Austria Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

For people visiting the country for the purpose of tourism, a permit known as the Austria Schengen Tourist Visa is required. Being a type of the Visa C category of Schengen visa, this is a short term visa and allows you to stay up to a duration of 90 days in a 180-day validity period. Based on the number of entries, these are issued as a single entry, double-entry, or even multiple entry types. However, this permit is only required if you are not a citizen of the Schengen countries, or are not from the nations in a visa-exemption agreement with Austria. 

Unlike other European countries, Austria Tourist Visa from India is applied offline. Before starting the process, it is necessary to ensure that you are eligible to apply for this type of visa. Once this is done, you can proceed to apply as per the following - 

1. Obtain the necessary documents required by the embassy.
2. Download the application form from the Austrian embassy website.
3. Fill in your details, affix a passport size photo, and then sign at the respective places in the application form.
4. Book an appointment at the Austrian embassy or a visa application centre (VAC) for the document and biometric submission.  You can do this by directly calling them or online on their website.
5. With your application form and the documents, visit the respective VAC for your document and biometric submission. You will also have to pay the fees to complete the application. 

Please note that you may not require to submit a biometric if you have given the same in the past 5 years at a VAC. Also, the application has to be delivered in person or through a travel agency. The embassy does not accept post/courier deliveries. 

To avoid visa rejection, make sure that you submit the original documents and the correct information. If you have been denied a visa, it is considered as a black mark in your travel profile and may affect your future travel. 

The eligibility criterion for applying for the permit from India are as follows - 

• You must be in India while applying in India. If you are a resident in another country, you may be able to apply for a visa at an embassy over there. 
• You will need to possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure, 
• Your sole purpose of the visit has to be tourism alone.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country.
• You should have travel insurance and must be able to prove your civil status in India. 
• You assure that you will return to India once your visa is expired. 
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Austria is your only destination, or
  2. 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.

As per the Austria tourist visa requirements, the following are the list of documents required for the application - 

1. Original Passport - Valid 6 months after the scheduled return, with at least two blank pages
2. Two Photos - 80% Face size, White background, Matt finish, 35x45 mm, without smile
3. Cover letter - Mentioning all travel details. Who bears expenses etc… (If self employed then
the cover letter is required on company letter head with seal and signature of the company)
4. Air ticket - Blocked (Do not confirmed your air tickets before visa decision)
5. Cancellable hotel bookings - Accommodation proof
6. Itinerary - Day to day wise Itinerary
7. Original last 6 months bank statements with seal and signature of the bank
8. Last 3 years Income tax returns acknowledgement page
9. Leave sanction letter from company with seal and signature
10. Travel Insurance - 30,000/- euros Coverage required

11. Profession proof -

If employee - Last 3 months salary slips + Leave sanction letter
If self employed - GST Registration certificate / MOA / Shop act / Partnership deed
If Retired - retirement letter / Last 6 months original pension bank account statements
If Student - ID card / Bonafide certificate / NOC

12. If Family / Friend visit -

1. Invitation letter from Invitee
2. Passport copy of Invitee
3. PR / Visa copy of Invitee
4. Address proof of Invitee (Electricity bill / Water bill or Rent agreement)

13. If Business visit -

● Invitation letter from Invitee organization (Mentioning all the details with name & passport number)
● Identity proof of Invitee (If any)

14. Duly filled Visa application form with signature
15. Appointment letter

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

The time taken to complete the processing depends on several factors such as the number of entries, express processing, previous travel history, the volume of applications at that point of time, etc. Normally, your visa will be processed in about 15-20 working days. However, due to the uncertainty of this, it is recommended that you apply for it well in advance.

The fees to be paid again depends on other factors such as the entry type, biometric surcharges, and any other additional service charges. These can vary without prior notice. As a result, check the exact fees right before applying.

Once you have submitted the application, you will receive the visa within the processing time. In case the embassy requires additional verification or documentation, you may have to visit the embassy or VAC again. 

While you are waiting for your visa processing, you can check the status of your visa in a few ways. You can enter your application reference number and name at the VAC website, or you can contact the embassy directly via email or call to know the status. You may also receive SMS updates regarding the application. 

Once you receive your tourist permit, you will have to keep in mind the following points - 

• Note the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries. You cannot stay in the country beyond this period.
• Travel to the country within the date mentioned.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa with you while you are in the country.
• While you are in a tourist category, you cannot take part in professional work-related activities. You cannot also sell goods to the public.
• You cannot extend the permit unless in extreme circumstances.
• You must abide by the Austrian laws for tourists.