Austrian Visa for Official Visits
Many UK citizens enjoy traveling abroad, with Austria being a popular destination due to its rich heritage and diverse customs. While British tourists often seek to explore the beauty of Austria, they may also encounter certain challenges when planning international trips. Therefore, it is important to provide clear guidance on how UK residents can obtain an Austrian today.
Austrian flagTable of Contents:
Introduction
1. Top questions
1.1 What is a Visa & Who Needs One?
1.2 What is a Visa for Official Visits?
1.3 How Long is a Visa for Official Visits Valid for?
1.4 When Should I Apply For a Visa for Official Visits?
1.5 How Long Does it Take to Process an Austrian Visa for Official Visits?
1.6 Where is the Visa for Official Visits Processed?
1.7 How Much Does it Cost to Obtain an Austrian Visa for Official Visits?
1.8 How to Pay?
2. Application process
2.1 Documents Required For an Austrian Visa for Official Visits
2.2 Steps to Apply for an Austrian Visa for Official Visits
3. Visa for Official Visits Extension
Introduction
The tourism industry is undeniably booming, with cross-country travel playing a crucial role in the socio-economic development of both the UK and Austria.
Firstly, international tourism significantly contributes to Austria’s prosperity at various levels. To accommodate the growing number of British visitors, there has been substantial infrastructure development, including improved roads, transport facilities, and enhanced law and order. These advancements not only benefit tourists but also enhance the quality of life for local residents.
Secondly, the increasing influx of visitors has led to more employment opportunities, particularly in the hospitality sector. This boost in employment contributes to a better overall quality of life for Austrians and generates significant revenue for the government, aiding the nation in overcoming financial challenges.
However, it is important to note that there are growing concerns about the negative impacts of the travel industry on local communities and the natural environment in Austria. In response, both the government and individuals have implemented stricter visa procedures to mitigate these drawbacks and ensure that tourism continues to contribute positively to Austria’s prosperity.
1. Top questions
1.1 What is a Visa & Who Needs One?
It is important to note that certain categories of UK residents may be eligible for visa-free entry to Austria.
British citizens do not need a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). However, if they plan to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, a visa will be required. Conversely, non-UK passport holders residing in the UK must obtain an Austrian Schengen visa to visit Austria.
Please take a look at the tables to determine whether your nationality requires you to apply for an Austrian visa.
[expand title=”The countries whose citizens are required to get an Austrian visa in order to enter there are”]
| A | |||||
| Afghanistan | Algeria | Angola | Armenia | Azerbaijan | |
| B | |||||
| Bahrain | Bangladesh | Belarus | Belize | ||
| Benin | Bhutan | Bolivia | Botswana | ||
| Burkina Faso | Burma/Myanmar | Burundi | |||
| C | |||||
| Cambodia | Cameroon | Cape Verde | Central African Republic | Chad | |
| China | Comoros | Congo | Cote D’ivoire | Cuba | |
| D | |||||
| Dem. Rep. Of Congo | Djibouti | Dominican Republic | |||
| E | |||||
| Ecuador | Egypt | Equatorial Guinea | Eritrea | Ethiopia | |
| F | |||||
| Fiji | |||||
| G | |||||
| Gabon | Gambia | Ghana | Guinea | Guinea-Bissau | Guyana |
| H | |||||
| Haiti | |||||
| I | |||||
| India | Indonesia | Iran | Iraq | ||
| J | |||||
| Jamaica | Jordan | ||||
| K | |||||
| Kazakhstan | Kenya | Kosovo | Kuwait | Kyrgyzstan | |
| L | |||||
| Laos | Lebanon | Lesotho | Liberia | Libya | |
| M | |||||
| Madagascar | Malawi | Maldives | Mali | ||
| Mauritania | Mongolia | Morocco | Mozambique | ||
| N | |||||
| Namibia | Nepal | Niger | Nigeria | Northern Mariana’s | North Korea |
| O | |||||
| Oman | |||||
| P | |||||
| Pakistan | Papua New Guinea | Palestinian Authority | Philippines | ||
| Q | |||||
| Qatar | |||||
| R | |||||
| Russia | Rwanda | ||||
| S | |||||
| Sao Tome And Principe | Saudi Arabia | Senegal | Sierra Leone | ||
| Somalia | South Africa | South Sudan | Sri Lanka | ||
| Sudan | Suriname | Swaziland | Syria | ||
| T | |||||
| Tajikistan | Tanzania | Thailand | Timor-Leste | ||
| Togo | Tonga | Tunisia | Turkey | ||
| Turkmenistan | |||||
| U | |||||
| Uganda | Uzbekistan | ||||
| V | |||||
| Vietnam | |||||
| Y | |||||
| Yemen | |||||
| Z | |||||
| Zambia | Zimbabwe |
[/expand]
With a valid UK residence permit is valid until at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Austria or the Schengen Area, you can enjoy several benefits. For stays of less than 90 days in Austria, your UK residence permit suffices. However, if you plan to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residency permit rather than an Austrian Schengen visa.
