Schengen, ESTA and eTA
Inform yourself whether your destination country has special entry regulations in good time before the start of your trip. You can find a summary of the most common destinations here.
General notes
Please note that it is your responsibility to bring the necessary documents for the respective country with you, as otherwise entry or exit may be refused. Special provisions apply in some countries to the entry or exit of minors, unaccompanied children or children accompanied by adults.
Country-specific provisions
The Schengen Agreement governs the free movement of passengers within European member states. This means that there are no longer any standard border checks. However, travellers must be able to identify themselves (including children and infants) within the Schengen area at any time in accordance with the applicable laws, and they must carry the relevant travel documents with them to do so (for example a personal ID or passport). Driving licences, bank and credit cards or similar documents are not recognised as valid travel documents or proof of identity.
You can find more information about the Schengen area on the European Union website.
What will entry regulations look like after Brexit?
Please use the official Brexit information.
Online registration is required for travel to the USA. You must register online via the "Electronic System for Travel Authorization" – known as "ESTA" for short.Apply for travel authorisation online no later than 72 hours before departure.
Visa-free entry
Carriage of passengers entering the USA under the "Visa Waiver Program" is prohibited unless the passenger has obtained an electronic entry permit from the US authorities in advance. Online registration is required for travel to the USA. You must register online via the "Electronic System for Travel Authorization" – known as "ESTA".
A fee of USD 14 is charged for the ESTA registration. Since it is valid for two years, you should carry it out early. Airlines are required to check the ESTA registration and are only permitted to take registered passengers. We therefore recommend you carry a printout with you. Please note that the travel permit must be applied for no later than 72 hours before departure and an ESTA visa is also required for transit.
Exclusion
Passengers who have travelled to certain countries within the previous five years or have dual citizenship can no longer be carried under the "Visa Waiver Program". The USA can cancel existing ESTA registrations and refuse entry at any time. You should therefore apply for your visa just like passengers who are not covered by the "Visa Waiver Program".
List of countries where ESTA registration is not possible if you have previously travelled there.
Data transfers
Airlines are obliged to provide US authorities with information about passengers’ identity and travel documents. This data is recorded via the "Advance Passenger Information System" (APIS).
What data is transferred?
The passport data, the country of main residence and the full initial address during the USA stay, including house number, street, city, state and postcode.
Entry without a visa
Since March 2016 there is a new entry requirement, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), introduced by the Canadian government. The eTA applies to visa-exempt foreign citizens who are travelling by air to or via Canada. From 10 November 2016 visa-exempt foreign citizens must have an eTA before they board an Austrian Airlines flight to Canada.
You must apply for an eTA before your trip even if it is only a business trip, holiday, study or school visit, a visit to friends and relatives or a transit flight.
You can apply for an eTA for a handling fee on the official Canadian government website. There you will also find a description of the process, the documents required and conditions – among other things you must have a ticket for your onward travel or return home trip and remain in Canada for a maximum of six months.
