Applying For An Austrian Visa: A Guide For Sri Lankans

If you're a citizen of Sri Lanka and you're planning to travel to Austria, you will need to apply for a visa. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit. Business and tourist visas are available for Sri Lankans wishing to travel to Austria, and there are also visas for internships and motion picture filming. The Austrian Consulate in Sri Lanka provides a range of consular services for those who need a visa. The visa application process can be done online, and there is usually a fee involved, which is subject to change according to the current exchange rate.

How to apply for an Austria visa from Sri Lanka

Tourist Visa requirements

To apply for an Austrian tourist visa from Sri Lanka, you must submit your application to your local government, either through an embassy, consulate, or official representative office of the Austrian government that can issue visas. You will need to pay a fee, which depends on the current exchange rate and your profile and visa type. All fees are non-refundable.

There are several requirements you must meet to obtain a tourist visa. Firstly, you must provide a detailed travel itinerary for your trip, including proof of invitation if you are visiting family or friends. If you are employed, you must also submit your employment contract. All documents must be in English or German, and you must provide translations if necessary. Additionally, you must attach a copy of your civil status or birth certificate, and copies of any previous Schengen visas.

It is important to note that the visa fee includes a service charge, two-way courier charges, and a transfer fee. These charges are subject to change and are payable in cash only. As per Austrian Embassy instructions, applicants must sign the application form, and a representative or travel agent must bring a signed declaration and undertaking at the time of submission.

The Austrian tourist visa allows you to visit any country in the Schengen area, which consists of 26 European countries, as long as your visa is valid. The visa is typically valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, please be aware that if you plan to visit other Schengen countries, these days will also count towards your total allowed stay.

Business Visa

To apply for an Austrian Business Visa from Sri Lanka, you must obtain a paper or embassy visa, which typically comes in the form of a stamp or sticker added to your passport. This type of visa is available for those who are conducting business in Austria, such as making sales or establishing contacts on behalf of a company outside Sri Lanka.

To initiate the visa application process, you must obtain the necessary forms and documentation, which may vary depending on your specific circumstances. You can find the required forms and guidelines on the official website of the Austrian government or the Austrian Embassy in Sri Lanka. It is recommended to start the process early, as processing times may vary.

The application process typically involves completing the visa application form, providing relevant documentation, and paying the associated fees. The visa fee for a business visa is subject to the current exchange rate and may change. As of November 1, 2021, the service charge is 9680 LKR, with additional two-way courier charges of 3520 LKR and a transfer fee of 170 LKR (including VAT) per application. These charges are non-refundable and must be paid in cash.

When submitting your application, ensure that you have signed the application form, as per the instructions from the Austrian Embassy. A representative or travel agent can assist you in this process and must bring the signed application form and other required documents. Keep in mind that additional requirements, such as an interview or further documentation, may be necessary, depending on your specific situation.

Once your application is approved, you will receive your visa, typically in the form of a stamp or sticker in your passport. This approval will allow you to travel to Austria for business purposes, and you must adhere to the terms and conditions of your visa during your stay. Remember to carry your passport and visa with you at all times during your travel and stay in Austria.

Internship Visa

If you are a Sri Lankan passport holder and wish to travel to Austria for an internship, you will need to apply for a visa. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Austrian internship visa from Sri Lanka:

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa Required

Before starting the visa application process, it is important to determine the type of visa you need. For internships in Austria, you will likely need a temporary work visa or a job seeker visa. The type of visa depends on the duration of your internship and the nature of the work involved.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The exact list of documents required may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, some common documents that you may need include:

• A valid passport (with at least two free pages, not older than 10 years, and valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Austria)
• Proof of onward travel or departure from Austria
• Completed visa application form
• Signed declaration and undertaking
• Biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph
• Proof of internship or offer letter from the host organization in Austria

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Visa applications for Austria can be submitted through the external service provider VFS Global. You can book an appointment at the respective Application Center in Sri Lanka, and submit your application along with the required documents. The Austrian Embassy in New Delhi assesses all applications.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees

There is a service charge of 9680 LKR, plus two-way courier charges of 3520 LKR and transfer charges of 170 LKR (including VAT) per application. These charges are subject to change and are payable in cash only. Please note that visa fees are non-refundable.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the Austrian Embassy to process your visa application. The processing time may vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

It is important to note that the information provided here is for reference only and may not be exhaustive. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please visit the website of the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in Sri Lanka or contact their offices directly. Additionally, registering your trip with the US Department of State and the US Embassy in Austria can provide you with important safety information and assistance during your travel.

