Schengen Visa for Austria
Last updated: March 2026
As of March 2026, the Austrian Schengen visa (Type C) costs EUR 80 for adults and EUR 40 for children aged 6–12, with standard processing taking 15 calendar days. It permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries. According to the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior, applicants must show proof of EUR 100 per day in financial means and carry travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa?
Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who are not on the Schengen visa-exempt list must apply for a Schengen visa before travelling to Austria. Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several other countries can enter the Schengen Area visa-free for short stays. However, with the introduction of the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), visa-exempt travellers will need to obtain pre-travel authorisation from 2025 onwards.
ETIAS for Visa-Exempt Travellers
What Documents Do You Need for an Austrian Schengen Visa?
To apply for an Austrian Schengen visa, you must submit the following documents to the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence:
- Completed Schengen visa application form: Available online from the Austrian embassy website. Must be filled out accurately and signed.
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area, and issued within the last ten years. Must have at least two blank pages.
- Two passport-sized photographs: Biometric format (35 x 45 mm), taken within the last six months, with a white or light-grey background.
- Travel medical insurance: Must cover all Schengen states with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or an official invitation letter from a host in Austria (with their ID and proof of address).
- Flight itinerary: Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit dates. Do not purchase tickets before the visa is granted.
- Proof of financial means: Bank statements from the last three to six months, pay slips, tax returns, or a sponsorship letter. You should demonstrate approximately EUR 100 per day of your stay.
- Cover letter: A brief letter explaining the purpose of your trip, itinerary, and dates.
- Proof of employment or studies: Employment certificate, business registration, or university enrolment letter. Retired applicants should provide pension statements.
- Travel history: Copies of previous visas and passport stamps (if applicable).
Invitation Letters (Verpflichtungserklaerung)
How Do You Apply for an Austrian Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa application process involves the following steps:
- Determine the correct embassy. Apply at the Austrian embassy or consulate if Austria is your main destination. If you are visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most nights.
- Book an appointment. Many Austrian embassies use VFS Global or TLS Contact as external service providers for appointment booking and document collection. Schedule your appointment well in advance, as slots can fill up quickly during peak travel seasons.
- Gather your documents. Prepare all required documents as listed above. Make copies of everything and organise them in the order specified by the embassy.
- Attend the appointment. Submit your documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) in person. You may also be asked for a short interview about your travel plans.
- Pay the visa fee. The fee is collected at the time of your appointment.
- Wait for processing. You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection. Track your application status through the service provider's website if available.
How Much Does an Austrian Schengen Visa Cost?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | EUR 80 |
| Children (6–12 years) | EUR 40 |
| Children (under 6) | Free |
| Service provider fee (VFS Global) | Approx. EUR 12–25 (varies by country) |
Non-Refundable
How Long Does It Take to Get an Austrian Schengen Visa?
The standard processing time for a Schengen visa application is 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment, according to migration.gv.at. However, in some cases it may take up to 45 days, especially if additional documentation is requested or during peak travel seasons. You can apply up to six months before your planned travel date. It is recommended to apply at least four to six weeks in advance.
Should You Get a Single or Multiple Entry Schengen Visa?
A single-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area once. Once you leave, you cannot re-enter. A multiple-entry visa allows unlimited entries within the visa validity period, as long as you do not exceed the 90-day limit within any 180-day period. If you travel to Austria frequently, you may be granted a multiple-entry visa valid for one, three, or even five years, particularly after building a positive visa history.
Why Do Austrian Schengen Visa Applications Get Refused?
- Insufficient proof of financial means
- Incomplete or missing documents
- No clear purpose of travel or unconvincing itinerary
- Lack of strong ties to your home country (employment, property, family)
- Previous visa overstays or immigration violations
- Inadequate travel insurance coverage
- Passport validity issues
If your visa is refused, you will receive a written explanation citing the specific reasons. You have the right to appeal the decision within the timeframe specified in the refusal letter. For longer stays involving employment, consider the Red-White-Red Card instead.