Passports & Visa Regulations in Vienna
EEA citizens (European Economic Area = EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) do not need separate permission for entry, nor for their stay in Austria. Travellers from USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa for travel to Austria providing they stay no longer than three months (only the passport is required). Those with passports designated 'British National' (Overseas) as well as South African nationals require a passport and visa for travel to Austria.
For citizens from non-EEA countries and countries not listed above, entry and stay in Austria requires a visa. A detailed list of countries which citizens need a visa is available at the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs Website (BmaA).
Note: as passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice we advise travellers to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that, in principle, allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. All visitors holding proof of sufficient funds to cover intended stay and to buy an onward ticket need only enter Austria on a one-way ticket.
For non-EEA citizens a given visa cannot be extended within Austria. However, there is the possibility, with an appropriately justified application from the foreign country, of the issuance of a new visa which directly follows the old. The total duration of stay already specified may in no case be exceeded.
You also can get information concerning the European Union (EU) at Europe Direct (leading to sites in different languages).
