Visa Requirements: South Africans Visiting Austria

If you're a South African citizen planning to visit Austria, you'll need to obtain a valid passport and a visa. The type of visa you'll need depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. For short visits to Austria of up to 90 days within a six-month period, you'll require a Category C visa, also known as a Schengen visa. This visa allows individuals to visit Austria for tourism, recreation, or other short-term non-work purposes. On the other hand, if you're planning a non-touristic stay of up to six months, such as for studying, business, research, or artistic endeavours, you'll need to apply for a National Visa D. For stays longer than six months, a residence permit is required, and the application must be submitted at the Austrian Embassy.

What type of visa do I need for Austria from South Africa?

South African citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Austria. The type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. Here are the different types of visas for Austria and how to obtain them:

Short-Stay Visa (Category C/Schengen Visa)

If you are planning a short visit to Austria for tourism, business, or other short-term non-work purposes, you will need a Category C or Schengen Visa. This visa allows you to stay in Austria and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period. The application process and requirements are as follows:

• Complete the Common Schengen Application Form, ensuring that all sections are fully completed and signed.
• Provide a valid South African passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond your planned stay in the Schengen area.
• Submit supporting documents, including proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, and travel/health/accident insurance with a minimum medical coverage of €30,000.
• Pay the visa fee, which is typically €80 for adults and €40 for children between 6 and 12 years old. Certain categories, such as children under 6 and participants in specific events, are exempt from the visa fee.
• Submit your application in person no earlier than three months ahead of your journey and no later than 15 days before your departure.

Long-Stay Visa (National Visa D/Residence Permit)

If you plan to stay in Austria for more than 90 days for non-touristic purposes, such as studying, working, or conducting research, you will need a National Visa D or a residence permit. The application process and requirements may vary, but here are some general guidelines:

• Complete the relevant application form and submit it to the Austrian Embassy or Consulate.
• Provide a valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond your planned stay.
• Submit supporting documents, such as proof of purpose (e.g., acceptance letter from a university or work contract), proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds.
• Allow for processing time, which can take up to several weeks or even months for residence permits.
• For stays longer than six months, you will typically need to apply for a residence permit through the Austrian Embassy, who will forward your application to the competent Austrian authority.

How long does it take to process an Austrian visa application?

To enter Austria, South African passport holders need a valid passport and a visa. Citizens of the Republic of South Africa require a valid (international) passport to travel to Austria, as well as a visa or residence permit.

The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and duration of your visit. If you are visiting Austria for a holiday or recreation, or for other short-term non-work purposes, you will need a Schengen Visa (Visa C). This visa is valid for a maximum period of 90 days within a six-month period. The visa application cannot be submitted more than six months prior to departure and must be lodged no later than 15 calendar days before the intended start of the trip. The processing time for a Schengen Visa is typically 15 business days from receipt by the Embassy of a complete application. However, if further checks are necessary, the processing time may increase to 45 calendar days.

If you are planning a non-touristic stay of no longer than six months, such as for study, business, or research purposes, you will need a National Visa D. The processing time for this type of visa is typically 15 calendar days after submitting the application.

It is important to note that the processing times mentioned above may vary depending on your nationality and the volume of applications. Additionally, the Austrian Embassy may request additional information or documents, or invite applicants for an interview, which may cause delays in the visa process. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel date.

What documents do I need to apply for an Austrian visa?

To apply for an Austrian visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

Basic Requirements

• A completed Austrian Visa Application Form
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means
• Civil Status Documents (birth certificate or marriage certificate)
• Copies of previous Schengen Visas
• A valid passport with two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years, and valid for at least six months from the date of application
• A recent passport-sized photograph according to ICAO criteria
• Visa fee receipt
• Travel insurance for the Schengen area, with a minimum medical coverage of €30,000
• A cover letter for the visa application, including details such as the purpose and duration of your visit, your employment status, and any plans to visit other Schengen countries
• A visa travel itinerary, including flight name, departure and arrival dates, flight code, and flight booking numbers

Additional Requirements for Specific Visa Types

If you are applying for a specific type of visa, such as a student, work, medical, or family reunification visa, you may need to provide additional documents.

