Do Austrian citizens need a visa for USA? Learn more about the ESTA Application System

In February 2016, Austrian citizens had free visa or visa on entry access to 173 nations across the globe, positioning the Austrian international ID fifth on the planet. This is as indicated by the Visa Restrictions Index. Nonetheless, USA being a super power has had VISA restrictions to many nations. Does this include Australia? Do Austrian citizens need a visa for USA? These are some of the questions that we will answer in this write up.

About ESTA

Austria is a party to the Visa Waiver Program, which empowers Austrian nationals to go to the United States without a visa. In the first quarter of 2009, ESTA-the Electronic System for Travel Authorization turned into a necessity of the Visa Waiver Program. 

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) empowers nationals of specific nations to go to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without getting a visa. Not all nations take an interest in the VWP, and not all visitors from VWP nations are qualified to utilize this waiver program. 

ESTA is an application system for all travelers from Visa Waiver Countries, including Austria. The Visa Waiver Program has streamlined travelling to the USA for a large number of guests by just requiring a computer readable passport. Presently, because of increased security directions, the same visitors must apply for a Travel Authorization (ESTA) ahead of time. As usual, an e-passport from a Visa Waiver nation is still required to get access into the nation. The whole ESTA application procedure is led online and facilitated by the U.S. Bureau of Homeland Security (DHS). 

ESTA restrictions

Starting January 21, 2016, Austrian tourists who at present have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorizations (ESTAs) and who have dual citizenship with one of these four nations i.e. Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Syria on their ESTA applications will have their current ESTAs cancelled and ought to apply for a Visa. 

Is ESTA a VISA?

The Travel Authorization is not a visa. Truth be told, a man from a non-visa waiver nation should not apply for a Travel Authorization. The reason for ESTA is to permit DHS to pre-screen all Visa Waiver Tourists before they leave their particular nations. U.S. bound Austrian travellers are prescribed to apply for the Travel Authorization no less than 72 hours before takeoff.

Prerequisites to visit USA without a VISA

Austrian Nationals can travel to the USA without a visa for leisure or for business for a period of 90 days or less and they should meet the accompanying prerequisites: 

•They should possess an epassport with an intergrated chip;

•They should register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA); and,

•Must be a resident of Austria,

•Must possess the ESTA approval;

•The Austrian national must stay in the United States for 90 days or less; and,

•He/She must have planned to go for: 

a. A Business trip-The reason for the arranged travel should be strictly to conduct business in the United States.

b. A Leisure/Tourism tour-The motivation behind the arranged travel should be purely recreational in nature, including tourism, excursion, visits with companions or relatives etc.

c. A Transit -If you are going through the United States.