Green Card Travel: Austrian Flights, Allowed?

Green card holders are allowed to travel outside of the US, but they will need to present a valid, unexpired Green Card to re-enter the country. If a green card holder is looking to travel to Austria, they will need to get a valid Austria Schengen visa before they can travel. This can be done by applying with the Austrian consulate or a designated visa centre.

Schengen Visa Requirements for US Green Card Holders

US Green Card holders need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe as they are considered third-country nationals. The requirements for a Schengen visa application are as follows:

• Firstly, you must fill out the Schengen visa application form, signing it after entering all accurate information.
• Secondly, you must submit your original, valid passport. The passport should be valid for at least six months after you depart from the Schengen zone and should have a minimum of two blank pages.
• Thirdly, you must submit passport-sized photographs with a white background, preferably.
• Fourthly, you must provide proof of your residency, such as a US residence permit, your Green Card, or a US residence visa, which should be valid for a minimum of three months after you depart the Schengen zone.
• Fifthly, you will need to provide your travel itinerary, which can include proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings, or an invitation from your host. Alternatively, you can provide proof of a round-trip flight itinerary booking.
• Sixthly, a cover letter is required, stating why you want to enter the Schengen area and how long you wish to stay.
• Seventhly, proof that you can cover the costs of your stay is necessary. This can be demonstrated through a bank statement or a sponsorship letter.
• Lastly, travel health insurance is mandatory when applying for a Schengen visa.

The Schengen visa application process is universal and straightforward. You should apply by scheduling an interview at the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to travel to. If you live in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, or Washington D.C, you can also apply via a VFS Global centre.

Austrian Schengen Visa Requirements for US Green Card Holders

The following requirements are specific to obtaining an Austrian Schengen visa:

• Austrian Visa Application Form: You must decide which type of Austrian visa you are applying for and download the relevant form, filling it out with correct details.
• Round-Trip Flight Itinerary/Ticket: It is recommended that you do not buy your plane ticket until your Austrian visa is accepted, as there are many situations in which your visa may be denied.
• Schengen Travel Insurance: A certificate from the insurance company is required, including the name of the visa applicant, the dates of coverage, the total coverage amount, and minimum coverage of $50,000 or €30,000.
• Cover Letter: This should explain why you want to visit Austria and how you know the person who invited you, including what your relationship is with the invitee.
• Visa photographs: A recent coloured photograph, passport-sized, taken in good lighting with a white background, with the subject facing forward.
• Valid passport: Issued within the last 10 years, with a minimum of two blank pages, valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
• Proof of Accommodation: This could be reservations at a hotel or hostel, or, if staying with friends or relatives, an original invitation issued by the local police station, proceeded by a Citizen or Legal Resident of Austria.
• Proof of your connection to America: As a Green Card holder, you will need to show proof that you live in the area where the Austrian consulate or visa application centre is located. A State ID, driver's license, housing agreement, or student ID are all acceptable forms of proof.
• Proof of Sustenance: After booking your round trip flight and lodging, you will need to show proof that you have enough money to cover other expenses. To stay in Austria or any other Schengen area, you need to show proof of at least USD $115 per person per day.
• Proof of Employment: If you are employed, you will need to provide an employment contract, your latest six-month bank statement, a leave permission letter from your employer, and an ITR (Income Tax Return) proof. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide proof of your business license and your company's latest bank statement and ITR proof. If you are unemployed, you will need a notarized letter from the person you are economically dependent on, along with their valid passport copy and bank statement. If you are retired, you will need your latest six-month bank statements and your original birth certificate.

Types of Schengen Visas for US Green Card Holders

US Green Card holders need a Schengen visa to enter any of the Schengen states in Europe. The type of visa will depend on the purpose of your visit.

Tourist Schengen Visa

The tourist visa is for individuals who wish to visit Europe for vacation, sightseeing, or to visit relatives. This visa allows a short stay of up to 90 days and is valid for 180 days.

Business Schengen Visa

The business visa is for those who wish to attend meetings, conferences, or negotiate business deals. This visa also allows a short stay of up to 90 days and is valid for 180 days.

National Visa

For stays longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a national visa, which allows for a longer stay.

Transit Visa

If you need to transit through one of Austria's airports to reach a non-Schengen Area country, you will need to apply for a transit visa.

Student Visa

If you plan to study at an Austrian educational institution for up to three months, you will need to apply for a student visa.

Spouse Visa

If you plan to join your spouse, who is either an Austrian citizen or has a work permit, you will need to apply for a spouse visa.

Medical Visa

If you are seeking surgery or medical treatment in Austria, you will need to apply for a medical visa.

Sports, Cultural, and Film Crew Visa

If you are visiting Austria to participate in a sports or cultural event, or if you plan to film a movie, you will need to apply for this type of visa.

Diplomat Visa

This type of visa is for official visits of national delegations or government officials.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

A Schengen Visa is a European short-stay visa that permits its holder to travel throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days. There are 29 countries in the Schengen Area, all of which have agreed to a common visa policy.

