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Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Austria?

Austria is a member of the European Union and most of its visa policy is tailored accordingly to its regulations. European Union, European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein in addition to the EU states), and Switzerland citizens are eligible for a visa-free entry to Austria. Given that they do not take up employment and their stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days per 180 days.

Other than the EU, EEA, and Switzerland citizens, Austria signed many bilateral or multilateral agreements with various countries from different parts of the world to abolish visa requirements mutually. Their stay is also limited to a maximum of 90 days per 180 days and cannot take up employment. These countries are listed below.

*Citizens of these countries required to have biometric passports.

**Only holders of passports that include an identity card number.

*** The rules on travel regarding Brexit will stay the same until 31 December 2020.

**** The visa requirement exemption applies only to holders of the ‘Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’ passport.

Countries that are not listed above have to apply for a Schengen visa beforehand to enter Austria.

Austria Visa Types

We covered Austria visa types that vary depending on the duration and purpose of the stay.

What is Schengen Visa?

Schengen visa is a short-duration free-roaming agreement that was first established between Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain in 1995. After 1995, many other European states became an integral part of the agreement in different years, thus creating the Schengen area. Today, the Schengen area consists of 26 countries without border controls between them and having a Schengen visa issued by these countries will grant a visa-free stay up to 90 days in a 180 day period in the Schengen area as well as transits through international airports. Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland are the member countries of the Schengen area. If you would like to visit any of these countries freely, you will have to obtain a Schengen visa.

Although Austria has been a part of the Schengen area since 1997 and subject to its regulations, there are minor differing requirements regarding the local laws and various other nationalities.

Austria Category C Visa for Short Stay Visits

Depending on your purpose of visit that is limited to 90 days or less in a 180 days period to Austria; it is possible for you to obtain one of the following visa types.

Austria Airport Transit Visa

An airport transit visa is required for certain countries when their citizens have to change flights at a foreign country and the necessity of the visa is determined by the country which the airport is located in. Austria follows the regulations of the Schengen area about nationalities that are asked for an airport transit visa. Syria is the only additional country that Austria mandates for an airport transit visa to its citizens.

Austria Business Visa

An Austria business visa is a type of short-term visa that is needed for the third country (neither the citizens of European Economic Area nor Switzerland) individuals or groups who have designated meetings, unpaid trainings, or business-related events without labor or gainful employment. Obtaining a business visa to Austria requires more documents than other category C visas, including but not limited to proof of trip financing, employee certificate, and an invitation letter from an Austrian company.

Austria Tourist Visa

An Austria tourist visa is issued for international tourists who are planning to visit Austria for sightseeing. It is possible to obtain an Austria tourist visa through consulates, authorized visa companies, or authorized travel agencies.

Austria Visitor Visa

If you are planning to visit Austria to visit a family member or a friend residing in the country, you need to get an Austria visitor visa. In order to get one, it is essential to have an invitation letter from the person whom you are visiting.

Austria Schengen Visa Types

Schengen Transit Visa

A Schengen transit visa is a permit asked from some nationalities that will transit through a Schengen country to a non-Schengen country even if he/she does not leave the international transit zone at the airport. If the second destination is also to a Schengen country, then a regular Schengen visa would be needed. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka are required to obtain a Schengen transit visa. It is important to note that some Schengen countries have their own listings with additional countries regarding the visa.

Schengen Tourist Visa

If you would like to visit a Schengen country for sightseeing purposes, you can apply for a Schengen tourist visa which is specified for this purpose and can be issued by any of the Schengen states. It is possible for you to visit more than one Schengen country with the Schengen tourist visa.

Schengen Business Visa

A Schengen Business visa is issued for business-related purposes including meetings, events, fairs, business ventures, or commercial activities. The visa permits its holder to enter and remain in any Schengen country for 90 days in a 180 days period.

Schengen Visitor Visa

A Schengen visitor visa is issued for the individuals who are visiting a family member or friend that is legally residing in a Schengen country. There are some certain additional requirements required for a Schengen visitor visa such as an invitation letter and a proof of relationship for families.

