Austria Visa
Traveling to Austria
Austria is a sophisticated, German-speaking country known for its museums and palaces. Its capital Vienna draws well-rounded travelers seeking art and culture, while its snowy mountains attract, skiers, hikers, and lovers of natural beauty.
You may need a visa to travel to Austria, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed).
There are numerous types of visas for Austria, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Austrian visas have different Austria visa requirements and validity periods. In general, Austrian visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Austria is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country). Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Austria will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Austria visa types
Short Term Visas (Type C)
Schengen Visas
- Business (Austria Schengen business visa)
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Other
- Sports
- Study (Austria Schengen student visa)
- Tourism (Austria tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
Long term visas for Austria include the following:
- Austria student visa
- Job seeker visa (Austria Working visa)
- Long term visiting visa
- Visa for collection of residence permit for Austria
- Working Holiday Program visa
Transit Visa (Type A)
- Austria transit visa
Austria visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Austria:
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Austria)
Visa fee
Your Austria visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age. Adult Schengen visas fees are traditionally €80; the basic long-term Austrian national visa fee for adults is €150.
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions)
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Austrian visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Austrian visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Austria
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents will likely need to be translated into German (unless otherwise presented in English).
Austria visa application
Applicants for Austrian visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination.
- Prepare your visa application
Choose your visa duration (Austria visa type)
Determine how long you intend to be in Austria—i.e. what type of Austria visa you need: long, short, or airport. This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps.
Select your Austrian visa purpose
Choose your reason for travel (education, business, etc.)
Select your entry category
Your selection of the single entry visa for Austria or the multiple entry visa for Austria will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for Austria cannot return to the country after exiting.
Determine where to apply
Find your physical application destination (place where you will submit your visa application). This is typically the Austrian Embassy/Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live. For more information, see “where to apply.” - Fill out your visa application
Access your main application form
Applicants should access one of two forms: Schengen visa form C1, long stay visa form D1; both are available for download online. You will need to officially submit these forms and the rest of your application at your application destination.
Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Austrian visa type. - Schedule your visa interview appointment
Almost all Austrian visa applicants must attend a visa appointment at their application destination. Scheduling an Austrian visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months. You should reach out to the embassy/consulate/visa application center directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit your biometric information, pay your Austria visa fee, be interviewed, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. The visa appointment is typically the final stage of the Austria visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Please note that certain visas may require subsequent steps (for example, if you are applying for a long term Austria Working visa you may need to apply for an Austria Work permit—other long term visas may require you to apply for a residence permit for Austria. For more information about whether your visa application will subsequently require you to seek an Austria work permit or a residence permit for Austria, make sure to research the specific visa requirements for your specific visa type.
Where to apply for Austria visa
Austria visa application processing occurs at Austrian embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world. Austria does not have an online visa application system. To apply, you should therefore submit a physical application to the Austrian embassy/consulate and visa application center in your country of residence (where you will also fulfill the in-person Austria visa requirements). If there is no Austrian mission in your country, you will likely apply for your Austrian visa through the embassy/consulate of another country, which is representing Austrian interests abroad.
When to apply for Austria Visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Austria are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.
Austria visa processing time
The Austria visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Austrian visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.
Austria visa FAQ
Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Austria. Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Get a travel document for Austria (visa) by submitting an application to your local Austrian embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.
The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.
Choose from among the various types of Austria visa you need to apply for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need—i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Austria or a single entry visa for Austria.
Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for Austria (different Austrian visa, such as an Austria Student visa).
Check if you need a visa for your next destination
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