Visa Requirements For Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria's visa requirements vary depending on the traveller's nationality and the purpose and duration of their visit. Citizens of EU member states, European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Austria. However, nationals of other countries may require a visa, especially if they intend to stay for more than 90 days or engage in gainful employment. US citizens, for example, can enter Austria without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Similar visa-free entry is granted to citizens of several other countries, including Australia, Japan, Canada, and the UK. It is important to note that travellers from certain countries, such as India, will need to obtain a Schengen visa to enter Austria. Additionally, all visitors must ensure their passports meet the entry requirements and that they comply with any other necessary regulations, such as those related to customs and pets.

Who needs a visa for Austria?

Citizens of the following countries need a visa for Austria:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Angola
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Belize
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Comoros
• Cuba
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Djibouti
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Guyana
• Haiti
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Ivory Coast
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Mali
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Micronesia
• Mongolia
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Nauru
• Nepal
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palestine 'Refugee' (blue and black travel document)
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Qatar
• Russia
• Ruanda
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan (North Sudan), South Sudan
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Togo
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Uganda
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam
• Yemen
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa for Austria, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days and is for tourist purposes only:

• Albania (biometric passports only)
• Andorra
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Bosnia-Herzegovina (biometric passports only)
• Bosnia
• Brazil
• British 'European Community' passport issued in or after July 1988
• British 'Isle of Man', 'Jersey', 'Guernsey and its dependencies' passport
• British Subject passport
• British Overseas Territories citizen passport
• British National Overseas (BNO) passport
• British Protected Persons passport
• British Overseas Citizens passport
• Brunei
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Dominica
• El Salvador
• Georgia
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Hong Kong (SAR only)
• Israel
• Japan
• Macao (RAE only)
• Malaysia
• Mauritius
• Macedonia (biometric passports only)
• Mexico
• Moldavia
• Monaco
• Montenegro (biometric passports only)
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Palau
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Samoa
• Serbia (biometric passports only and NOT issued by Koordinacija Uprava)
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• South Korea
• St. Christophe and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and Grenadines
• Taiwan (all passports if they contain the holder's identity number)
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Ukraine (biometric passports only)
• United States of America
• Uruguay
• Vatican
• Venezuela

Additionally, holders of an EEA (EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Swiss passport do not require a visa for Austria. Nationals from EU countries, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein may stay for an unlimited time.

Holders of British passports don't need a visa for touristic travel, visiting friends and family, or business travel (without gainful work in Austria) for up to 90 days in the Schengen area within a rolling 180-day period.

Spouses, dependants, or civil partners of non-Austrian EU/EEA/Swiss nationals exercising their right of free movement do not need a visa for Austria.

Who is exempt from needing an Austrian visa?

The visa requirement for Austria depends on factors such as nationality, duration of stay, and reason for visiting. Here is a detailed overview of who is exempt from needing an Austrian visa:

• Residents of countries within the Schengen Area, EEA/EU do not need a visa for Austria.
• Citizens of the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia are exempt from needing a visa if their stay in Austria does not exceed 90 days.
• Residents of countries with a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen Area do not require a visa.
• Holders of diplomatic passports are exempt from needing a transit visa when passing through Austria.
• Residents of Japan, Canada, the US, the Republic of San Marino, or the Principality of Andorra are also exempt from needing a transit visa.
• Nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates can visit Austria visa-free for up to 90 days.
• Austria passport holders can travel to 191 countries and territories without a visa, including Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, and the United Arab Emirates.

What is the validity of an Austrian visa?

The validity of an Austrian visa depends on the type of visa and the purpose of the visit. Here is some information on the different types of Austrian visas and their validity:

Visa-Free Travel

Citizens of specific countries, including the US, do not need a visa if their stay in Austria does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period and is for tourist purposes only. However, it is important to note that visa-free travel does not permit gainful employment or self-employment during the stay.

Visa C

A Visa C is for short-term stays in Austria, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It permits entry into all Schengen countries and allows holders to stay within those countries for a total of 90 days within a 180-day period, provided they fulfil the general entry conditions.

Visa D

A Visa D is for longer stays in Austria, ranging from 91 days up to a maximum of 6 months. It entitles holders to enter and stay in Austria and also provides freedom of movement to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days, as long as the general entry conditions are met.

Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card model applies to individuals seeking highly qualified employment or other skilled employment in Austria. This type of visa requires individuals to have a respective job offer, and applications are processed according to specific selection factors in coordination with local labour authorities.

