Deep breath. Here's the answer.

The US State Department says US tourists don't need a visa for 90 days or less, shared across Schengen (90 in any 180). Your passport must be valid on entry and for 3 months after your planned Schengen departure, have been issued within the previous 10 years (Austrian Interior Ministry), and have two blank pages (US State Department). Austria's embassy says gainful employment or internships need a visa, as do stays over 90 days. ETIAS is not operating; EES happens at the border.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

You may need a visa if…

• The 90 days are shared across all Schengen countries (90 in any 180).
• Gainful employment or internships require a visa; stays over 90 days need a specific visa (Austrian embassy).
• ETIAS is not operating and applications aren't accepted; EES registration happens at the border.
• Health information was not reviewed in this check.
• Tourist accommodation must enter guests in its guest register. For other dwellings, register with the local authority within 3 days of moving in; an accommodation stay of no more than 3 days is exempt. Confirm the applicable procedure with your host.
• Official yellow-fever entry guidance conflicts: the U.S. State Department lists proof for arrivals from unspecified countries in South America or Africa, while Canada says no proof is required. If your route includes a yellow-fever-risk country, confirm with Austrian authorities before travel; do not assume either blanket rule is settled.

Before you travel

• ✓Check your passport is valid 3 months after your planned Schengen departure, was issued within the last 10 years, and has two blank pages.
• ✓Count your Schengen days (90 in any 180).
• ✓Working or doing an internship? Get a visa first.
• ✓Don't apply or pay for ETIAS — it's not open.
• ✓Check US State Department travel advice before you go.
• ✓Carry evidence of your trip's purpose and enough funds for your stay and return or onward journey; border officers may ask for documents such as a return or onward ticket.
• ✓Tourist accommodation must enter guests in its guest register. For other dwellings, register with the local authority within 3 days of moving in; an accommodation stay of no more than 3 days is exempt. Confirm the applicable procedure with your host.
• ✓If arriving after travel in a yellow-fever-risk country, resolve the conflicting certificate advice with Austrian authorities before travel.

Common questions