Applying For An Austrian Visa: A Guide For Nigerians

how to apply for austria visa from nigeria

If you are a Nigerian citizen and want to visit Austria, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa. You can do this by submitting your application in person at the VFS Global offices in Lagos or Abuja. It is important to note that applications must be submitted at least 15 calendar days before your intended departure date, and the processing time for applications is a minimum of two weeks. The application form must be printed, filled out, and signed by the applicant, along with all the required documents. This includes a valid passport, return ticket, evidence of sufficient funds, and hotel reservations. The visa fee must be paid upon submission and is non-refundable.

Applying for an Austrian Visa from Nigeria

Characteristics Values
Visa Types Short-term (up to 90 days), Long-term (more than 90 days), Schengen Visa, Tourist Visa, National Visa (3-6 months), Residence Permit
Application Submission In person at the Austrian Visa Application Centre or VFS Global offices in Abuja and Lagos
Application Requirements Completed application form, valid passport, valid return ticket, evidence of sufficient funds, address of host or hotel reservation, invitation letter from host
Photo Specifications Full-face front view, 60-70% face coverage, colour photo with white background, no traditional facemasks or veils
Processing Time Minimum of 2-3 weeks, recommended to apply up to 3-6 months in advance
Fees Vary based on visa type and age; paid in Naira only
Additional Information Applications for minors require additional documents, travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen countries

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Where to apply for an Austrian visa in Nigeria

To apply for an Austrian visa in Nigeria, you must submit your application in person at the Austrian Visa Application Centre. There are two centres in Nigeria, located at:

  • 38 Lobito Crescent Wuse II, Abuja
  • Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Opp. Treasure Garden Estate Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I, Lagos

Business travellers and Schengen visa applicants can submit their applications at either of these offices without booking an appointment. However, for residence permits, you must submit your application in person at the Austrian Embassy in Abuja after booking an appointment by email.

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How to complete the Austrian visa application form

To complete the Austrian visa application form, you must first determine the type of visa you need. There are two main types of visas: the short-stay Schengen visa (for stays of up to 90 days) and the long-stay visa (for stays of more than 90 days).

The short-stay visa, or Visa C, is for tourism, business, visiting family, or medical reasons. The long-stay visa, or Visa D, allows foreign nationals to work, study, or join a family member in Austria.

Once you know which type of visa you need, you can download the application form from the official website of the Austrian embassy in your country. The form must be filled out in English and signed by the applicant on the last page. For minors, the application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

  • Personal information
  • Passport information
  • Number of entries requested
  • Financial information
  • Employment and education history
  • Previous visa and travel history

In addition to the completed form, you will also need to provide:

  • A passport photo that meets the specified criteria
  • A valid travel document (passport)
  • Proof of comprehensive travel health insurance
  • Proof of sufficient funds for your trip and return journey
  • Other supporting documents, such as hotel reservations, invitations, booking confirmations, return flight tickets, or proof of employment

It is important to ensure that your application is complete and submitted at least 3 weeks before your departure date. Incomplete applications will not be processed, and the visa fee is non-refundable.

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What documents are required for an Austrian visa

To apply for an Austrian visa from Nigeria, you must submit your application in person at the Austrian Visa Application Centre in Lagos or Abuja. You will need to determine the type of visa you need, as well as prepare the required documents, which include:

  • A completed visa application form.
  • Your passport, with at least three weeks between the submission date and the departure date.
  • A recent passport-sized photograph that meets the specified criteria.
  • Proof of travel insurance.
  • Proof of financial means for your stay, such as bank statements.
  • Proof of accommodation in Austria.
  • A return or onward ticket.

If you are travelling for business, you will also need:

  • An invitation letter from the company you are visiting.
  • Proof of employment.

If you are travelling to visit family or friends, you will need:

  • An invitation letter from your host.
  • Proof of your host's address in Austria.

Some visas may require additional documents, such as proof of relationship for a family visa or proof of enrolment for a student visa. It is important to carefully review the requirements for your specific visa type.

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How long does it take to process an Austrian visa

The processing time for an Austrian visa depends on several factors, including the type of visa, the applicant's nationality, and the volume of applications being processed.

Processing Times for Austrian Schengen Visas

The standard processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 working days after the embassy has received the application. However, this may be extended to 45 calendar days if further checks are required. The visa application must be submitted at least 15 calendar days before the intended start of the trip, and no earlier than 6 months prior.

Processing Times for Austrian National Visas

National visas for stays of more than 90 days and up to 6 months are also typically processed within 15 working days. However, this may take longer during peak times and exceptional circumstances. Applicants are advised to apply at least 30 days in advance to avoid disappointment.

Additional Factors Affecting Processing Times

The mode of application (directly to the embassy or through visa agents), the requirement for a visa interview, and requests for additional documents can all impact the processing time. The volume of applications the embassy is handling can also affect the timeline, with applications tending to spike during the summer months. Therefore, it is recommended to submit your application as early as possible, especially if your trip is time-sensitive.

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How much does an Austrian visa cost

The cost of an Austrian visa depends on the type of visa and the age of the applicant. Here is a breakdown of the visa fees:

Short-Term Visas (up to 90 days stay)

  • Schengen Visa for adults: €90
  • Schengen Visa for children between ages 6 and 12: €45
  • Schengen Visa for children under the age of 6: Free
  • Schengen Visa Fee for citizens of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Moldova, and Georgia: €35
  • Transit Visa (A Visa): €90
  • Transit Visa for children between ages 6 and 12: €40
  • Transit Visa for children under the age of 6: Free

Long-Term Visas (More than 90 days stay)

  • D Visa for individuals under the age of 6: €75
  • D Visa for individuals over the age of 6: €150
  • Visa for individuals under the age of 35 but over the age of 6 of family members who have sought asylum in Austria: €200
  • Visa for individuals under the age of 6 of a family member who has sought asylum in Austria: €100

It is important to note that the visa fees are subject to change due to exchange rate fluctuations and other factors. The fees must be paid in cash or by debit card, and they are generally non-refundable and non-transferable.

Frequently asked questions

You can submit your visa application at the offices of VFS Global in Lagos or Abuja. You will need to book an appointment, except for business travellers who can submit their applications without an appointment.

You will need to submit the application form, printed out and filled out, signed by the applicant, along with all other required documents. The exact documents will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, but you will generally need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a valid return ticket, evidence of sufficient funds, and evidence of hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Austria.

The processing time for visa applications is a minimum of two to three weeks, but it is recommended to apply earlier, up to 3 to 6 months before your intended travel date.

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