If you hold a UK visa valid for three months, you can extend it for an additional three months. This extension allows you to apply for an Austrian Schengen visa from within the UK. Be sure to apply for the extension before your current visa expires and while you are still in the UK.
1.2 What Is an Austrian Visa for Official Visits?
An Austrian Visa for Official Visits is required for individuals who have received an official invitation from intergovernmental organisations to attend meetings, consultations, negotiations, exchange programs, or other events in Austria.
1.3 How Long is a Visa for Official Visits Valid For?
This visa is typically valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. If your stay exceeds 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay national visa.
1.4 When Should I Apply for a Visa for Official Visits?
It is advisable to apply for an Austrian Visa for Official Visits at least 6 months before your planned trip.
1.5 How Long Does It Take to Process an Austrian Visa for Official Visits?
The Visa Application Centre typically responds within 15 days or less. However, in some cases, processing may take up to 30-60 days, depending on the complexity of your application.
1.6 Where is the Visa for Official Visits Processed?
The processing of Visas for Official Visits generally follows a standard procedure, with additional documentation required only in rare cases.
- If you are visiting only Austria: Submit your application at the VFS Visa Center in the UK.
- If you are visiting multiple countries, including Austria: Submit your application at the Visa Center in the country where you will spend the most days, or where you will first enter if the stay is equally distributed among countries.
VFS Center’s official website pageA VISA APPLICATION CENTRE IN LONDON – VFS JOINT VISA APPLICATION CENTRE
Address:
66 Wilson Street
London
EC2A 2JX
Contact details:
email: info.ituk@vfshelpline.com
Helpline number: 0871 376 0023
Due to the increasing demand for Austrian visas, the Austrian Embassy has outsourced its visa application processing to the Austrian Visa Centres in London. A Visa Application Centre (VAC) is an authorised third-party service provider responsible for accepting visa applications on behalf of a country. The VAC transmits the applicant’s information and application to the relevant visa processing authority, which is either the Visa Application Center or the embassy of the applicant’s destination country.
Our company is here to assist you in preparing and submitting the necessary documents to the Visa Application Center. We handle the review and forwarding of your documents to ensure a smooth process for obtaining an Austrian visa through the VFS Visa Application Centre.
1.7 How Much Does it Cost to Obtain an Austrian Visa for Official Visits?
The processing fees for an Austrian Visa vary based on the applicant’s category:
- Adults: £73
- Children Aged 6-12: £36.50
There is no fee for the following categories:
- Children Under 6 Years Old
- Family Members of an EU/EEA National
For family members, please provide the following documents:
- Original Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate
- Original Full Birth Certificate
- EU/EEA National’s Passport
- Students and Accompanied Teaching Staff: This includes school children, undergraduates, and postgraduates traveling to Austria for a short study period.
For this category, please provide:
- A letter from the school principal or dean indicating that the trip is a necessary part of the school or college program.
1.8 How To Pay?
Visa fees can be paid in cash or by credit/debit card at the Visa Application Centre. Please note that checks are not accepted.
2. Application Process
2.1 Documents Required for an Official Visits Visa
When applying for an Austrian Transport Visa, you must provide the following documents:
1. Visa Application Form
- Complete the Short-Stay Visa Application Form legibly and accurately.
- Ensure you sign the form.
- Include the complete address in Austria, specifying the number, street name, city, and postal code.