Schengen Cultural Visa

A Schengen cultural visa enables individuals or groups to be able to enter a Schengen country for a number of purposes including cultural activities, sports, or filmmaking. It is required to include a letter that clearly states the purpose of the visit from both sending and receiving associations to obtain a Schengen cultural visa.

Schengen Medical Treatment Visa

A Schengen medical treatment visa is issued for people who are planning to receive medical treatment in a Schengen country institution. There are many additional documents required for a Schengen medical treatment visa including but not limited to proof of payment to the medical institution, proof of accommodation, and letter of admission from the receiving medical institution.

Austria Category D Visa for Long Stay Visits

Austria category D visas are issued for stays that exceed a three month period in the country and they are not to be confused with permanent residence permits.

Austria Student Visa

An Austria student visa is required for third country students who are planning to study in the country at a higher education institution for more than three months. Proof of enrollment, the transcript from the last school year, and no objection certificate from the receiving institution are some of the additionally required documents while applying for a category D student visa. Sufficient German knowledge is also necessary for Austrian university degree programs.

Austria Employment Visa

An Austria employment visa is issued for third country individuals who are going to work and earn gainful employment in Austria. There are three types of long-term work permits in Austria, namely the one-year work permit Beschäftigungsbewilligung, the two-year work permit Arbeitserlaubnis, and the unrestricted work permit Befreiungsschein. It is necessary to work at least for a year in Austria to obtain an unrestricted Austria employment visa.

Austria Job Seeker Visa

An Austria job seeker visa allows its holder to stay in Austria to look for a job for six months and if he/she finds a job during the length of the visa, it is possible to apply for an employment permit. A job seeker visa is usually granted for Austrian university graduates or very highly qualified workers such as senior managers or scientists.

Austria Family Reunion Visa

An Austria family reunion or reunification visa is issued for third country nationals that have spouses, unmarried minors, or registered parents in Austria as a citizen. Austria family reunion visa requires beginner level German language skills.

Austria Researcher Visa

An Austria researcher visa is granted for individuals who can provide a hosting agreement with a certified research institution to work in Austria as a researcher for more than three months.

Austria Freelancer Visa

If you are working location-independently and have sufficient means of subsistence, health insurance, and adequate means of accommodation you can apply for an Austria freelancer visa.

Austria Language Course Visa

An Austria language course visa is needed for third country individuals who are planning to stay in Austria between three months to six months to learn German. A confirmation letter is asked from the receiving institution as well as proof of accommodation, insurance, and proof of sufficient financial sources from the applicant.

Austria Student Internship Visa

An internship that exceeds three months is considered as gainful employment in Austria for third country nationals and requires a student internship visa. The applicant has to include documents of sufficient means of subsistence, accommodation, and purpose of stay.

Austria Partnership Visa

An Austria partnership visa is granted for third country nationals whose spouse is an Austria citizen. Beginner level German language skills are required to obtain a partnership visa.

Austria Work Permit Visa

Citizens of non-EU countries who are planning to have a job in Austria are obliged to have an Austria work permit for all types of employment exceptions being researchers and scientists.

Austria Relative Visa

An Austria relative visa is issued for spouses, registered parents, and unmarried minors of Austrian citizens. An Austria relative visa also includes free access to the labor market to the holder and requires beginner-level German language skills.

General Requirements to Apply for Austria Visa

In order to successfully obtain an Austria visa it is important to be prepared and gather all the necessary information regarding your nationality and purpose of visit beforehand. There are certain stages to obtain an Austria touristic visa:

Plan Ahead

It is important to apply for an Austria tourist visa in a reasonable time window. As a common rule in the Schengen area, visa applications should not be handed to corresponding consulate15 day prior to the expected date of the arrival to the member country.

Make an Appointment

It is almost always required to make an appointment through the internet or phone to visit any Austrian embassy around the world.

Finalize Your Application

Find out which Austrian consulate is the most convenient for you to travel since you need to hand in the required documents in-person. There will be an interview held at the consulate to confirm your purpose of visit as well as other supporting documents.

