Austria Visa Guide
Procuring an Austrian Visa
Overview
Austria is home to scenic mountains and natural beauty. The country may not have any beaches, but it is the perfect place to visit for tranquillity. The country is not just an excellent tourist destination but also a perfect place to visit for business. Austria is ranked among the wealthiest countries in the world based on its GDP per capita.
Why is Austrian Visa Needed?
Indian citizens require a visa to visit the nation of Austria. The reasons for visiting Austria can range from tourism to business, and even studies.
Austria Visa Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for an Austrian visa are dependent on the purpose, nature and duration of your visit. There are primarily two types of visa:
Schengen Visa C: This type of visa allows you a stay of 90 days in six-month duration. Since this type of visa is issued for Schengen, it allows you to visit and stay in other Schengen states including Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Latvia, Slovakia, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Greece, Finland, Norway, Czech Republic, Malta, Lithuania, Switzerland, Estonia, Luxemburg, and Poland. Additionally, no restrictions are placed on the number of times you can visit or enter any of the above mentioned Schengen states. Therefore, the Schengen Visa C is issued not just for a single entry but also for double and multiple entries.
National Visa D: This type of visa allows you a stay of 91 days to 180 days in six-month duration. Visa D can be issued for many reasons including but not limited to Seasonal worker, researcher, guest researcher, short term worker, volunteer and student among others.
Transit Visa: A transit visa is different compared to the two types of visas mentioned above. One of the prime elements of a transit visa is that it is not issued for a long duration. Commonly, it is only issued for a few days at maximum. The reason that transit visas are issued is to facilitate the travel of passengers. For example, if you have a connecting flight from one of the airports in the Schengen area but your next flight is after a few hours or a couple of days, then you apply for the transit visa.
The other eligibility requirements are common for both types of visa. The only difference between the two types of visa pertains to the requirement of documents based on the purpose and nature of the visit. The following could be the reasons for travelling to or visiting Austria:
Tourism
One of the most common reasons for visiting Austria is tourism. The serenity of the natural scenery of the nation is famous throughout the world, and people from all over the world visit the nation for some much-needed tranquillity.
Visiting Friends or Family
This type of visa is for Individuals who have family members or friends that are legally dwelling or citizens of Austria or the Schengen region. However, the visitors would need a referral letter from the friend or family member staying in Austria. Furthermore, they will need to present the same at the time of the visa application process.
Business
This type of visa is for individuals that need to travel to Austria for the purpose of business. It also includes people who have been employed by companies and organisations operating in Austria or the government. The approval time for such visas is sometimes shorted compared to other visas as the process is facilitated by the organisation in question in Austria as well.
Medical reasons
Such visas are issued for individuals that intend to travel to Austria for medical purposes and enjoy the benefits of the medical services in the nation.
Study Purposes
This type of visa is only for individuals that intend to enrol or are already enrolled in any of the educational institutions of the nation.
Cultural, Sports and Film Crews
This type of visa is issued to individuals that are not citizens of any of the nations in the Schengen region but wish to travel to the nation to attend or participate in activities related to culture, sports or religion.
Other Purposes
If the purpose and nature of your visit are not covered under any of the categories mentioned above, then you needn't worry. All you need to do while applying for the visa is to ensure that you mention the reasons during your application process.
Austria Visa Application Process
How to Apply for Austrian Visa:
Applying for an Austrian visa is a very straightforward process. The first thing that you should do is check the eligibility requirements for an Austrian visa. You can apply for an Austrian visa by submitting it to The Embassy of Austria at New Delhi. However, it should be noted that you will not be able to send your visa application through courier or post, as the Austria Visa Application Centre in New Delhi cannot process those. In order to submit or collect the applications, you will need to do it in person, or you will have to send your travel agent or an authorised representative.
The following will be considered as authorised representatives of the applicant:
- Parents, Siblings, and Children, i.e. immediate family members
- If you are applying as a group or family, then any one individual from the group
- A person that has been authorised by the government can collect it on the government's behalf. He or she will need a letter from the government to prove the same.
- An official representative of a company but he or she will require a letter from the concerned party at the company. Additionally, he or she will also need to present the official ID of the company.
In all the cases mentioned above, the individual who will be collecting the documents would need to present the following:
- Original and a photocopy of any Government issued ID Card
- Original ICR
- A letter from the applicant where the individual has to be authorised by the applicant
In order to apply for the visa, the first thing that you will need to do is chose the visa category depending on the nature and purpose of your visit, and go over the requirements for the same.