Please make use of the following table to fill in the form correctly:
| The appropriate Form Section | Our explanation of each Form Section |
| Surname | Fill in your name like it is on your passport (do not write “married name” and your husband name) |
| Surname at birth | Write the name you had at your birth if different than your current surname |
| First Name (s) | Write your first name like it is on your passport |
| Date of birth | Fill in your date of birth like this: day/month/year |
| Place of birth | Fill in your place of birth like it is on your passport |
| Country of birth | Fill in your country of birth even there is no it on your passport |
| Current Nationality | Fill in your nationality like it is on your passport |
| Nationality at birth, if different | Fill in your nationality at birth if it is different from the nationality on your passport |
| Other nationalities | |
| Sex | Fill in your male or female gender |
| Marital Status | For a common-law marriage, indicate “common-law marriage” in the section “Other”. For a PACS (your destination country civil union contract) with a local citizen, indicate “PACS” in the section “Other“ |
| Parental Authority | Fill in the full name, address, telephone number, email address, and nationality of the person who keeps parental authority or legal guardianship |
| National Identity Number | Fill in your national identity number if you have this one |
| Type of travel document | Write the appropriate kind of your travel document |
| Number of travel document | Write the appropriate numbers of your travel document |
| Date of issue | Write the date your passport was issued (not the extension date) |
| Valid until | Write your passport expiration date taking into account the extensions |
| Issued by | Write the country of issuing your passport and the authority that issued the passport |
| Personal data of the family member who is a European Union, EEA or Swiss Confederation citizen or is a United | Fill in the full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and relationship only if you are the dependent spouse, child, father, or mother of a person who is a citizen of another State of the European Union. |
| Kingdom citizen beneficiary of the withdrawal agreement, if applicable | |
| Family relationship with an European Union, EEA or Swiss Confederation citizen, or with United Kingdom citizen beneficiary of the withdrawal agreement, if applicable | Fill in the corresponding status |
| Applicant's home address and e-mail address | Write the e-mail address: 1) your own one, either 2) another person one, or 3) company (accordingly, write the name of the mailbox owner). |
| Telephone number | Write your cellular number in your residence country and, where appropriate, in the country where you are submitting your visa application |
| Residence in a country other than the country of current nationality | If you are living in other country you need to write the number of your residence permit and its expiration date |
| Current occupation | Fill in the current occupation like it is on the passport, for example: “professor” or “retired (former designer)”. If you have no occupation, write “no occupation” |
| Employer and employer's address and telephone number | Fill in the name of the organization (firm, public service, educational institution) where you work or study and its name, address, and telephone number |
| For students, name and address of educational establishment | |
| Purpose(s) of the journey | Write the appropriate goal of your travel |
| Member State of main destination (and other Member States of destination, if applicable | Write a country name as your primary destination. If it is a foreign overseas department or territory, write your destination country name and the name of the department or territory |
| Member State of first entry | Fill in your destination country |
| Number of entries requested | Write your desired number of entries with the dates of arrival and departure |
| Fingerprints collected previously for the purpose of applying for a Schengen visa | If your fingerprints have already been taken for a visa application, write the date |
| Entry permit for the final country of destination, where applicable | Write the number and validity dates for your visa at your final destination, if this country is outside the Schengen area |
| Surname and first name of the inviting person(s) in the Member State(s). Address and e-mail address of inviting person(s). Telephone number | Write the name of the person who invited you, address, e-mail and a phone number |
| Name and address of inviting company / organization, phone number and e-mail number | Write the contact info of the organization that invited you and the contact info for your contact person in the organization |
| Cost of travelling and living during the applicant's stay is covered | Indicate the necessary boxes |
| Place and date | Write the place and date where you are filling in the form, even if this date is different than the day you are going to the visa service |
| Signature | The visa applicant must sign and not another person. If the visa applicant is a minor (under 18), the application must be signed by a person having parental authority and their relationship should be included in parentheses (father, mother, guardian). If the visa applicant cannot sign, a cross may be used |
2. Two Recent Photographs
Follow these Austrian Visa Photo Requirements:
- Two identical photos taken within the last six months.
- Photo size: 35×45 mm (width x height).
- Colour photos only (no black and white).
- Head should occupy 70-80% of the photo.
- Background should be bright and lightly coloured (light grey is recommended).
- The applicant should be facing the camera directly.
- Maintain a neutral expression (no smile and mouth closed).
- Avoid uniforms or colours that match the background.
3. Valid Passport
- The passport must be valid for up to 10 years.
- It must have at least 3 months of validity remaining after your trip to Austria.
- The passport should have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.
4. Flight Itinerary (Reservation)
- Also known as: Booked Flight Itinerary, Flight Reservation, Air Ticket Booking, Dummy Ticket, Flight Confirmation, or Return Ticket.
