Austria Visit Visa - Definitive Guide

If you are travelling to Austria for the purpose of meeting your family members or friends, you will need a visit visa. However, if you are from countries within the Schengen area or other countries that have a visa-exempt entry to Austria, you do not need this. For Indians, you will need a visitor permit to enter. This visa is a type of short term (C) category of the Schengen. As a result, it is issued for a maximum duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. 

The process of applying for a visit permit for Austria is done offline. There is no online process for India yet. Before applying, ensure that you are eligible for this type of visa. If you are, obtain all the documents required for the application. After this, you can proceed to make the application as per the following -

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

Please note that if you have given your biometrics at a VAC in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit it again. Also, ensure that you submit the original documents and the correct information. Any false data or fake documents can get your application rejected. A visa rejection is taken seriously and can affect your future travel.

If you are wondering “Do I need a visa to visit Austria”, the answer is to see if you meet the eligibility criteria - 

• You must be present in the country you are applying from. If you are a resident in another country, you may be able to apply for a visa at an embassy over there. 
• If you are from one of the visa-exempt countries, you do not need a visa to enter Austria.
• You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, 
• Your primary motive behind the visit must be to meet friends or family.
• You must be invited by a family member or friend.
• The inviter will have to guarantee that they are responsible for the applicant.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country.
• You should have travel insurance.
• You assure that you will return to India once your visa is expired. 
• 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.

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

1. Original Passport - 6 months validity 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 obtain a visitor visa depends on several factors such as the number of entries, previous travel history, the volume of application, etc. Normally, your visa will be processed in about 15-20 working days. As a result, it is recommended that you apply for it well in advance.

The fees for obtaining the visa depends on several factors such as the entry type, biometric charges, and any other additional service charges. Since these can vary without prior notice, you must check the exact fees before applying.

Once you have made the application, you will receive a response within the processing time. Alternately, if the embassy requires any additional documentation or verification, you will be contacted.

You can check the status of your application by entering your application number and name at the VAC’s online portal. Alternately, you can contact the embassy directly by email to know the status. You can also contact the travel agency you have applied through to get a report on the application status.

Once you obtain this permit, you should keep in mind the following points - 

• Ensure that you do not stay back beyond the expiry date as mentioned in the visa.
• You should travel to Austria within the mentioned date.
• Always carry a copy of your travel documents with you while you are in the country.
• While you are visiting as a visitor, you cannot take part in professional work-related activities. 
• You cannot extend the permit unless in extreme circumstances.
• You must abide by the Austrian customs rules and regulations.