Travel To Austria: South African Visa Requirements

As of August 2024, South Africans can travel to Austria if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The last vaccination dose must have been administered 22 days before arrival in Austria. Austria recognises mixed-dose vaccinations. This change in entry requirements came after Austria reclassified South Africa from a virus variant area to a high-risk area. Other countries that have relaxed entry restrictions for South Africans include Germany, France, Switzerland, Finland, and Spain.

What are the entry requirements for Austria?

As of August 2024, Austria has reopened its borders to South Africans. However, there are specific entry requirements that must be met for entry into Austria. Here are the details:

Vaccination Requirements:

Full Covid-19 vaccination is required for entry into Austria. The last vaccination dose must have been administered at least 22 days before your arrival in the country. Both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are accepted for entry. Travellers who have been fully vaccinated are exempt from any mandatory quarantine requirements upon arrival.

Visa Requirements:

A Schengen Visa is required for South African citizens travelling to Austria. The following documents are typically needed as part of the visa application process:

• Completed application form
• Valid South African passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date, with at least 2 blank pages)
• Two recent passport-sized colour photographs
• Copy of a paid-for return ticket from South Africa to Austria
• Proof of foreign exchange or a credit card with a suitably high credit limit (R600 per day if you have prepaid accommodation)
• Proof of prepaid accommodation (special requirements apply if staying with someone in Austria)
• Travel insurance covering medical and repatriation costs up to €30,000
• Proof of employment or full-time study (e.g., a letter from your employer or educational institution)

The cost of the Austrian Visa is €60 per adult, payable in Rands in cash to the consulate. Applications must be made in person at the embassy in Pretoria.

What are the visa requirements for South Africans travelling to Austria?

South African passport holders need a valid passport and a visa to enter Austria. The visa requirements for South Africans travelling to Austria are as follows:

Visa Requirements & Application Form:

• Completed application form
• South African Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date with at least 2 blank pages
• Two recent passport-sized colour photographs
• Copy of a paid-for return ticket from South Africa to Austria
• Proof of foreign exchange purchased or a suitably high credit card limit (R600 per day if you have prepaid accommodation)
• Proof of prepaid accommodation – special requirements exist if staying with someone in Austria, enquire directly with the consulate for these
• Travel insurance covering medical and repatriation costs up to €30,000
• Proof of employment/full-time study (e.g. a letter from an employer/educational institution stating you are taking leave and your expected return date)

Visa Cost:

The cost of an Austrian Visa is €60 per adult, payable in Rands, cash to the consulate. Check with the consulate for the current exchange rate.

Where and How to Apply:

All applicants must apply in person at the embassy in Pretoria: 1109 Duncan Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria. Appointments must be made by phone by calling: 087 940 3471. You will be required to pay a fee of €13.58 by credit card over the phone, or you can prepurchase a PIN from Pick `n Pay for €17.44 (in Rands).

Other Requirements:

In addition to the above visa requirements, South Africans must also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Austria. Travellers may also be required to present proof of vaccination to gain entry to hotels, restaurants, museums, and other public spaces in Austria.

What are the costs of an Austrian visa?

The Austrian Visa costs €60 per adult and €35 for children aged 6 to 11. The visa fee may be waived for children under 12 years of age, diplomatic and service passport holders, and participants aged 25 or younger in educational, cultural, or sports events organised by non-profit organisations. The visa fee for children between the ages of 6 and 11 is €40.

The amount is payable in Rands in cash to the consulate, and it is recommended to check with the consulate for the current exchange rate. It is also advised to bring slightly more money than needed in small notes in case the embassy does not have change.

In addition to the visa fee, there is a service charge of ZAR 541.00 (inclusive of VAT) per application. There is also a fee of €13.58 to be paid by credit card over the phone when scheduling an appointment, or a fee of €17.44 (in Rands) for a PIN from Pick `n Pay.

Where and how to apply for an Austrian visa?

To apply for an Austrian visa, you must apply in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

In South Africa, applicants must apply in person at the embassy in Pretoria: 1109 Duncan Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria. Appointments must be made by phone by calling: 087 940 3471. A fee of €13.58 must be paid by credit card over the phone, or a PIN can be purchased from Pick n Pay for €17.44 (in Rands) which is then entered over the phone.

In the US, the Austrian Embassy is located at 3524 International Court NW Washington D.C. 20008-3035. The phone number is (202) 895 6767 and the fax number is (202) 895 60. The email address is [email protected], [email protected] (Consular Section).

The application requirements for a visa to Austria include:

• A completed application form
• A valid passport with blank pages
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of funds
• Proof of travel insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of vaccination status
• Proof of employment or study

What are the approved vaccines for entry to Austria?

To enter Austria, you must have been fully vaccinated with one of the following vaccines:

• Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech)
• Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)
• Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India)
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
• Spikevax; mRNA-1273), Moderna
• Vero Cell (Sinopharm/Beijing Institute of Biological Products)
• Sinovac (CoronaVac)

The vaccines accepted by Austrian authorities are those recognised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Frequently asked questions