Applying For An Austrian Visa: Egypt To Austria

Egyptian citizens wishing to travel to Austria are required to apply for a visa. The type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of the stay. For instance, a Schengen visa allows access to Austria and the entire Schengen zone, but does not permit employment or long-term residence. For stays exceeding 90 days but not more than 6 months, applicants can apply for a visa D. Applicants must submit their applications in person at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, or at a VFS Visa Application Center. The application process involves providing comprehensive financial documentation, a detailed itinerary, and travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000.

How to apply for an Austria visa from Egypt

Visa requirements for Egyptian citizens

Egyptian citizens must apply for a visa to enter Austria. Applications can be made at the Austrian Visa Application Centre, or in person at the Austrian Embassy in Cairo. A service charge of 1566 EGP is payable for applications made at the Visa Application Centre.

The Austria Schengen visa allows travel to Austria and the entire Schengen zone, but does not permit employment or long-term residence. For stays longer than 90 days but less than 6 months, applicants can apply for a visa D, which permits residence but not employment. A work visa or residence permit must be obtained through official channels for long-term residence or employment.

The following documents are required for a Schengen visa application:

• A completed application form
• Two recent photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with a white background, no older than 6 months, full-face without smiling, sunglasses, or headwear (unless for religious or ethnic reasons)
• A valid passport, signed by the holder, valid for at least 3 months after the return date, with previous passports covering the last 7 years
• For first-time travellers, a certificate of movements issued by "Mogamma", issued by the competent Egyptian Authority
• For employed applicants, a certificate of employment specifying the date of recruitment, position, salary level, purpose of travel, and confirmation of leave
• For company owners, the original and copy of the commercial registry and tax card, translated
• For students, proof of enrolment in school/university
• Original personal bank statements for the past 6 months, or in the absence of a bank account, proof of other assets or an electronic affidavit of guarantee from an inviter in Austria

It is recommended that applicants include comprehensive financial documentation and a detailed day-by-day travel plan. Travel insurance with coverage exceeding €30,000 will also improve an application's strength. Applications can be made up to 6 months in advance of the planned trip, and it is recommended to apply as early as possible to ensure processing times.

What documents to prepare

When applying for an Austrian visa from Egypt, there are several documents you need to prepare. First, you must submit your application in person at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, or at the Austrian Visa Application Centre, where a service charge will be levied. The application form must be filled out and signed by the applicant, and you will need to provide two recent 3.5x4.5 cm photographs in colour with a white background, no more than 6 months old, and with 70% focus on the full face. The passport should be valid for at least 3 months after the return from the planned trip, with previous passports covering the last 7 years.

If you are a first-time traveller, you will need a certificate of movements issued by "Mugamma" and provided by the competent Egyptian Authority. If you are a minor travelling without your legal guardian, you will need consent from both parents or the legal guardian, and the application must be signed by both parents in front of an embassy employee. If only one parent or guardian is present, the other must submit a written letter of consent.

You will also need to provide proof of financial means, such as original personal bank statements from the past 6 months, or in the absence of a bank account, proof of other assets or an electronic affidavit of guarantee from an inviter in Austria. If you are employed, you will need a certificate of employment specifying the date of recruitment, position, salary level, purpose of travel, and confirmation of approved leave. Self-employed applicants must provide the original and a copy of the commercial registry and tax card translated. Students must provide proof of enrolment in school/university.

Additionally, it is recommended to include comprehensive financial documentation, a well-planned itinerary, and travel insurance with coverage exceeding €30,000 to improve your application's strength.

Where to apply

To apply for an Austrian visa from Egypt, you must apply in person at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The Austrian Embassy in Cairo is located at 8, Ismail Mohamed Street, Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt. The working hours are Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

If you are applying for a "Job Seeker Visa", you cannot file your application at a VFS Visa Application Center. You must file your application at the Austrian Consulate General in the city specified for your state or country of residence. For example, if you are a resident of California, you must apply at the VFS Visa Application Center of the Austrian Consulate General Los Angeles, whereas if you are a resident of Connecticut, you must apply at the VFS Visa Application Center of the Austrian Consulate General New York.

If you are applying at the Austrian Visa Application Centre, you will be charged a service fee of 1566 EGP, payable in cash, credit card, or debit card. The visa fee in Egyptian pounds is subject to the current exchange rate and may change without notice. The visa fee and service charges are non-refundable in case of visa refusal.

Visa fees and charges

When applying for an Austrian visa from Egypt, there are various visa fees and charges to be aware of. Firstly, applicants applying at the Austrian Visa Application Centre in Egypt are subject to a service charge, which is currently set at 1566 EGP. This service charge is payable in cash or by credit/debit card. It is important to note that the visa fee and service charge are non-refundable, even if the visa application is refused. The applicable visa fee is determined by the current exchange rate and is subject to change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to confirm the visa fee and any associated charges before submitting your application.

In addition to the service charge, there are other costs to consider when applying for an Austrian visa from Egypt. The cost of the visa itself can vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. For example, a "Job Seeker Visa" or "D Visa" may have different fees compared to a standard tourist visa. The duration of the intended stay in Austria may also impact the visa fee. For stays exceeding 90 days but not more than 6 months, applicants may need to apply for a specific type of visa, such as a "D Visa", which may have different associated costs.

Furthermore, there may be additional costs related to the required documents for the visa application. Applicants may need to obtain and translate certain documents, such as birth certificates or proof of employment, which can incur fees. Travel medical insurance is also mandatory when applying for an Austrian visa, and the cost of obtaining adequate insurance coverage should be factored into the overall visa application costs. The specific requirements for travel medical insurance should be carefully reviewed, as insufficient coverage may lead to visa application rejection.

It is worth noting that the visa application process may involve other optional services offered by the visa application centre, which are available at a nominal price. These optional services are non-refundable, so applicants should carefully consider their choices. Additionally, applicants should be prepared for potential processing fees charged by the Austrian Embassy or Consulate, which are typically paid in cash at the time of application. These processing fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application.

Lastly, while not a direct cost associated with the visa application, it is recommended to consider the potential costs of travel to and from the Austrian Embassy or Consulate for submitting the application and attending any interviews or appointments. These travel costs can vary depending on the distance and mode of transportation required. Overall, applicants should carefully review the official sources and consult the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in Egypt for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa fees and charges.

What to do if your application is rejected

If your Austrian visa application is rejected, there are a few steps you can take to address the issue. Firstly, understand the reason for the rejection. Common reasons for visa application rejections include incomplete or incorrect information, an invalid passport, violation of entry rules, security concerns, or non-payment of the visa fee.

Once you have identified the reason for the rejection, you can take corrective action. If the issue was due to incomplete or incorrect information, ensure that you provide all the necessary information accurately and completely when reapplying. Double-check your application before submitting it to avoid any errors. If your passport is invalid, ensure that it has a minimum validity of six months from your intended date of entry into Austria.

If the rejection was due to violation of entry rules or security concerns, you may need to provide additional documentation or information to address these concerns. Contact the Austrian Embassy in Cairo for assistance with application reviews and reapplications, as they can help address specific reasons for rejection. Their address is 8, Ismail Mohamed Street Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt, and their working hours are Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

It is important to note that the visa fee and service charges are non-refundable, even in cases of visa refusal. However, this should not deter you from seeking assistance to improve your application and increase your chances of approval. Remember to always review the requirements carefully, provide accurate information, and ensure that all supporting documents are in order.

Frequently asked questions