Student Visa

• University records from a previous university, if applicable
• Proof of enrollment in an Austrian university

Work Visa

• Proof of employment (employment contract from Austria)
• Proof of financial stability
• Proof of academic achievement (university degree)

Medical Visa

• Local diagnosis confirmation from your doctor, stating your health status
• Declaration from your doctor/hospital in Austria confirming your appointment
• Receipt proving your payments
• Proof that you can finance your medical expenses

Family Reunification Visa

• Marriage certificate, if seeking reunification with a spouse
• From the Austrian resident you're applying for reunification with:
• Copy of their passport
• Proof of their citizenship ("Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis")
• Proof of income from the last three months
• Copy of Registration form ("Meldezettel")
• Copy of lease contract

Business Visa

• Business bank statements from the last six months
• A letter of purpose from your employer, stating why you are travelling to Austria
• An invitation from the Austrian company you will be conducting business with, including the dates of your visit and the company's detailed address
• An affidavit of liability from the Austrian company
• A family card or marriage license, if your spouse is accompanying you on the trip

Requirements for Minors

If you are applying for a visa for a minor, you will need to provide:

• An Austrian Visa Application Form, signed by both parents
• The minor's birth certificate
• Certified copies of both parents' or legal guardians' passports
• If the child is travelling alone:
• A signed letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians, allowing the minor to travel alone
• A copy of the minor's birth certificate
• Copies of the parents' or legal guardians' passports
• A copy of the parents' or legal guardians' marriage certificate, if the child and legal guardian have different surnames
• If only one parent has custody: A family court order that states explicit permission to travel with the minor

Please note that additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances, and you should allow sufficient time for processing your application.

How much does an Austrian visa cost?

Citizens of South Africa require a visa to enter Austria. The type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. There are two types of Austrian visas: short-term and long-term.

Short-term visas

Short-term visas, or category C visas, are for visits to Austria of up to 90 days within a 6-month period. This includes tourist visas, business visas, short-stay student visas, and medical visas. The fee for a short-term visa is:

• €90 for adults
• €45 for children between the ages of 6 and 12
• Free for children under the age of 6

Long-term visas

Long-term visas, or category D visas, are for visits to Austria of more than 6 months. This includes student visas, family visas, and residence permits for retirement. The fee for a long-term visa is:

• €150 for individuals over the age of 6
• €75 for individuals under the age of 6

Additional fees

There may be additional fees for processing applications and taking fingerprints. These fees vary depending on the location of the application centre.

Where do I apply for an Austrian visa?

As a South African citizen, you will need a visa to enter Austria. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and length of your stay.

Where to Apply for an Austrian Visa as a South African Citizen:

• You can apply for a Schengen Visa to Austria at the Austria Visa Application Centres (VFS) in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
• VFS offers limited time slots for submitting visa applications, so it is recommended to contact them beforehand.
• An additional fee will apply for this service, and applications can only be accepted if submitted at least 15 days before departure but not earlier than 6 months.
• All applications will be processed by the Austrian Embassy in Pretoria.
• If you are in Lesotho or Eswatini, where there is no Schengen representation for Austria, you must apply at the Austrian Embassy in Pretoria.

Additional Information:

• The Schengen Visa allows South African citizens to visit Austria for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, visiting family, or medical reasons.
• For non-touristic stays longer than 90 days but less than 6 months, you will need a National Visa D.
• For stays longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a residence permit at the Austrian Embassy.
• The processing time for an Austrian visa application is typically 15 days but can take up to 30 days or longer in certain cases.
• The visa fee for adults is €90, while for minors and nationals of certain countries, it is reduced to €45.
• Along with your visa application, you will need to submit various documents, including a valid passport, proof of travel insurance, accommodation, and financial means to support yourself during your stay.

Frequently asked questions