The second thing that you will need to do is book an appointment before you submit your visa application. Once you arrive at the visa application centre, you will need to take a token from the entrance then proceed to the waiting area. You will be called to the visa application submission counter to submit your application and the required documents. The documents along with your photograph and passport will be scrutinised and verified for their authenticity and validity.
Lastly, you will receive a receipt for the services and fees charged during the process. DO ensure to carry all the originals of your documents.
Where to Apply for Austria Visa?
In order to apply for a visa to Austria, you will need to visit The Embassy of Austria in New Delhi. Additionally, as mentioned on the Embassy of Austria website, you can also visit the offices of VFS Global Services in Delhi, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmadabad, Chandigarh, Kochi, Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, Puducherry, and Trivandrum. The addresses are given down below:
| New Delhi | VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place New Delhi- 110001 |
| Gurgaon | Austria Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. ILD Trade Centre, 4th Floor, Sector 47 Sohna Road, Gurgaon - 122001 |
| Jaipur | Austria Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Manglam Ambition Tower 1st Floor, Agrasen Circle (Malan ka Chauraha), Subhash Marg, C Scheme Jaipur, 302001 |
| Jalandhar | VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd 3rd floor, Aman Plaza, Plot No 310, Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg, Nakodar Chowk, (opposite to lovely autos), Jalandhar, Punjab – 144001 |
| Mumbai | VFS Global Austria Visa Application Centre Trade Centre, 3rd Floor, ‘G’ Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400 051 |
| Chennai | VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Fagun Towers, Third Floor, No 74, EthirajSalai, Egmore, Chennai - 600 008 |
| Bangalore | VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd Global Tech Park, No 11 First Floor O' Shaughnessy Road, Langford Town, Bangalore 560025 Helpline: +91 22 67866008 |
| Kolkata | Austria Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Rene Tower, Building No. 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Rajdanga, Landmark: Near Geetanjali Stadium Kolkata, 700107, India Helpline: +91 22 67866008 |
| Ahmedabad | VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd First Floor, Emerald House, Near Parimal Garden Cross Road, Off C G Road, Ahmedabad – 380006 |
| Chandigarh | B-209, 2nd Floor, Elante, Industrial Area Phase 1, Chandigarh, India – 160002 |
| Kochi | 1st Floor, Coastal Chambers (Manoj Tower), M G Road, Ravipuram, Cochin 682015 |
| Goa | Gera Imperium 1, 3rd Floor, Office No. 301, Patto Plaza, Panjim, Goa 403001, India |
| Hyderabad | VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd 8-2-700, 3rd Floor, Srida Anushka Pride, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500 034. |
| Pune | Austria Visa Application Centre 4th Floor, F core Marvel Edge Near Bajaj Finserv Vimannagar, Pune 411014 |
| Puducherry | Austria Visa Application Centre Good Shepherd Square, No.33., East Coast Road, Elaipillaichavady, Pudupalayam Village, Puducherry-605 005. |
| Trivandrum | VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd, First Floor - Asiatic Business Centre, T c 2/2408-3, Attipra Village, Kazhakuttam, Trivandrum-695583 |
You can also clarify any doubts that you may have by contacting them on:
Phone Helpline: +91 22 67866008
Email Id: info.ausin@vfshelpline.com
How to Book Appointment?
In order to book an appointment for the visa application, you will need to submit the application online at the Joint Schengen Visa Application Centre. Additionally, it is vital for you not to miss your appointment as if you were to miss your appointment then you will not be able to book a new appointment for at least 24 hours. Furthermore, you cannot reschedule or cancel your appointment.
You will also need to ensure that you arrive for your appointment at least 15 minutes prior to your allotted time. Additionally, nobody will be allowed to accompany you in the visa application centre. However, there are exceptions to this rule for applicants under the age of 18, and those who require assistance due to a disability or health reasons. Moreover, even if you are applying as a family or a group, you will need to book separate appointments for every member of the family or group.
How to Check Status of Austria Visa
After the submission of your visa application, you can track your application here. You should note that applications that are accepted at the application centre are submitted to the Embassy of Austria on the next working day. A minimum of 15 days is required to process the visa application.
