Applying For An Austrian Visa: Dubai To Vienna

If you are a UAE citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Austria. However, if you are a UAE resident, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Austria. The process of applying for an Austrian visa from Dubai involves several steps. First, you must determine your visa type and check your eligibility. Then, you can gather the necessary documents, such as a completed application form, passport photos, your original passport, a cover letter, proof of accommodation in Austria, travel insurance, and proof of financial means. After paying the visa fee online, you can submit your application at VFS Global in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, depending on your residence permit. The processing time for an Austrian visa typically ranges from 5 to 15 days, and the visa may be issued for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.

Applying for an Austrian Visa from Dubai

Visa requirements for UAE citizens and residents

If you are a UAE citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Austria. However, you must carry a UAE passport with six months' validity from the date of your arrival in Dubai.

If you are a UAE resident, you need to apply for a Schengen visa at VFS Global to enter Austria. The steps are as follows:

• Choose your visa type and check your eligibility.
• Check where you need to apply. If your residency visa was issued by the Emirate of Al Ain or Abu Dhabi, you must apply at VFS Global Abu Dhabi. If you reside in Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, you must apply at VFS Global Dubai.
• Book an appointment to submit your application.
• Pay the visa fee online.
• On the appointment date, visit VFS Global and submit your complete application with the required documents, including:
• A completely filled and signed application form.
• Recently taken passport-sized photos (not older than 6 months) on a white background, with no smile, and 80% face coverage.
• Original passport.
• A cover letter.
• UAE resident visa.
• Return flight tickets and proof of accommodation in Austria.
• Travel insurance.
• Proof of financial means (a bank statement for the last 3 months).
• If you are a minor, you will need your parent's passports.

The processing time for an Austria Visa is typically between 5 to 15 days, but it can vary depending on several factors. It is recommended that you apply at least 20 working days before your desired date of departure. If you intend to stay in Austria for more than 6 months, you must apply for a residence permit from the authorities in Austria.

Where to apply for an Austrian visa in Dubai

If you are a UAE resident or citizen and want to visit Austria, you will need to apply for an Austria Schengen visa. Nationals of third countries that are legal residents in the UAE can apply for a visa at the Application Centre in the UAE. The visa fee is generally €80, or the equivalent in Dirhams, and is to be paid in cash at the time of application. This fee is non-refundable.

The processing time for applications at the Embassy of Austria is approximately 15 working days. Applicants must provide evidence of their eligibility for the visa, as well as supporting documents. These include a recently taken passport-size photo, an original passport, a cover letter, a UAE resident visa, return flight tickets, proof of accommodation in Austria, travel insurance, and proof of financial means. Minors will need to provide their parents' passports and a letter from them.

Long-term visa applications must be submitted at the Austrian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, by prior appointment. However, if your residency visa was issued by the Emirate of Al Ain or Abu Dhabi, you must apply at VFS Global Abu Dhabi. If you are residing in Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, you must apply at VFS Global Dubai.

Documents required for the application

To apply for an Austrian visa from Dubai, you must submit your application in person at VFS Global in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai, depending on your residence permit. If your residency visa was issued by the Emirate of Al Ain or Abu Dhabi, you must apply at VFS Global Abu Dhabi. If you are residing in Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, you must apply at VFS Global Dubai.

• A completed and signed application form.
• Recent passport-sized photos (no older than 6 months) taken against a white background, without a smile, and with 80% face coverage.
• Your original passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival back in Dubai.
• A cover letter.
• A UAE resident visa.
• Return flight tickets and proof of accommodation in Austria.
• Travel insurance.
• Proof of financial means, such as a bank statement for the last 3 months.
• If you are a minor, you will need your parent's or guardian's passports.

Please note that additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances. It is recommended to check with the Austrian embassy or a visa service provider for a consultation prior to submitting your application.

Processing time for the visa

The processing time for an Austrian visa depends on the type of visa and your specific circumstances. Here is some information regarding processing times for Austrian visas:

Schengen Visa Processing Time:

The processing time for a Schengen visa to Austria typically ranges from 5 to 15 days from the date of your appointment at the embassy or consulate. However, it is recommended to apply at least 20 working days before your desired departure date, as certain travel purposes may require a longer processing time. For instance, the processing time for a Schengen visa can take between 10 to 12 working days from the appointment date.

Student Visa Processing Time:

For student visas, the processing time can vary depending on the specific requirements and approval process of the educational institution in Austria. Bona fide students can obtain a student visa for the duration of their studies, which is typically valid for more than 90 days and up to 6 months.

Tourist Visa Processing Time:

The processing time for a tourist visa to Austria can vary depending on the specific circumstances and requirements. It is recommended to apply for a tourist visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to ensure sufficient processing time. Tourist visas are typically valid for a maximum stay of up to 90 days, but the actual duration is at the discretion of the Austrian Consulate.

It is important to note that the processing times provided are estimates and can change without notice at the consulate's discretion. Additionally, if you are applying for a visa from Dubai, you should ensure that you meet the specific requirements and follow the application procedures for UAE residents or citizens.

Visa duration and extension

The duration of your Austria visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. If you are a UAE citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Austria. However, if you are a UAE resident, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa.

The Schengen visa is a travel document that allows you to enter the Schengen zone, which includes Austria, for a designated period of time. The maximum stay for a tourist visa is usually up to 90 days within a period of six months. The actual duration is at the discretion of the Austrian Consulate. Student visas are valid for multiple entries and the period of study approved by the educational institution in Austria, which can be up to six months.

If you intend to stay in Austria for more than six months, you must apply for a residence permit from the authorities in Austria, rather than an entry permit (visa).

To apply for a Schengen visa, you must schedule an appointment and submit your paperwork at your nearest consulate, either in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, depending on your residence permit. All Schengen Zone visa applications must be submitted by the applicant in person. You can also seek consultation services from private visa agencies like VisaHQ, which provide expediting services for a fee.

Frequently asked questions