Austria Sports Visa - Definitive Guide

More commonly known as the Austria Cultural/Sports and Religious event visa, this is a form of the Schengen type C  and is a short term permit that is issued for people entering the country for the purpose of taking part in cultural events, sporting events, or religious events. The permit is valid for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. However, people from other Schengen countries and other visa-exempt nations do not require a permit to enter Austria.

The process of applying for an Austria Schengen Sports Visa is done offline. However, before starting the application, it is necessary to confirm that you are eligible for this type. Once you do this, you should obtain all the necessary documents for the process. You can then proceed to start the application as per the following - 

1. Download the application form from the Austrian embassy website, or from the VAC website.
2. Complete the form along with your photo and signature.
3. Book an appointment at the Austrian embassy or a visa application centre (VAC) for the document and biometric submission.  
4. Along with your application form and the documents, visit the VAC or the embassy for your document and biometric submission. You will also have to pay the visa fees at the respective location.

Please note that if you have already submitted your biometrics in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit it again. Along with this, make sure that you submit the original documents and the correct information. Providing fake documents and false information can lead to visa rejection. 

To be able to apply of this particular type, you must meet the following criteria - 

• You must be present in the country you are applying from. If you are on a resident permit in another country, you may be able to apply for the visa from over there.
• You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• Your primary motive behind the visit must be to take part in a cultural, sporting, or religious event.
• You must be invited by the organization conducting these, or possess entry tickets to the programs.
• If you are being sponsored, your inviter will have to guarantee that they will be responsible for your stay.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your period of stay in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -
• Austria is your only destination, or
• Austria is one of your multiple Schengen destinations -  in which case you will be spending the majority of the travel period in Austria, or, you are spending equal time in all the other destinations where Austria is your port of entry.

• Ensure that you do not stay back after the expiry date as mentioned on your visa.
• You must travel to Austria within 6 months of your visa issue date.
• Always carry a copy of your travel documents with you are travelling within Austria.
• On this visa, you are also allowed to visit family, friends or even take part in tourism activities. 
• You cannot extend the permit unless in extreme circumstances.
• You must follow the Austrian customs rules and regulations.

Documents required for Austria Sports Visa are as follows:

• A valid Indian passport
• Covering letter stating the details of the travel
• Travel itinerary 
• Confirmed round trip flight tickets 
• Proof of accommodation 
• Travel insurance covering 30000 Euros  
• Proof of employment/studies
• Financial documents to show sufficient funds
• Electronic letter of guarantee of the sponsor, if applicable
• Invitation letter from the organising company, or entry tickets to the events or enrolment letter for programs. 
  
  

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: prescriptions are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

The duration taken to process your application depends on several factors such as the volume of applications at the embassy, the type of entry, any express processing facilities, previous travel history and so on. Normally, this will take around 15 working days. However, since there is no guarantee of the exact number of days it will take, and as a result, it is recommended that you apply well in advance. 

The total fees for this process are dependent on a few aspects such as the number of entries, express delivery and processing charges, biometric charges as well as any other additional service charges levied. However, ensure that you check the exact fees before applying.

After you have submitted the application, you can expect to receive it according to how fast it is processed. In cases where they may need additional verification and documents, you will be asked to provide them. 

While your application is being processed, you may check the status by simply visiting the tracking portal of the VAC and entering your application number and name. You may also contact the travel agency or embassy directly via call or mail to know the status.