To successfully apply for a Schengen Visa, follow these steps:

• Fill out the Schengen Visa Application form: Complete the application form online, print it twice, and sign it. The form will ask for basic information, such as your name, date of birth, and nationality, as well as details about your trip, including how long you plan to stay and where you will stay.
• Make an appointment: Schedule an interview through the website of the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to visit. This must be done in your country of residence.
• Prepare the necessary documents: Ensure you have all the required documents for a Schengen visa, and make two copies of each. You will need to leave your passport at the consulate of the Schengen country where you apply for the visa.
• Attend the appointment: Arrive on time for your appointment—even a few minutes late may result in your appointment being cancelled. Your fingerprints will be scanned at the consulate's office if this is your first visa application to Europe.
• Verify the documents: After your application is verified, your information will be entered into the system, and you will receive a printed copy of your application to review and sign.

The cost of a Schengen visa application is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12 years old. The normal processing time is 15 days, but this can be extended to up to 45 days for more detailed applications.

Additional Information:

• You must submit your application at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months in advance.
• You may need to book an appointment before submitting the application.
• If your application is rejected, you will be informed of how to submit an appeal.

Visa Application Requirements

The visa application requirements for Austria depend on the type of visa you are applying for. The general principles and requirements for the issue of visas are as follows:

• Visa application form
• A travel document valid in Austria, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least three months and with at least two empty pages, that was issued within the last ten years
• A passport photo (portrait format, 35 x 45 mm) in accordance with the specified passport photo criteria
• Presentation of a fully comprehensive travel health insurance policy for the planned duration of the stay (amount of cover: 30,000 Euros, valid for the entire Schengen area)
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the intended stay and for the return journey to the country of origin or residence
• Other evidence requested by the relevant authorities (hotel reservations, invitations, booking confirmations, return flight ticket, proof of gainful employment, etc.) – as these are adapted to local standards and coordinated with other Schengen representations, the evidence to be provided may vary depending on location
• Absence of other grounds for refusal (residence prohibition, alert issued by a Schengen country)

Depending on the circumstances, additional documents may be requested.

Schengen Visas

Schengen visas must be issued by the representation office of the country in which the main travel destination of the visa applicant is located. If the applicant intends to spend an equal amount of time in several countries, the competent representation office is that of the country in whose territory the main travel destination is located, on the basis of the length and purpose of the stay.

Type A and C Visas

Territorial competence for applications for type A and C visas falls to the representation office in the consular district where the legal place of residence of the applicant is located. A representation office may claim exceptional competence for applications from third-country nationals legally residing but not registered in their district if the applicant can provide justification as to why they had to submit their application to that particular consulate.

Type D Visas

Type D visas must be applied for at the competent Austrian representation. The provisions of Section 8 of the FPG apply to type D visas. In accordance with these provisions, the territorial competence for carrying out official actions in relation to visas is determined on the basis of the foreign national's place of residence (i.e. their centre of interest, verifiable by means of e.g. registration forms, residence permit, visa).

Visa Types

The different types of Austrian visas include:

• Austria Transit Visa: for applicants who need to transit through one of Austria’s airports to reach the destination country they are visiting outside of the Schengen Area
• Austria Tourist Visa: for individuals who intend to visit Austria for vacation or sightseeing, with a maximum stay of 90 days
• Austria Visitor Visa: for individuals who intend to visit friends or family members in Austria
• Austria Business Visa: for those who plan to attend any trade fair, meet clients, or engage in any business-related activity
• Austria Diplomat Visa: for official visits of national delegations or government officials
• Austria Medical Visa: for those seeking surgery or medical treatment in Austria
• Austria Student Visa: for students who plan to study at an Austrian educational institution for up to three months
• Austria Visa for Sports, Cultural, Film Crew: for those planning to visit Austria for a sports event or cultural event as a participant or audience member, or for filming a movie
• Austria Spouse Visa: for those planning to join their spouse who is either a citizen or has a work permit for Austria

Visa Application Process

The visa application process for Austria can be completed by following these steps:

• Check if you need a visa: Whether you need a visa to enter Austria depends on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. US citizens can enter Austria without a visa for short-term visits of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or medical reasons. However, US green card holders will need to obtain a valid Austrian Schengen visa before travelling to Austria.
• Determine the type of visa you need: Austria offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit, such as transit, tourist, visitor, business, official, medical, student, sports, cultural, film crew, spouse, and retirement visas.
• Identify where to submit your application: The submission location for your visa application depends on your country of residence. For US residents, the application can be submitted at the Austrian Consulate or a designated visa centre like VFS Global.
• Complete and download the application form: The visa application form can be downloaded from the official website of the Austrian embassy in your country of residence. The form must be completed accurately and signed.
• Schedule your visa appointment: After completing the application form, schedule a visa appointment to submit your documents, pay the fee, and provide your biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs. The appointment can be booked through the VFS Global website or directly with the Austrian embassy/consulate via email.
• Prepare the required documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including your passport, printed and signed visa application form, travel insurance, accommodation proof, and proof of financial means.
• Attend your visa appointment: Arrive on time at the designated visa centre or embassy with all the required documents and supporting materials, as well as the necessary funds to pay the visa fees.
• Wait for the visa to be processed: The standard processing time for an Austrian visa is 15 days, but it can take up to 30 days or longer in certain cases. You can track your application status online if you applied through VFS Global.
• Collect your passport: Once your visa application is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa stamped inside from the Visa Application Centre or via courier service. Ensure to bring the required identification and receipt for collection.

Please note that the above process is a general guideline, and it is always recommended to refer to the official websites of the Austrian government and diplomatic missions for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Frequently asked questions