Austria Tourist Visa for Indians

21-Oct-2022

17 min read

Austria, a beautiful landlocked country in the southern part of Central Europe, is a popular tourist hotspot. The country is known for its majestic mountains and lush forests as part of the Schengen Area. As holders of the Indian passport, you need to obtain an Austria Tourist Visa for Indians to visit the country.

Depending on your purpose of visit, you can choose between a short stay visa (single, double, and multiple entry), an airport transit visa, and a long-term visa (1 year, 3 years, and 5 years).

In this post, I would mainly discuss the Austria tourist visa from India and the process and requirements for applying for and obtaining single and multiple tourist visas for Austria for Indian travelers.

As Indians, all of us require the above-mentioned visa to visit the country for tourism purposes or to visit friends and family in Austria.

Is the Austria Tourist Visa for Indians and Schengen Tourist Visa the same?

Well, yes. Austria Schengen Visa and Austria Tourist Visa for Indians are the same visas. It all depends on what you like to call it. Nonetheless, this is the visa you'll need if you plan to visit Austria for tourism purposes.

After reading through this guide, you'll be able to easily apply for your next Austria Tourist Visa for Indians.

Here's what I'll cover in the post:

General Information About Austria Schengen Visa

Before jumping into the visa application and its requirements, let us address some of the most popular queries most travelers traveling to Austria tend to enquire for before applying for an Austria Schengen Visa.

If you already have a general understanding of the Austria Schengen Visa, feel free to skip to the required documents or the visa application process.

What Is The Austria Schengen Visa?

The Austria Schengen Visa, also known as the Tourist Visa, allows you to enter Austria for tourism purposes. Such purposes include vacation, site seeing, leisure, and so on.

Short business trips are also allowed under the Austria Schengen Visa. However, you can't work in the country. Acceptable business purposes include attending meetings, functions, meeting clients, etc.

If your trip to Austria does not include tourism or business, you need to apply for another type of visa.

Quick note: Some travelers refer to the Austria Schengen Visa as the Austria Tourist Visa For Indians and short-stay visa. These terms refer to a visa that allows you to enter the country (the only difference being the name). In this post, I'll use both these terms.

Do I Need A Austria Tourist Visa For Indians?

Yes. As a citizen of the Indian sub-continent, all of us must obtain an Austria Tourist Visa for Indians before entering Austria.

How Long Can I Stay In Austria With A Schengen Visa?

The single-entry Schengen Visa allows you to visit Austria for a maximum of 90 days within every 180 days. To calculate your stay in Schengen, you can use the Schengen Visa Calculator. Please note that you are not allowed to take up residence or work on a Schengen visa.

Sometimes, you may only stay in Austria for the duration specified in your visa application form. Therefore, always check the validity period on your visa sticker before traveling.

Remember:

Overstaying your welcome in Austria can lead to heavy fines, jail time, and even a ban.

Types Of Austria Visa For Indians

There are various types of Schengen Austria visas. Most of these visas are short-term and only permit stays of up to three months in Austria or another Schengen Area nation. The many types of Schengen visas offered to Indian citizens wishing to travel to Austria for any reason include the following:

Schengen Tourist Visa Those who want to travel for pleasure in Austria are granted this short-term visa. You may stay in Austria or travel among the Schengen nations for a maximum of 90 days with this visa. It must be used within 180 days of the day it was issued.
Business Schengen Visa

If you want to visit Austria for business, as the name implies, you must apply for a Schengen Business Visa. In order to travel to Austria and stay there for up to 90 days for business meetings, conferences, exhibitions, workshops, events, etc., you can do so with this visa. This short-term visa has a maximum 180-day validity period after the date it is issued.

Visitor's Visa for Schengen

If you intend to visit relatives or friends in Austria or another country in the Schengen Area, you must apply for a Schengen Visitor Visa. It requires a letter of sponsorship from the individual holding a Schengen country residency visa.

Student Schengen Visa

If you plan to spend less than six months studying, engaging in R&D, or receiving training in Austria, you must apply for a Schengen Student Visa.

If you need to stay for the above purposes in Austria for longer than 6 months, then you need not apply for a Visa but should apply for a residency permit.

