Schengen Visa: Entry To Austria Explained

Austria is one of the 27 countries that are part of the Schengen Area, which allows residents to travel freely within the borders of these countries without restrictions. To enter Austria, citizens of non-Schengen countries will need to apply for a Schengen Visa. This visa allows you to travel to Austria and move freely within the Schengen Area, visiting multiple countries if you wish. The Schengen Visa will allow you to stay in Austria or the Schengen territory for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This time can be spent in a single country or multiple countries inside the territory.

Who needs a Schengen Visa to enter Austria?

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Austria depends on your nationality, the length of your stay, and your reason for visiting.

If you are a citizen of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter Austria. The same is true if you hold a passport from the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, or any other country with a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU.

However, if you are a citizen of a non-EU country that has not reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU, or if you have been rejected from entering Austria or any other Schengen country visa-free, you will need to apply for a visa.

The Schengen Visa for Austria is a uniform visa that may be issued for the following purposes:

• Airport Transit Visa: For transiting through Austrian airports to reach a destination outside the Schengen Area.
• Tourist Visa: For those wanting a vacation or sightseeing experience in Austria.
• Visitor Visa: For individuals with family or friends in Austria who are aiming to visit them.
• Business Visa: For business professionals participating in business-related activities in Austria.
• Visa for Official Visit: For delegations travelling to Austria on official visits.
• Visa for Medical Reasons: For patients requiring medical care in Austrian hospitals or clinics.
• Visa for Study Purposes: For those seeking to study at an educational institution in Austria for up to three months.
• Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews: For individuals attending cultural, sports, or film events in Austria.

The processing time for an Austrian Schengen Visa may take up to 15 days, but it could take up to 60 days in extreme circumstances. You can apply for your visa up to six months before you travel, but you must apply at least a month before your trip.

How long can I stay in Austria with a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa allows you to stay in Austria for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This time can be spent in one single country or multiple countries inside the territory. The 90-day limit is important, as exceeding it could lead to serious repercussions such as fines, deportation, entry bans, or even arrest. The visa sticker affixed to your passport will show the dates you can travel to Austria and the total number of days you can stay.

The type of visa you need depends on your nationality and other factors such as your reason for visiting, the duration of your stay, and whether you'll be using Austria as a transit stop. If you are a citizen of an EU member state, European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter Austria. Nationals of other countries might require a visa to enter the Austrian territory or the wider Schengen Area.

If you are from the US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you won't need a visa for Austria if you are staying for fewer than 90 days. However, you will need a visa if you plan on staying longer than 90 days or if you plan on working in Austria during your stay.

To apply for a Schengen Visa to Austria, you will need to fill in a visa application form and supply the following documents:

• Two recently taken passport-style photos
• A passport or other travel documents that are less than 10 years old and valid for at least three months after your departure from the Schengen Area
• Travel and medical insurance covering you for up to €30,000
• A cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during your stay
• Proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate
• Proof that you have the means of subsistence during your stay

What is the process to obtain a Schengen Visa for Austria?

To obtain a Schengen Visa for Austria, you must meet certain criteria and follow a specific procedure. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Check if you need a visa: Whether you need a visa to enter Austria depends on your nationality. You will likely need a visa if you are a citizen of a non-EU country that has not reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU. However, even if you are from a country with a visa liberalisation agreement, you may still need to apply for a visa if you were previously rejected from entering Austria or any other Schengen country visa-free.
• Understand the type of visa you need: The Schengen visa for Austria is categorised as either a short-stay visa (type C) or a long-stay visa (type D). Short-stay visas include airport transit visas, tourist visas, visitor visas, business visas, visas for official visits, visas for medical reasons, visas for study purposes, and visas for cultural, sports, and film crews. Long-stay visas, also known as Austrian national visas, allow foreign nationals to live in Austria temporarily or permanently and include work, student, family, retirement, and job seeker visas.
• Determine where to lodge your visa application: The submission location depends on your country of residence. If you are applying from Europe, North America, South America, or Oceania, you may need to submit your application through VFS Global, the Swiss TLS Contact, or directly to the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If applying from Africa or Asia, you may also need to go through additional entities, such as Capago, BLS International, or German iData centre, depending on your country.
• Complete and download the visa application form: You will need to download and fill out the application form, providing personal information, passport details, the number of entries requested, financial information, employment and education history, and previous visa and travel history. You can find the form on the official website of the Austrian embassy in your country.
• Schedule your Austrian visa appointment: Book an appointment with VFS Global, VisaMetric, or the Austrian embassy/consulate, depending on your place of residence. It is recommended to schedule your appointment at least one to three months before your intended travel date.
• Prepare the required documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including your passport, the printed and signed visa application form, travel insurance, accommodation proof, and proof of financial means for your stay. You may also need additional documents depending on the purpose of your visit.
• Attend your visa appointment: Arrive on time for your appointment at the designated visa centre or embassy, bringing all the required documents and photocopies, as well as the necessary funds to pay the visa fees. You will be asked to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs.
• Wait for the visa to process: The standard processing time is 15 days, but it can take up to 30 or even 60 days in certain cases. You can track your application online if you applied through VFS Global.
• Collect your passport: Once a decision has been made, you can collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it couriered to you for an extra fee. Make sure to bring the necessary identification and receipts.

Please note that the above process is a general guide, and you should refer to the official websites of the Austrian government and its embassies or consulates for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

What documents do I need to apply for a Schengen Visa for Austria?

To apply for a Schengen Visa to Austria, you must meet certain criteria and follow a specific procedure. Here is a list of documents you need to apply for a Schengen Visa for Austria:

• A completed application form.
• A valid passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months beyond the validity of the requested visa, and issued within the last ten years.
• A copy of the bio-data page of the passport.
• One passport-size photograph, according to ICAO standards, and not older than three months.
• Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and including repatriation in the event of death.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living and travel expenses, such as bank statements.
• Proof of accommodation in Austria, such as hotel bookings.
• Proof of transportation to and from the Schengen area, such as flight tickets.
• Proof of civil status, such as a marriage certificate.
• Proof of employment or self-employment, such as a letter from your employer or accountant.
• Additional documents depending on the purpose of your visit, such as an invitation letter or proof of enrolment at an educational institution.

The required documents may vary depending on your country of residence and the specific circumstances of your application. It is recommended to check the official sources and the website of the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.

How much does a Schengen Visa to Austria cost?

The cost of a Schengen Visa to Austria varies depending on the age of the person concerned. The fees are paid to the visa service when submitting the application, and they are not reimbursed in the event of a visa refusal. The price is as follows:

• Children under 6 years old: Free
• Children from 6 to under 12 years old: €40
• Children from 12 to 18 years old: €80
• Adults: €90

If you apply at a visa application centre, you may be required to pay an extra service charge ranging from €30 to €40. This must be paid in the currency of the country where you submit the application.

In addition to the visa cost, you will also need to provide proof of travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000. Austrian visa applicants can obtain visa insurance from either Europ Assistance or vti.travel, a European insurance comparison website that compares insurance policies of AXA, Allianz, Europ Assistance and Mutuaide.

Frequently asked questions