It is important to note that the processing times for Austrian visas may vary, and applicants should allow sufficient time for their visa application to be processed before their intended travel date. Additionally, specific documentation may be required, and it is recommended to consult the relevant Austrian authorities for detailed information.

What are the requirements for an Austrian visa?

The requirements for an Austrian visa depend on the applicant's nationality and the purpose and duration of their visit. Here is a detailed breakdown of the requirements:

Visa Requirements for Citizens of Specific Countries

Citizens of EU member states, European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Austria, even if they plan to stay for more than 90 days.

On the other hand, citizens of certain non-EEA countries, such as Afghanistan, China, India, Russia, and Turkey, are required to obtain a visa for Austria. The processing time for visa applications from these countries varies from approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

Additionally, citizens of specific countries, including the United States, Albania, and Brazil, are exempt from obtaining a visa if their stay in Austria does not exceed 90 days and is for tourist purposes only.

Visa Requirements Based on Purpose and Duration of Visit

Short-Stay Visa (Visa C)

The Schengen Visa C is intended for short stays in Austria, not exceeding 90 days per 180 days, for touristic, business, or visiting purposes. This type of visa does not allow gainful employment in Austria.

Long-Stay Visa (Visa D)

If you plan to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Visa D, which entitles the holder to stay in the country for up to six months. This type of visa is subject to Austrian national legislation and can be issued for one or more entries.

Visa for Gainful Employment

Foreigners who are not nationals of an EEA state or Switzerland and wish to pursue gainful employment or activities similar to gainful employment (e.g., internships) in Austria always require a visa.

General Requirements for Obtaining an Austrian Visa

• The application must be lodged at the competent Austrian Consulate in the country where the applicant legally resides.
• The application must be submitted within a period of six months and not later than 15 calendar days before the intended start of the trip.
• A correctly completed and personally signed visa application form must be presented.
• A valid passport is required, with a minimum validity of three months after the expiry of the visa and at least two free pages.
• An ICAO-compliant passport photo must be provided.
• Fingerprints must be collected (unless already stored within the last 59 months).
• The visa fee must be paid.
• Proof of sufficient funds or financial resources to cover living and travel expenses during the stay in Austria.
• Presentation of valid travel medical insurance covering the period of the intended stay.
• Willingness to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires.

What is the application process for an Austrian visa?

The application process for an Austrian visa depends on the type of visa and the applicant's country of residence. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Austrian visa:

Check if you need a visa:

Firstly, determine if you need a visa to enter Austria. Citizens of certain countries, such as EU member states, the US, Canada, and Australia, are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days. However, if you intend to stay longer than 90 days or seek gainful employment in Austria, you will need to obtain a visa.

Understand the type of visa you need:

Austria offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. The two main categories are short-stay visas (Schengen visas) and long-stay visas. Short-stay visas include tourist visas, visitor visas, business visas, visas for official visits, medical visas, study visas, and visas for cultural, sports, and film crews. Long-stay visas, also known as Austrian national visas or Type D visas, are required for those who want to live and work in Austria, including students, family members joining relatives, retirees, and job seekers.

Determine where to lodge your visa application:

The submission location for your visa application depends on your country of residence. For residents of Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and the Caribbean, there are specific countries where you can apply through VFS Global, TLS Contact, or the embassy/consulate of another Schengen country. In other cases, you must submit your application to the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Complete and download the visa application form:

You need to fill out the visa application form, providing personal information, passport details, the number of entries requested, financial information, employment and education history, and previous visa and travel history. The form can be downloaded from the official website of the Austrian embassy in your country.

Schedule your Austrian visa appointment:

After completing the application form, schedule a visa appointment to submit your documents, pay the fee, and provide fingerprint scans. You can book an appointment through VFS Global, VisaMetric, or directly with 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 departure date.

Prepare the required documents:

Before your appointment, gather all the necessary documents, including your passport, the printed and signed visa application form, travel insurance, accommodation proof, and proof of financial means. Travel medical insurance is compulsory and should have a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and include repatriation in case of death.

Attend your visa appointment:

Arrive on time for your appointment at the designated visa centre or embassy, bringing all the required documents and photocopies. At the appointment, you will be asked to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs.

Pay the application fee:

Adult applicants must pay a fee of €90, while minors and nationals of certain countries pay a reduced fee of €45. The fee may be paid in the currency of the country where the application is submitted and can be paid by debit/credit card or cash, depending on the embassy/visa application centre.

Wait for the visa to process:

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 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 delivered by courier for an extra fee. Make sure to bring your receipt and government ID when collecting your passport in person.

Frequently asked questions