Receive Your Visa

After processing time, you will be informed by the corresponding consulate or authorized visa service center and an Austria tourist visa should be affixed to your passport.

Austria Visa Applications

You are required to present the following documents if your nationality is not eligible for a visa-free entry to Austria:

• Printed and signed online application form
• Two passport-sized photo which is not older than six months
• A passport that is valid for at least three months before the planned date of departure, issued in the last 10 years, and must contain two blank pages
• Copies of previous visas if applicable
• A cover letter that states your purpose of visit
• Round-trip flight ticket information
• A travel insurance that is valid in Austria and all Schengen area.
• Hotel booking or accommodation documents cover the duration of stay
• Proof of civil status
• Proof of sufficient income during your visit

There are additionally required or supporting documents from certain applicants:

Employed:

• Employment contract
• A letter from the company that states your absence, duration of the stay, and confirms returning to current job
• Bank statement of the last six months
• Income tax return if applicable
• Original bank slips

Self-Employed:

• Copy of business license
• Company bank statement of last six months
• Income tax return if applicable

Student:

• Proof of enrollment and no objection certificate from the registered school
• Sponsorship documents if the applicant cannot support himself/herself financially during the period of the stay

Retired:

• Proof of pension of the last six months

What is Visa Sponsorship for Austria?

A visa sponsorship is required in Austria or any Schengen member state if the applicant cannot cover his/her expenses for educational or touristic purposes by own in the duration of the stay. A sponsor could be a parent, sibling, other relatives, or a friend. However, it would increase chances to obtain a visa if the sponsor is a first-degree relative or has a permanent residence permit or citizenship in Austria or a Schengen country. The required documents from the sponsor are:

• A signed sponsorship letter that clearly states the relationship with the applicant, information on how and what expenses going to be covered, personal and contact info of both the applicant and the sponsor, and accommodation details of the applicant
• A scanned copy of the ID
• Proof of sufficient funds such as bank statements or payroll
• Proof of estate or business ownership if applicable
• Signatory circulars

You can check our website for more details about visa sponsorships.

Austria Visa Rules

There are many countries across the globe can enter Austria without a visa. If your country is not eligible for visa-free entry to Austria, you need to obtain an Austria visa and take consideration of the following visa rules:

• The visa application form of the children under 18 years of age must also be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
• The passport should not be older than ten years and contain at least two blank pages.
• The passport should be valid for more than three months from the expected day of arrival to Austria.
• The responsible consulate can request a German translation of the documents if required documents are not submitted in German or English language.

Austria Visa Requirements

Austria Visa Requirements for Third Country Nationals

Third country nationals without a right of free movement in the EU should apply for a visa to Austria from its missions across the globe. An Austria visa will enable its holder to travel any country within the Schengen area in the duration of the stay.

Austria Visa Requirements for US, UK, and Canada

Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada can enter Austria without a visa if:

• Their passport is valid for more than three months from the expected time of arrival to Austria,
• They can present proof of sufficient financial means,
• Purpose of visit is clear and documented.

Austria Visa Fees

Austria short-stay visa types listed below exclusively include the visa fee. Keep in mind that there might be additional payments expected from the applicant such as consular fees, service fees of the outsourced companies, or application form fees.

The current Austria visa fees valid as of March 2020 are as follows:

NOTE: This article was prepared in March 2020. Please check up-to-date information published by official sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

WARNING: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, visa applications for your destination country may not have started yet. Please consult the relevant official authorities for up-to-date information.

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Austria is one of the most visited countries in Europe thanks to its magnificent landmarks, colorful cultural atmosphere, and remarkable natural sceneries all around. Austria is situated in the central part of Europe, home of the eastern part of the spectacular Alpines with a population of more than nine million.

Austria Visa

Through our Austria Visa Guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the visa policy of Austria regarding various nationalities across the globe, different types of visas including the Schengen visa, specific requirements, visa sponsorships, visa fees, and many more. Before your visa application to Austria, it is vital to have a scheduled flight ticket at hand. You can visit our Austria Flight Ticket page to buy one and enjoy our amazing prices.