Motion film Visa

To apply for an Austrian visa from Sri Lanka, you must first determine the purpose of your visit. For instance, visas are granted for business, internships, or tourism. If you are planning to shoot motion films in Austria, you will need to apply for a specific type of visa.

This type of visa is granted to individuals who are visiting Austria to shoot motion films. Here are the steps you need to follow to apply for this visa:

• Declaration and Undertaking: As per the instructions from the Austrian Embassy, you will need to sign a declaration and undertaking. Your representative or travel agent must bring this signed document when submitting your application.
• Visa Fees and Charges: The visa fee is subject to the current exchange rate and may change. There is also a non-refundable service charge of 9680 LKR, two-way courier charges of 3520 LKR, and a transfer fee of 170 LKR (including VAT) per application. These charges must be paid in cash.
• Application Form: You will need to fill out and sign the application form as instructed by the Austrian Embassy.
• Supporting Documents: Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to provide additional supporting documents. These could include proof of your involvement in the film industry, such as letters from employers or collaborators, evidence of awards or nominations, commercial or critical success, and compensation received.
• Processing Time: It is important to allow sufficient time for visa processing. The time required may vary, so it is advisable to initiate the process as early as possible.
• Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Austria.

Please note that the information provided is based on the sources available and may not be exhaustive. It is always advisable to refer to the official websites and guidelines of the Austrian Embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and procedures.

Visa fees and charges

When applying for an Austrian visa from Sri Lanka, there are several types of visas to consider, each with its own set of fees and charges. Here is an outline of the visa fees and charges for different types of Austrian visas:

Tourist Visa:

The Tourist Visa is designed for those visiting Austria for tourism or other non-business-related purposes. The applicable visa fee for this type of visa is subject to the current exchange rate and may change. As of October 2021, the visa fee structure for the Tourist Visa includes:

• A service charge of 9680 LKR.
• Two-way courier charges of 3520 LKR.
• A transfer fee of 170 LKR, including VAT.

It is important to note that these VFS charges (service charges and other fees) are to be paid in cash only.

Business Visa:

The Business Visa is intended for individuals conducting business activities in Austria, such as making sales or establishing contacts on behalf of a company based outside of Sri Lanka. Similar to the Tourist Visa, the Business Visa fees are subject to the current exchange rate and may change. As of November 1, 2021, the fee structure includes:

• A service charge of 9680 LKR.
• Two-way courier charges of 3520 LKR.
• A transfer fee of 170 LKR, including VAT.

These VFS charges must be paid in cash, and the application form must be signed and submitted by the applicant, representative, or travel agent.

Internship Visa:

The Internship Visa is granted to individuals seeking to complete an internship program in Austria. For internships lasting longer than six months, applicants should apply for a residency permit instead of a visa. The visa fees for the Internship Visa, as of November 1, 2021, are calculated based on the current exchange rate and include:

• A service charge of 9680 LKR.
• Two-way courier charges of 3520 LKR.
• A transfer fee of 170 LKR, including VAT.

These VFS charges are to be paid in cash, and the application must be signed and submitted by the applicant, representative, or travel agent.

Processing Plans:

In addition to the visa fees and charges, there are different processing plans available for obtaining the Austria Schengen Visa, each with varying speeds and costs:

• Standard Process Plan: This is the general processing option with no extra charges. It typically takes one to two days to process the visa under this plan.
• Rush Process Plan: The processing time is expedited for an additional fee.
• Super Rush Process Plan: This option offers the fastest processing time for a higher fee.

Please note that the visa fees and charges mentioned above are subject to change and may be updated by the Austrian authorities. It is always advisable to refer to official websites or consult with the Austrian Embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa fees and charges.

Frequently asked questions