Applying For An Austrian Visa: A Guide For Indians

If you are an Indian citizen and want 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 and the duration of your stay. Tourist visas, for example, are for recreational purposes and are valid for 90 days, while visas for work or medical treatment may be longer. You can also apply for a multiple-entry visa with an Austrian Schengen visa, which allows you to travel to any of the 25+ Schengen countries. The application process for an Austrian visa may take up to 15 working days, and you will need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph.

Tourist visa requirements

To apply for a tourist visa to Austria from India, you must submit your application in person as applications by mail are not accepted. The application process may take up to 15 working days, but this can be extended if there are issues with the process.

The Schengen visa application should be presented in person because biometrical data must be recorded. This includes fingerprints and digital photography. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from giving fingerprints. Visa applications cannot be processed without this biometric data.

The Austrian Embassy in New Delhi can only process applications from people who can prove that they have their habitual residence in its territory. People who live in another country, even if they are Indian citizens, must apply in the country where they reside.

The Schengen Visa allows you to enter and stay in Austrian territory for a maximum of 90 days within a period of six months. You can also apply for a multiple-entry visa with an Austrian Schengen visa if you visit the EU regularly. You may only submit your Schengen visa application 90 days before your date of departure, and it is recommended that you apply at least 20 working days before your intended date of departure.

If your stay exceeds 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-term visa.

Biometric data submission

Appearance and Submission:

As per the Visa Information System (VIS) guidelines, implemented on 2nd November 2015, all applicants must appear in person for biometric data submission. This cannot be done by mail or through a representative. The Austrian Embassy in New Delhi processes applications from people who can prove their habitual residence in its territory. If you are not a resident of this territory, you must apply at the Austrian Embassy responsible for your region.

Data Collection:

The biometric data collected includes ten fingerprints and a photograph. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from giving fingerprints. The photograph can be taken digitally at the time of application or scanned from an existing photo. The data is stored in the VIS file and can be reused for subsequent applications within a 5-year period, provided the data is still in the system.

Fee Payment:

Consular fees must be paid in INR at the current exchange rate. The fee amount can be found on the official website under the "Fees" section.

Timeframe:

The processing time for an Austrian Visa typically ranges from 5 to 15 working days. However, it is recommended to apply at least 20 working days before your intended departure, as certain travel purposes may require a longer processing time. You may submit your application a maximum of 90 days before your date of departure.

Multiple-Entry Visa:

If you plan to visit the EU regularly, you can apply for a multiple-entry Austrian Schengen Visa. This allows you to travel to any of the 25 Schengen countries, including Austria, multiple times within the visa's validity period.

Please note that the above information is a guide, and the official websites of the Austrian Embassy and VFS should be referred to for the most up-to-date and comprehensive instructions.

Long-term visa requirements

If you are planning a trip to Austria and your stay exceeds 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-term visa. Here are the requirements and steps you need to follow:

• Purpose of Visit: First, determine the purpose of your long-term stay in Austria. This could be for work, study, medical treatment, or other reasons. Different types of long-term visas are available depending on the purpose of your visit.
• Application Process: For stays exceeding 90 days, you must apply for a long-term visa in person. Applications for residence permits, work visas, and job seeker visas must be submitted in person at the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi.
• Biometric Data: As part of the visa application process, biometric data must be recorded. This includes fingerprints and a digital photograph. Applicants must appear in person for this, and children under the age of 12 are exempt from providing fingerprints.
• Documentation: Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, covering letter from your Indian company on company letterhead, and any other relevant documents depending on the purpose of your visit. For instance, if you are seeking medical treatment, you will need an attestation of medical reports from the hospital.
• Visa Fees: Consular fees must be paid in INR at the current exchange rate. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on visa fees.
• Processing Time: The processing time for a long-term visa may vary. Typically, it can take around 10 to 15 working days, but it can extend if there are issues with the process. It is recommended to apply at least 20 working days before your intended departure date.
• Previous Schengen Visa: If you have previously applied for a Schengen visa, note that fingerprints stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) file can be reused for subsequent applications within a period of five years, provided they are still valid.

Please note that these are general guidelines, and it is always advisable to refer to the official website of the Austrian Embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding long-term visa requirements.

Medical visa requirements

Indian citizens must obtain a visa before entering Austria. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. For short visits not exceeding 90 days, a short-stay Schengen visa (also called a Type C Visa) is needed. For stays exceeding 90 days, a long-term visa is required.

When applying for a medical visa to Austria from India, the following requirements must be met:

• Completed application form: The application form must be filled out with your full name and personal details as they appear on your travel documents. The form must be signed and printed out after completion.
• Photographs: Two recent photographs on a white background using the proper format are typically required.
• Proof of travel medical insurance: This is required to ensure coverage for unexpected events such as medical emergencies. The insurance policy should meet the requirements specified by the Austrian embassy or consulate.
• Additional documents: Medical records and other relevant documents supporting the need for medical treatment in Austria may be requested.
• Biometric data: Applicants may need to provide fingerprints and a photograph. This data is mandatory for processing the visa application.
• Valid passport: Ensure your passport is up to date and will remain valid for the duration of your stay in Austria.
• Consular fees: Pay the required consular fees in INR at the current exchange rate. The fee amount can be found on the official website.
• Processing time: The processing time for a medical visa may take approximately 10 to 15 working days. However, it can vary depending on various factors.
• Visa duration: The medical visa will be valid for the duration of your medical treatment. If the treatment exceeds 90 days, a long-term medical visa will be required.

Student visa requirements

Indian citizens are required to have an Austrian Schengen visa to enter Austria. The Austrian Embassy in New Delhi can only process applications from people who can prove that they have their habitual residence in its territory. People who live in another country, even with the appropriate citizenship, must apply there.

If you are an Indian student planning to study in Austria for less than six months, you can apply for a Visa C or a Visa D. A Visa C is for stays of up to 90 days, and a Visa D is for stays of 91 days up to a maximum of six months. These visas are free of charge. You can apply for these visas at the competent Austrian representative authority in your country of residence.

If you intend to stay for more than six months, you can apply for a residence permit for students within Austria after lawfully entering the country. You will need to contact the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy or consulate) for more information.

To apply for a student visa, you will need to provide the following:

• Proof of enrolment in a recognised educational institution
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your living costs during your stay. This can be in the form of a savings book or bank account in your name, accessible from Austria. Alternatively, you can provide a declaration of guarantee from a legal entity or a person living in Austria, purchase traveller's cheques, or provide a confirmation of a scholarship award. You may also need to prove the origin of the funds.
• Proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a booking confirmation for a room in a student hall of residence or an accommodation agreement.
• Proof of appropriate travel health insurance that will cover at least 30,000 Euros, including guarantee to cover possible recovery, repatriation costs, and treatment of COVID-19.
• A valid passport
• Completed application form
• Recent photographs
• A travel itinerary, including flight reservations and accommodation bookings
• Supporting documents specific to the visa type

Frequently asked questions