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 - 

Mandatory Documents:

1. Schengen Visa Application Form:
• Download from the Austrian Embassy/Consulate website.
• Fill it out completely and accurately.
• Sign it in the designated areas.
  
  
2. Recent Passport-Sized Photos:
• 2-3 photos, not older than six months.
• Meet the Schengen photo requirements.
  
  
3. Valid Indian Passport:
• Original passport with at least three months' validity.
  
  
4. Flight Reservation or Itinerary:
• Round-trip or onward ticket.
• Confirm the travel dates.
  
  
5. Travel Health Insurance:
• Covers at least €30,000 for medical and hospital expenses.
• Valid for the entire Schengen Area.
  
  
6. Proof of Accommodation:
• Hotel booking with confirmation number.
• Rental agreement.
• Letter of invitation (if staying with friends/family).
  
  
7. Proof of Financial Means:
• Bank statement of the last three months.
• Showing sufficient funds (approximately €500-€800 per person for the duration of stay in Austria).
  
  
8. Income Proof:
• Salary slips (last three months).
• Employment certificate.
• Proof of pension (if applicable).

Additional Documents (if applicable):

1. Proof of Retirement:
• Pension documents.
2. Student Status:
• University ID.
• Enrollment certificate.
3. Minor's Documents:
• Birth certificate.
• Consent letter from both parents.
• Copies of parents' passports.

• 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. 

Step 1: Check the Latest Requirements

• Why: Requirements can change, and it's crucial to have the most current information.
• How:
1. Visit the Official Website:

• Austrian Embassy in New Delhi: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/embassy/new-delhi.html

• Consulate General in Mumbai: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/embassy/mumbai.html

• Consulate General in Bengaluru: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/embassy/bangalore.html

1. Navigate to the Visa Section:

1. • Look for "Visa", "Schengen Visa", or "Tourist Visa" sections.
     
     
2. Review the Requirements:
   • Read through the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application process.
     
     

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

• Why: A correctly filled form is essential for a smooth application process.
  
• How:
1. Download the Application Form:
• From the Austrian Embassy/Consulate website (usually in PDF format).
• Form Name: Schengen Visa Application Form (may also be referred to as "Harmonised Application Form")
  
  
2. Fill Out the Form:
• Use a Computer: To ensure clarity and ease of reading.
• Fill in All Sections: Unless marked as optional.
• Be Accurate: Double-check names, dates, and passport numbers.
  
  
3. Print the Form:
• Once completed, print the form on A4-sized paper.
• Sign the Form: In the designated area, using a pen with permanent ink.

Step 3: Gather All Documents

• Why: Ensuring you have all required documents avoids delays.
  
  
• How:
1. Review the Document Checklist:
• From the Austrian Embassy/Consulate website or Step 2 above.
  
  
2. Gather Mandatory Documents:
• Passport
• Completed Application Form
• Recent Photos
• Flight Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Proof of Accommodation
• Financial Means
• Income Proof
  
  
3. Additional Documents (if Applicable):
• Proof of Retirement
• Student Status
• Minor's Documents (for children under 18)
  
  

Step 4: Book an Appointment

• Why: To secure a time slot for your application submission.
• How:
1. Determine the Submission Location:
• Austrian Embassy in New Delhi
• Consulate General in Mumbai
• Consulate General in Bengaluru (Limited Services)
• VFS Global (if outsourced, check the official VFS Global website for locations)
2. Book the Appointment:
• Online Booking System (if available): Through the embassy/consulate or VFS Global website.
• Phone or Email: If online booking is not available, contact the submission location directly.
3. Note the Appointment Details:
• Date
• Time
• Location
• Required Documents (re-confirm)
  
  

Step 5: Attend the Interview

• Why: To submit your application and provide additional information if required.
• How:
1. Arrive Early:
• At least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
  
  
2. Submit Your Application:
• Hand over your completed application form and all supporting documents.
  
  
3. Pay the Application Fees:
• Fee Amount: Check the current fee (approximately €80 for adults).
• Payment Methods: Cash, Credit/Debit Card (check accepted types).
  
  
4. Provide Biometric Data (if Required):
• Fingerprint Scanning: If it's your first Schengen Visa application in the last 5 years.
  
  
5. Answer Questions (if Asked):
• Be prepared to discuss your trip, financial situation, and travel plans.

Step 6: Wait for the Decision

• Why: The embassy/consulate reviews your application.
• How:
1. Tracking Your Application:
• VFS Global Website/App (if applicable): Use the reference number provided.
• Contact the Embassy/Consulate: Directly, if not using VFS Global.
  
  
2. Decision Outcomes:
• Approved: Collect your passport with the visa.
• Rejected: Receive a letter explaining the reason; you can appeal.
• Additional Documentation Required: Provide the requested documents to support your application.
  
  
3. Collection of Passport:
• Once the visa is approved, collect your passport from the submission location.
• Ensure the Visa Details are Correct: Before leaving the collection point.

• Typical Processing Time: 10-15 working days.
• Status Update:
  
  
1. VFS Global Website/App (if applicable).
2. Contact the Austrian Embassy/Consulate directly.

• Apply Early: Avoid last-minute hassles and potential delays.
• Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all documents and application form details.
• Be Prepared for the Interview:
  
  
1. Clearly explain your travel plans.
2. Provide detailed financial information.
   
   
• Travel Insurance: Ensure it meets all Schengen requirements.

• Austrian Embassy in New Delhi:
• Address: EP-13, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 2688 9176
• Email: new-delhi-otp@bmeia.gv.at
  
  
• Consulate General in Mumbai:
• Address: Omega, Hiranandani Business Park, 32nd Floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai - 400051
• Phone: +91 22 2659 0777
• Email: mumbai.cg@bmeia.gv.a
  
  
• Consulate General in Bengaluru (Limited Services, Check Before Visiting):
• Address: "Cyber Tower", 12th Floor, #143, 27th Cross, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru - 560102
• Phone: +91 80 4346 0200
• Email: bangalore.kg@bmeia.gv.at
  
  
• VFS Global (for Outsourced Applications): Check the official VFS Global website for Austrian Visa Application Centers in India, contact numbers, and email addresses.

• Official Austrian Embassy/Consulate Website: For the latest visa requirements and application process.
• VFS Global Website (if applicable): For application status, additional services, and FAQs.
• Schengen Visa Info Website: For comprehensive information on Schengen Visas and travel within the Schengen Area.

Need more clarity on Austria visa? check out helpful resources below

• Austria Tourist Visa Requirements
• Austria Visa Requirements
• Austria Business Visa Requirements 
• Austria Consulate Mumbai
• Austria Study Visa Requirements
• Austria Work Visa Requirements
• Austria Sports Visa Requirements
• Austria Visit Visa Requirements