Austria Visa Document Requirements
Documents Required for Austria Visa application
The documents required for an Austrian Visa application are the same for almost every instance, except for tourist visa. Visa applications for other reasons require the following documents:
| 1 | The application form should be completed in its entirety in English or German language. Additionally, the application should be signed by the applicant |
| 2 | Passport: (a) its validity should be beyond a period of at least three months from the intended date of departure. The departure could be from the territory of the Member States or, in the case of several visits, after the last intended date of departure from the territory of any of the Schengen Member States; (b) it shall not be complete, and at least two pages of the passport should be blank; (c) the issuance of the passport should be done in the previous 10 years; (d) There shouldn't be any type of handwritten amendment or alteration concerning the data page |
| 3 | Two photographs: should abide by the international standards for photographs as established in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) |
| 4 | Valid permit of return (may not be applicable in every case) |
| 5 | The travel medical insurance should cover the entirety of the applicants stay and should be valid for all Schengen territories. Additionally, 30,000 Euros is the minimum coverage. If the applicants have selected Multiple Entry Visa, then they must prove that their travel medical insurance is valid and adequate enough to cover at least the period their first intended visit. |
| 6 | Cover letter: it should explain the nature and purpose of the trip |
| 7 | An electronic letter of guarantee of sponsor - "EVE - Elektronische Verpflichtungserklärung" http://www.bmi.gv.at/cms/BMI_Fremdenpolizei/einreise_visa/Visum_6.aspx obtained by the sponsor at the competent "Fremdenpolizeibehörde" of the sponsor's district in Austria (if applicable) |
| 8 | Round-trip flight bookings - travel itinerary: you should provide proof of airline reservation along with proof of any other means of travel within Austria/EU if applicable |
| 9 | Minor travellers: a) a minor should be accompanied by at least one parent who should provide an original notarised NOC by the other parent in addition to the copies of passports or IDs of parents b) a minor, if travelling alone, should provide an original notarised NOC that has to be signed by both parents / legal guardians, plus copies of passports or IDs of parents |
| 10 | Copy of the present passport in its entirety |
| 11 | Original(s) of previous passport(s) or proof of loss |
In addition to the above document requirements, some of the requirements would vary on the purpose of the visit. For example, if you are applying for a student visa, you will need to produce proof of admissions along with receipt of the fee, relevant certificates including transfer certificates, etc.
Similarly, if you are applying for business purposes, you will need to produce a letter of employment at the Austrian company or organisation. Moreover, you will also need a referral letter from the organisation or company.
Austria Tourist Visa
What is Austria Tourist Visa?
An Austrian tourist visa is issued for individuals who intend to visit the nation of Austria for tourism.
Duration of Austria Tourist Visa
The duration for the visa would be 90 days, and it falls under the Schengen type C visa. The visa will also allow you to visit other nations that are members of the Schengen region. The visa can be for single and well as multiple entries.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for Austria Tourist Visa
The eligibility criteria and the application process for an Austrian tourist visa are the same as applying for other types of visa. The only change that you will need to deal with is are the documents required for a tourist visa.
Documents required for Austria Tourist Visa
The documents required for an Austrian visa are the same for other types of visas. However, the only changes that you will need to deal with are:
- You will need to provide proof of accommodation. The same can be obtained from your hotel, manager or organiser of the tour. Additionally, appropriate documentation that would indicate envisaged travel plans within the nation is also acceptable.
- Evidence of occupation; if you are a student, then you will need to explain your status; if you are self-employed, then you will need to produce proof for the same.
- Salary certificate for the three months preceding the application or employment contract plus company NOC to leave
- If you are Self-employed, then you will need a letter validating the same from a chartered accountant, lawyers, or Confirmation from the Chamber of Commerce in case of business.
- Students will need to produce a NOC from school/college
- You will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds. Three months of original bank statements or other funds available will need to be produced.
- Income Tax Acknowledgement / ITR-V from the past three years.
Austria Visa Fees
Fees for Immigrant Austria Visas
The fee for Schengen Visa C:Euros 60 is the fee that you will need to pay at the time of visa application. The payment will need to be done in the currency of Indi, i.e. rupees. The current exchange rate at the time of the visa application will be used to determine the amount. No visa fee is charged for children below the age of 6 years. However, a fee of 35 Euros is charged for children between 6 to 12 years.
The fee for National Visa D: 150 Euros is charged as the visa, and it is to be paid at the time of application. A fee of 75 Euros is charged for children under 6 years
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Is it compulsory for me to get an Austrian Visa to travel to Austria?
If you are an Indian citizen, then you will need to apply for an Austrian visa. However, you can also enter the country if you have a Schengen visa.
How can I apply for an Austrian Visa?
You will need to visit the Austrian Visa Application Centre and then book an appointment at the Embassy of Austria in New Delhi.
What should be mentioned in the cover letter to be submitted with my documents?
You should mention the nature and purpose of your visit. Additionally, mention any other regions that you may want to visit and the reasons for doing so.
Should I buy travel insurance for my visit to Austria?
Taking travel insurance during a trip to abroad is always recommendable. Travel insurance allows you to enjoy your travel experience rather than stressing over things that can go wrong. Moreover, it allows you an easy way to deal with emergencies that may arise during your travel.
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