Where Can I Apply For The Austria Schengen Visa?

Although it was possible to apply for an Austria Tourist Visa for Indians at the Embassy of Austria and Consulate General of Austria located across the country before, the application process is now majorly handled only by VFS visa application centers across the country.

You can book an appointment at the closest VFS center by registering online with the application center and booking your visa appointment at the Application center closest to you.

I have explained more on this below so you can directly jump to the section of How To Apply For Austria Schengen Visa?

What Is The Austria Visa Processing Time India?

The usual processing time for Schengen visas is between 15 to 30 days. However, you can apply up to 6 months in advance.

When Must I Apply For My Austria Schengen Visa?

At the latest, you can start your visa application 15 days before your planned trip. However, sometimes it can take up to 45 days in case it is necessary to make a more detailed exam of the application.

Thus, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before your trip. However, I recommend starting your application as soon as possible, so you have enough time should something unexpected happen (like a longer visa processing time).

How Much Is The Austria Schengen Visa Fee?

If you are wondering about the Austria visa fees for Indian citizens, you can expect to pay the following fees for your Austria Schengen Visa:

For adults: INR 6600(current exchange rate) | EUR 80
For children 6 - 11 years: INR 3400(current exchange rate) | EUR 40
For children under 6 years: Free

Note: An important thing to know here is that holders of diplomatic and service passports and students and researchers traveling for research, or educational training, do not need to pay the visa fee (to be evaluated case per case). The same also applies to representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less, participating in seminars, conferences, sports, and cultural or educational events by non-profit organizations.

What Are The Minimum Financial Requirements To Visit Austria

You'll find that all Schengen Member States have their own minimum financial requirements when visiting. This requirement has been implemented to ensure that visitors have the financial means to support themselves during their stay.

Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria, same as all Austrian Embassies and Consulates of the country abroad, does not openly and precisely stipulate the amount of the necessary means of subsistence that a foreign visa applicant has to evidence at the moment of application for Austrian Visa. Then, implicitly the amount of financial means, or means of subsistence, is regulated on an individual or case-by-case basis.

However, your bank statement should show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months. Remember, this is only the minimum amount. Your visa application will look much more compelling if you prove you have more finances. Anything within INR 8 to 10 lacs should solidify your application even further.

Can I Travel To Other Schengen Countries With The Austria Schengen Visa?

You're allowed to travel to any Schengen state with your Austria Schengen Visa. However, iIn your applicationications, you need to clearly state that you plan to travel to another cisit the following Schengen Member States with your Austria Tourist Visa for Indians:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

What Are The Required Documents For Austria Schengen Visa?

Now that you have a general understanding of the Austria Schengen Visa, we can look at its requirements and application process. One of the first things you would need to do before you begin the application process is to ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready to be presented at the visa center. The VFS Austria Visa Application Center provides a Document checklist for Schengen Tourist Visa

Here are the documents you'll need to submit at the Embassy:

A duly completed Austria Visa Application form to be downloaded, filled, printed, and signed.
One passport photo of yourself. It must meet the requirements set out by Austria.
A valid passport or travel document with at least two blank pages. It must be valid for 3 months after your trip's end and issued no later than 10 years ago.
A duly filled Visa Declaration Form
A Guarantee Letter in case you are visiting friends and family residing in Austria
A duly completed and signed Disclaimer
A duly completed Consent Form indicating that the applicant understands the processing time
Schengen Travel Insurance/Medical Insurance that provides a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 and is valid for the entire duration of travel. The insurance must cover the entire Schengen area and not just Austria. Also, the Travel insurance must cover all COVID-19 related health emergencies.
Proof of accommodation. This can be private accommodation, a rental agreement, hotel reservations, etc.. Still, it has to cover the duration of the whole stay and all the Schengen countries you plan to visit other than Austria. If you have booked a packaged tour, attach detailed travel itinerary.
Proof of financial funds. This includes a cover letter as well as a bank statement of the last 3 months, stamped and signed by your bank manager, copy of income Tax Department Return + ITR V acknowledgment of the previous financial year, and a signed and stamped leave permission from your employer.
Proof of employment/studies on official letterhead, stamped and dated; containing contact information (address, email, telephone number) as well as the countersigning officer's name, position, and signature. In addition, the letter must state the name and position of the applicant, salary, years of employment/studies, and approval of absence/position after leave. For unemployment: unemployment certificate and proof of income, if any (married: employment certificate of spouse, the document of the spouse's income, and a marriage certificate).
A return flight ticket that proves you plan to return to your home country.
A cover letter. Explain your trip's purpose, what you plan to do, and when you'll return home. It just proves the purpose of your trip.
Your employment status.

