be aware of.

Does the ESTA Authorization Guarantee Admission to the USA?

No, the ESTA approval doesn’t guarantee entry into the USA. It confirms that you're eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program, but the border officer makes the final decision on whether a traveler can enter the US or not.

What to do if ESTA gets declined

If your ESTA gets refused then there may still be an option for you to travel to the US. Firstly, if you think that it has been refused due to an error you made when completing the ESTA, you may be able to re-apply for your ESTA with the correct information. Or, if the ESTA has been refused for another reason, you may be able to apply for a US visa instead by completing a DS-160 form and attending an interview at the US Embassy.

The address for the US Embassy in Austria is:

U.S. Embassy Vienna
Boltzmanngasse 16
1090 Vienna, Austria

ESTA Ineligibility: Who Doesn’t Qualify for the Travel Authorisation?

It is important to know that not all individuals qualify for VWP travel, even though they are nationals of a member country. That means some tourists from Austria are ineligible to travel using an ESTA, including:

  • People who were under arrest;
  • Individuals who possess criminal records;
  • Individuals with certain infectious diseases;
  • Persons who previously overstayed on the Visa Waiver Program.

Do Austrian Minors Need an ESTA and Who Can Apply on Their Behalf?

Minors, like any other individual,, must have an approved ESTA prior to their trip to America.

Parents, as legal guardians, must make ESTA applications on behalf of their children.

Do I Need to Bring a Printed Copy of My ESTA Travel Authorisation to the Airport?

It's not mandatory to print your travel authorization. The system is digital, and your land, sea, or air carrier can access your ESTA status information from the DHS.

US ESTA vs US Visa: What Is the Difference?

There are a few important differences between ESTA and an American visa:

  • ESTA users can complete the entire application online, while a visa applicant must go for an interview in person at the US embassy.
  • The time of approval for ESTA is anywhere from a few minutes to 72 hours, while for a visa, the period is longer: 15 - 30 days.
  • With ESTA, travel to America cannot last over 90 days, so a visa is required for a longer trip.
  • ESTA is for tourists, businesses, and transit purposes. Visa is mandatory for marriage, college students, emigration, and work.
  • ESTA is cheaper to get than a visa.

Under What Circumstances Do Austrian Citizens Need to Applyfor a US Visa Instead of an ESTA?

Under the following circumstances, Austrian citizens need to apply for a US visa instead of an ESTA:

  • If they want to work in the USA;
  • If they have previously been denied a USA visa;
  • If their intends visit last more than 90 days;
  • If they go to America to college or university;
  • If they possess a criminal record;
  • If they have some infectious diseases.
Do Dual Citizens of Austria and the United States or Canada Need an ESTA?

Dual Citizens of Austria and the United States or Canada do not need to have an ESTA. The reason is simple: They can use their USA or Canada passports when entering the USA.

Benefits of ESTA for Spanish citizens:
  • Fast processing
  • Business, tourism, medical or transit purposes
  • Can be used on multiple visits to US
  • ESTA form can be completed in 10 mins
  • For trips to US of up to 90 days
  • Use mobile or desktop to send application
Are You Looking for More Information About the ESTA?

Read the ESTA requirements and FAQ section for further information before beginning your application.

Written by Abisola Fikayomi

Abisola is an accomplished writer interested in US Travel, immigration, passports and visas. She’s passionate about exploring new places and cultures and willing to share her experiences, expertize and findings with others. That is her primary drive for specialising in this industry.

FAQs

Yes, Austrians need ESTA if they travel to the USA for business or tourist purposes. If they visit the USA for any other reason, they must use a visa instead ESTA.
As long as your ESTA is valid, you can enter the US an unlimited number of times. Of course, none of those visits can exceed 90 days.
No, you cannot work in the USA with an ESTA. An appropriate visa is required for that.
No, because a visa offers more possibilities than ESTA.
No application for ESTA can be done without an email address. The logic behind this is that if your ESTA is approved, it will automatically be forwarded to the associated mail address used when you filled in the application form.
Yes, it is possible to make changes to the ESTA application before travelling to the USA. In case you noticed an error after travelling to the USA, it is necessary to make a new application.