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To visit Austria for a short period, citizens of certain countries need to obtain a Schengen visa. With it, they can spend 90 days out of a 180-day period.
This article will explore the application process and documentation needed to acquire an Austrian Schengen visa.
Austria Schengen visa overview
The Austria Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows its holder to enter Austria and all the other 29 Schengen countries for stays up to 90 days within 180 days. The purpose of the trip may be tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or other reasons that do not require a long-term stay.
Citizens of EU, EEA countries, and Switzerland do not require a visa to enter Austria or any other Schengen country.
Countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea have visa-free agreements with Austria so their citizens are not required a visa to visit the Schengen Area for stays up to 90 days within 180 days.
Citizens of many countries outside the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland need a Schengen visa to travel to Austria. For example, if you’re a citizen of India, China, Nigeria, or Turkey you would need to apply for a visa.
Required documents for the Austria Visa Application
The list of required documents usually includes the following papers:
- completed application form;
- valid passport — your passport should have at least two blank pages available for visa stamps and should not expire within three months after your intended departure from Austria;
- two recent photographs — the photos must meet specific requirements outlined by the Austrian government, including size and background color;
- evidence of accommodation such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from family living in Austria who will provide lodging during your stay;
- fees payment receipt for application;
- proof of financial means such as bank statements, proof of income, or a letter of sponsorship;
- travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000.
Application form for Austrian Schengen Visa can be completed in both English and German. Each applicant provides a separate form
Steps to follow when applying for an Austria Schengen visa
Obtaining a Schengen visa involves a series of steps. You don’t need to address visa centers of specific experts to undergo the process.
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Obtain all necessary documentation
Gather all required documents listed above before starting the actual visa process. It will help streamline your application submission.
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Complete the online visa application form
Find the form on the Austrian embassy or consulate website in your country. Fill it out accurately and completely, as any errors may result in delays or even rejection of your application.
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Schedule an appointment at the Austrian embassy or consulate
Contact your local Austrian authorities, make an appointment and come to the consulate with the prepared documents. Be ready to respond to inquiries regarding your excursion, fiscal standing, and connections with your homeland.
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Pay an application fee
It is €80 for persons over 12, and €40 for children between 6 and 12.
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Wait for processing
The average processing time for an Austria Schengen visa is around two weeks; however, this can vary depending on individual circumstances. You will receive a sticker affixed to your passport granting entry into Austria and other Schengen Area countries if approved.
How long does it take to get an Austrian Schengen visa
The processing time for an Austrian Schengen visa is usually 15 days. However, in some instances, this period can be extended to 30 days, especially when further examination is needed during the application process. In exceptional cases, this period can even be extended to 60 days.
Please note that these are general processing times, and actual times may vary depending on individual circumstances and the requirements of the Austrian consulate or embassy handling your application.
What to do if your visa application is rejected
If your Austrian visa application was rejected, there are several steps you can take.
- Understand the reason for rejection. When such a situation happens, the consulate provides a reason for the denial. Among the most popular are insufficient funds, incomplete application, inadequate travel insurance, or doubt about the intention to return to your home country.
- Appeal the decision. If you believe there has been a mistake, or if you can provide additional documentation to address the reasons for the denial, you can appeal the decision.
The appeal must be made within a specific timeframe, typically within a few weeks of receiving the denial. The rejection letter will indicate the process for submitting an appeal and the timeframe. The appeal should be written in German as it is the official language in Austria.
- Reapply for the visa. If your circumstances have changed, or if you can now provide additional documentation that you couldn’t in your initial application, you can choose to reapply for the visa. Make sure to address the reasons for the initial rejection in your new application. Note that you will need to pay the visa application fee again.
- Consult a legal expert. If the visa application process is becoming complex, or if you’re having trouble understanding why your application was rejected, it may be helpful to consult with a legal expert or an immigration lawyer.
5 Benefits of Austrian Schengen visa
1. Ease of travel. The Schengen Agreement abolished internal border checks, which makes travel within the Schengen Area much more accessible. You won’t have to go through passport control whenever you cross a border within the Schengen Area.
2. Multiple entries. Depending on the type of visa issued, you may be allowed to enter the Schengen Area numerous times. It is beneficial if you plan to travel in and out of the area frequently.
3. Business purposes. If you plan to attend business meetings, conferences, or other professional events in Austria or any other Schengen country, the Austrian Schengen visa facilitates this.
4. Visiting friends or relatives. If you have friends or relatives in Austria or any other Schengen country, the Austrian Schengen visa allows you to visit them for up to 90 days within 180 days.
5. Transit. The Austrian Schengen visa can be used for transit if you pass through the Schengen Area to reach a non-Schengen destination.
How to travel to Austria without visas
Visiting Austria without a visa can be accomplished through various residency by investment programs offered by EU countries. These programs enable individuals to obtain residency by investing, for example, in real estate or government bonds.
Residency by investment programs are available in Greece, Italy, Malta, and Spain.
Summary
The Schengen visa is a short-stay visa allowing foreigners to enter Austria and other Schengen countries. It is valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
You must complete the application form and gather all necessary documents to apply for this visa. Then schedule an appointment at the Austrian consulate in your home country to submit these documents. The processing time for this visa type is typically at least 15 days.
The standard application fee is €80 for adults and children over 12. €40 is paid for children from 6 to 12.
One alternative for those seeking to visit Austria visa-free is to secure residency in an EU country by investment.
Frequently asked questions
Is an Austrian Schengen visa easy to get?
In general, it is easy to get an Austrian Schengen visa. You need to follow guidelines closely to increase your chances of approval.
Do US citizens need visas for Austria?
No, US citizens don’t need to obtain a visa to visit Austria. They can spend 90 days out of 180 days there.
How do I get an Austrian Schengen visa?
The process of getting an Austrian Schengen visa consists of several steps.
- Obtain all necessary documentation.
- Complete the online visa application form.
- Schedule an appointment with a consulate and pay a processing fee.
- Collect your passport several days after.
How do I book an appointment for a Schengen visa to Austria?
Visit the website of the Austrian embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Centre to understand their specific process for booking an appointment. Some may require an online booking, while others may require you to call or email to schedule an appointment.
After you have booked your appointment, prepare all the required documents for your visa application. It typically includes a completed visa application form, passport photos, your passport, proof of travel insurance, accommodation and financial means, and a travel itinerary.
At the appointment, you will submit your application and documents. You may also need to give biometric data like fingerprints if this is your first Schengen visa application or if your previous biometric data is more than five years old.
How long does it take to get an Austrian Schengen visa?
The processing time for an Austrian Schengen visa application can typically take up to 15 calendar days from the day the Austrian embassy or consulate receives the application.
In some cases, this period can be extended up to 30 days, particularly during peak travel periods or if further examination of the application is needed. In exceptional cases, where extra documentation is required, the period can be extended up to 60 days.
