Visa Requirements To Enter Austria: Which Countries Need One?

Austria is one of the 29 European countries that belong to the Schengen Area, which allows residents to travel freely within its borders. Whether a visa is required to enter Austria depends on several factors, including nationality, duration of stay, and purpose of the visit. Citizens of EU member states, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Austria. Nationals of other countries may require a visa to enter the Schengen Area or Austrian territory.

EU/EEA citizens and those from countries with a visa liberalisation agreement

Citizens of EU member states, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Austria. They are free to enter and stay in the country without a visa for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This also applies to citizens of the other Schengen Area countries, which include Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Nationals of countries that have a visa liberalisation agreement with the Schengen Area are also exempt from requiring a visa to enter Austria. This includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates. Citizens of these countries can stay in Austria without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

However, it is important to note that visa-exempt individuals must still present proper travel documentation, such as a passport, residence permit, or personal ID, when entering Austria. These documents must be valid and up-to-date.

US, New Zealand, Australia, Canada citizens for stays under 90 days

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria for a short stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, they must obtain a visa if they intend to remain in Austria for a period exceeding 90 days or if they wish to be gainfully employed in Austria.

Similarly, citizens of New Zealand, Australia, and Canada do not require a visa to enter Austria for a short-stay holiday of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Nevertheless, they may need a visa or permit for longer stays, work, study, or business travel.

For US and Canadian citizens, the passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen area. Although a passport validity of six months is recommended to avoid needing to prove the departure date.

For citizens of New Zealand and Australia, the passport must also be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen area. Additionally, they may need to show a return or onward ticket or prove sufficient funds for their stay during border control.

It is important to note that from spring 2025, travellers from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will require an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Austria.

Visa requirements and exemptions

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Austria depends on several factors, including your nationality, the duration of your stay, and the purpose of your visit.

Citizens of EU member states, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Austria. Nationals of other countries may or may not require a visa, depending on their country's visa liberalization agreements with the Schengen Area.

• Albania (biometric passports)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (biometric passports)
• Moldova (biometric passports)
• Monaco (biometric passports)
• Montenegro (biometric passports)
• North Macedonia (biometric passports)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Serbia (biometric passports)
• Ukraine (biometric passports)
• United Arab Emirates

Additionally, citizens of the US, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada can enter Austria without a visa if their stay does not exceed 90 days.

If you do not need a visa to enter Austria, you must still present proper travel documentation, such as a passport, residence permit, or personal ID. These documents must be up to date.

If you are planning to stay in Austria for more than 90 days or intend to work there, you will need to obtain a visa. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of your visit.

For stays of less than six months, you can apply for a Visa C (for up to 90 days) or a Visa D (for 91 days up to six months). These visas are free of charge and can be obtained from the competent Austrian representative authority in your country of residence.

If you are already in the Schengen area with a residence permit from another Schengen country, you can only apply for an Austrian visa at the Austrian representative authorities in Bratislava, Ljubljana, or Munich.

To apply for a visa, you will need to provide various documents, including a passport, visa application form, recent pictures following the Schengen visa photo rules, a letter stating the purpose of your visit, an itinerary, travel insurance, civil status documents, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means.

It is recommended to apply for the visa at least four weeks before your planned entry into Austria. The processing time for visa applications can vary, typically taking up to 15 business days but sometimes up to 30 or 60 days.

Visa application process

The visa application process for Austria depends on several factors, including your nationality, the duration of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for an Austrian visa:

Determine Visa Requirement:

Firstly, check if you need a visa to enter Austria. Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not require a visa for entry. Nationals of certain other countries may also be exempt, depending on visa liberalization agreements. For example, citizens of the US, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada can enter without a visa for up to 90 days.

Identify Visa Type:

If you do require a visa, determine the type of visa needed. Austria offers various visa categories, including:

• Airport Transit Visa (Type A): Required for transiting through Austria to reach your destination.
• Short-Stay Visa (Type C): The standard tourist visa, allowing a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
• Long-Term Visa (Type D): Permits a stay between 91 days and six months, with possible extensions up to 12 months in exceptional cases.

Gather Required Documents:

The documents needed for an Austrian visa include:

• Visa Application Form: Fill out the form and get it signed.
• Passport/Travel Document: Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages, is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay, and was issued within the last decade.
• Recent Pictures: Photos must follow the Schengen visa photo rules set by ICAO.
• Visa Fee: The amount varies based on the type of visa.
• Letter of Purpose: A cover letter stating the reason for your visit.
• Itinerary: Provide correct dates for your flights and travel plans.
• Travel Insurance: Obtain Schengen travel insurance covering medical and emergency issues up to €30,000.
• Civil Status Documents: Birth certificates or marriage licenses may be required.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations or other accommodation confirmations.
• Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that you can finance your travels and stay in Austria.
• Copies of Previous Schengen Visas: Applicable if you've previously had a Schengen visa.

Apply at Embassy/Consulate:

• Locate your nearest Austrian embassy or consulate, or an official representative of the Austrian government in your country.
• Contact the embassy to schedule an appointment for your visa application.
• Prepare and submit all the necessary documents.

Processing Time and Follow-Up:

Visa processing times can vary, typically taking up to 15 business days but sometimes extending to 30 or 60 days. If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision or re-apply, addressing the reasons for the previous rejection. Keep in mind that the visa fee is non-refundable.

Remember to submit your application at least two weeks before your planned travel date, and no earlier than three months in advance, as early applications will not be considered.

Visa extensions

A visa can only be extended when the applicant is in Austria in clearly defined exceptional cases.

If you are prevented from extending your residence permit on time due to an unavoidable or unforeseen event (e.g. an accident with a subsequent hospital stay) which is no fault of your own, you can submit your application for extension within two weeks after the obstacle is no longer a problem and request a restitutio in integrum, in which you justify why you were not able to submit your application for extension on time.

If you have submitted your application for an extension of your residence permit in a timely manner and have not yet received your new permit, you are still allowed to continue living and working in Austria. If you have to leave Austria for urgent reasons during the extension process, you can apply for a so-called "emergency vignette". This confirms that you applied for your extension on time and that your application is still being processed. It is printed into your passport and is valid for the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days.

You must apply for an extension of your residence permit during the three-month period before your current residence permit becomes invalid! If you do not extend your residence permit on time, your application for extension is considered to be a first-time application. This means that you have to go through the entire process of getting a residence permit once again, and under certain circumstances, you may even have to leave Austria.

As a rule, you need these documents in order to get an extension of your residence permit:

• A passport photo which is not older than six months and which fulfils EU criteria
• Proof of accommodations in Austria (residence registration confirmation, rental agreement, last three rental payments, etc.)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (copy of Austrian e-card, etc.)
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (last three salary slips, etc.)

Fees: €160-250, depending on the type of residence permit. You may have to pay a higher fee if you must present additional personal documents.

Countries Whose Citizens Require a Visa to Enter Austria

Citizens of EU member states, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Austria. Nationals of other countries might require a visa to enter the Schengen Area or Austrian territory.

The following countries require a category "A" visa to stay in the international transit zone of an Austrian airport: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Syria.

Frequently asked questions