- This document is not a paid air ticket but a detailed itinerary showing your flight plan, including flight name, your name, reservation number or booking ID, arrival and departure dates, airport IATA codes, and ticket price.
- A small fee may be charged for obtaining this reservation for your visa application. Some airlines offer it for free, but it is rare.
5. Travel Health Insurance
Ensure your travel insurance meets the following requirements:
- Minimum coverage of at least €30,000.
- Coverage must be valid for all Schengen Area member states.
- It should cover expenses for repatriation, urgent medical care, emergency hospital treatment, or death.
We recommend contacting insurance providers such as AXA, Europ Assistance, or DR-WALTER.
AXA insurance company page6. Proof of Accommodation in Austria
You must provide one of the following documents to the Austrian Visa Application Center:
- Hotel Booking or Reservation
A hotel in Austria7. Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
To demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Austria, you may provide one of the following:
- Bank Account Statement
Bank account statement for an Austrian visa- Credit Card: As evidence of available funds.
- Cash: If applicable.
- Cheques: If applicable.
- Payslips: Recent payslips indicating regular income.
- Proof of Employment: Documenting your current employment status.
- Sponsorship Letter: From a person who will financially support your trip.
- Proof of Prepaid Accommodation: Evidence that accommodation costs have been covered.
- Document About Private Accommodation: If staying with friends or family.
- Proof of Prepaid Transport: Evidence of travel arrangements.
- Other Documents: Any additional documents
The Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration, and Foreign Affairs of Austria does not specify the exact amount of financial means required. Instead, the amount is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
8. Visa Application Cover Letter
Your cover letter should include:
- The purpose of your travel to the Schengen area.
- How you will fund your trip (personal funds or sponsorship).
- If sponsored, details of your relationship with the sponsor and why they are sponsoring you.
- An overview of your itinerary, including reasons for applying at the specific embassy.
- Explanation if any required documents are missing and details of any alternative documents submitted.
- Your intent to return to your home country. You may also include a separate letter explaining your ties to your home country.
The cover letter serves as a communication tool with the embassy officer processing your application.
9. Copies of Previous Austrian Visas (If Applicable)
If you have previously been issued Austrian visas, provide copies of these visas.
10. Proof of Civil Status
Provide one of the following documents:
- Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificate of Children
- Death Certificate of a Spouse
11. Official Invitation Copy
12. Evidence for the Purpose of The Journey
Provide documentation that outlines the purpose of your visit. This may include:
- Invitation Letters: Official invitations from intergovernmental organisations for meetings, negotiations, events, or consultations.
- Event Confirmations: Proof of participation in official events or programs.
- Meeting Agendas: Details of scheduled meetings or consultations.
13. Evidence of Employment Status
- If Employed:
- Employment Contract
- Leave Permission from Employer
- Income Tax Return
- If Self-Employed:
- Copy of Business License
- Company’s Bank Statement for the Last 6 Months
- Income Tax Return
- If a Student:
- Proof of Enrollment
- No Objection Letter from University
- If Retired:
- Pension Statements for the Last 6 Months
2.2 Steps to Apply for an Austrian Visa for Official Visits
Regardless of your visa type, the process for applying is as follows:
First Step: Locate the nearest Visa Application Center where you need to submit your documents. Contact us for assistance in finding the appropriate centre.
Your choice of applyingSecond Step: Determine the best time to visit the Visa Application Center in person to submit your Austrian Visa application.
Your choice of time to come to usThird Step: Schedule an appointment at the Austrian Visa Application Center.
You can make an appointment in one of two ways:
- Online
- In Person
Make an appointment at the Austrian Visa Application CenterFourth Step: Attend your appointment at the Visa Application Center with all the required documents.
Your interviewFifth Step: Pay the visa fee.
Paying money for your visaSixth Step: Wait for a response from the application centre regarding your visa application.
A reply from the VFS application centerNote: Ensure that your visa application form clearly specifies the dates of your visit and the cities you will be staying in. It is advisable to gather all necessary documents and complete the application form only after you have all the required information.
3. Visa for Official Visits Extension
Extending an Austrian Official Visits Visa is uncommon and typically requires compelling reasons. Acceptable grounds for an extension may include:
- Late Entry
- Humanitarian Reasons
- Force Majeure
- Personal Reasons
In Summary
We hope this article has provided valuable guidance for applying for an Austrian visa from the United Kingdom.
Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for more information and feel free to share this article!