Current news

The United Kingdom (Great Britain) will introduce the obligation to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for other countries:

States with mandatory application:

States with mandatory application from January 8, 2025:

States with mandatory application from April 2, 2025:

What activities are permitted with a UK ETA

?

You can get a UK ETA if you

• come to the UK for a period of up to 6 months as a tourist, to visit family and friends, for business reasons or for short-term study
• come to the UK for up to 3 months with the Creative Worker visa concession
• come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
• travel through the UK (transit) - even if you do not pass through UK border control

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us

Your ÖVKG team

The Vietnamese consulate has announced that it will remain closed on 13.11.2024.

Good afternoon,

The European Union will introduce the EES and ETIAS systems. Below you will find an explanation and further information:

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) - launch date in 2025 not yet defined:

• Purpose:
  • ETIAS serves to pre-authorize travel to the Schengen area for citizens of countries that currently do not require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). It is a system for security screening travelers before they even enter the Schengen area.
• Function:
  • Travelers from visa-free countries must apply online for an ETIAS authorization before entering the country. The system checks the traveler's information in various databases (e.g. Interpol, Europol, EES, etc.) to identify potential security risks, such as criminal activity or terrorism. The authorization is usually granted within a few minutes and remains valid for three years or until the passport expires.
• Target group:
  • Citizens from visa-free third countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia) who wish to travel to the Schengen area.
• Next steps:
  • An ETIAS application is submitted before the trip.
  • The DVKG will provide a tangibly simple application process in good time.

EES (Entry-Exit System) - introduction currently planned for Nov. 10, 24:

• Purpose:
  • The EES records and stores information on the entry and exit of third-country nationals in the Schengen area. It replaces the manual stamping of passports at border crossings with an electronic system that stores both entry and exit data.
• Function:
  • The EES registers biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition) and stores the length of stay in the Schengen area. It is intended to help prevent overstaying (usually 90 days within 180 days) and improve the tracing of illegal entries. It also supports the border authorities in better controlling and managing the external borders.
• Target group:
  • All third-country nationals entering the Schengen area, both those who require a visa and those from visa-free countries.
• Next steps:
  • No further preparatory steps necessary for the traveler.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best regards

Your ÖVKG team

Dear Sir or Madam,

We would like to inform you that the American Embassy is getting a new appointment booking system.

Please note the following:

- no appointments can be booked between 23.10.2024 and 25.10.2024

- there may be delays in the delivery of passes

- the call center will not be available from 23.10.2024 -25.10.2024

Your ÖVKG team

According to the latest communication, the current 15-day visa-free entry option to the People's Republic of China for nationals until the end of 2025

• of the French Republic,
• the Federal Republic of Germany,
• the Italian Republic,
• the Kingdom of the Netherlands,
• the Kingdom of Spain
• of Malaysia
• of Austria,
• of Switzerland,
• of Ireland,
• from Hungary,
• of Belgium and
• of Luxembourg
• of Poland
• from Australia and
• from New Zealand

from October 15, 2024 (initially until the end of 2025) also for citizens

• of Portugal
• of Greece
• of Cyprus
• of Slovenia

is planned. The exemption from the visa requirement is to be valid exclusively for the following purposes and provisions:

• Tourist - single entry - maximum stay of up to 15 days
• Business - single entry - maximum stay of up to 15 days
• Family visits - single entry - maximum stay of up to 15 days
• Transit

The exemption shall NOT apply for the following purposes:

• A stay of more than 15 days
• Multiple entries
• Holders of Austrian service passports
• All other categories not mentioned above (e.g. work visa, conference visa, etc.)

As soon as we have more detailed information, we will of course inform you again.

If you have any questions, the ÖVKG consular advisors are available at any time.

Your ÖVKG team