Document Requirements Depending On Employment Status

If you are self-employed, you need to present a copy of your business license in India, company income tax returns for the past two years, and a copy of the company’s bank statement for the past 3 months, signed and stamped by the bank manager.
If you own a business in India, you need to present the certificate of registration of the company (Form B, rule 5(1) or Form ST3, rule 11)
If you are a student, you must present a copy of the enrolment paper that serves as proof that the applicant has planned to study in that school/university and a copy of No Objection Certificate from the respective school or university.
If you are salaried, proof of employment/studies on official letterhead, stamped and dated; containing contact information (address, email, telephone number) as well as the name, position and signature of the countersigning officer. In addition, the letter must state the name and position of the applicant, salary, years of employment/studies, and approval of absence/position after leave.
If unemployed, unemployment certificate and proof of income, if any (married: employment certificate of spouse, a document of the income of the spouse and a marriage certificate).

What Are The COVID-19 Required Documents?

Covid requirements and protocols can change without notice. For this reason, I can't specify the exact documents you require as they might have already changed.

I can include that you must have fully recovered from COVID-19 in the past 6 months or be fully vaccinated against the virus. Remember that only approved vaccinations will allow entry into Austria.

You won't be able to visit Austria with only a negative COVID-19 test result.

How To Apply For Austria Schengen Visa?

You now know the documents you must submit for a successful Schengen Visa application. Next, I'll walk you through the steps you need to take when you start your application.

Step 1 - Collect The Required Documents

Start collecting the required documents first.

Why?

It's the most time-consuming part of the process. However, doing this first will allow you to leave enough time for unexpected delays, such as collecting an incorrect document, finding accommodation, etc.

When gathering all your required documents, make a list of what you need to get. It's the easiest way to keep track of the documents you've collected.

Step 2 - Fill In Your Schengen Visa Application Form

Ok, so you've got all the required documents.

Now, fill out the Austria Tourist Visa Application Form

Remember, all the information you provide must be correct and accurate.

The form is self-explanatory, but ensure that you fill in all the details carefully. Once done, download, print, and sign the form.

Quick tip: Keep your passport close when filling out your visa application form. Always refer to your passport when entering your personal details.

Did you know:

Most visa applications get denied due to incorrect information on a visa application form. Here's a guide highlighting the mistakes you should avoid when applying for your Schengen Visa.

Step 3 - Find Where You Need To Apply At

As I mentioned, not all countries have a local Austria representative before submitting your application. Therefore, you should always [check where you need to apply](#where-can-i-apply-for-the-austria-sc application.

Step 4 - Schedule Your Visa Appointment

After you've determined where you need to apply, you must schedule a visa appointment.

Be mindful that you might not find an appointment time suitable to your needs. As a result, you may have to keep your schedule open for the next few weeks, or at least until you find an appointment. This is another reason why you should start your visa application procedure at the earliest to receive your visa in time for your travel

Step 5 - Attend Your Visa Appointment

On the day of your appointment, visit the visa application center at the scheduled time. Arrive at least half an hour early in case there is a rush at the center and make sure you carry all the documents with you.

Once the visa officer checks your document, they might interview you for a short while, but there is nothing to be nervous about. Answer each question truthfully and it should be okay.

Quick tip: You can use your required documents to support your answers. For example, should they ask where you plan to stay in Austria, you can present your proof of accommodation.

After attending your interview and submitting your documents, you'll be requested to submit your biometric information.

What's that?

It's just your fingerprints and a digital photo of yourself. This is not required if you've been to the Schengen Area in the last 59 months.

Step 6 - Receive Feedback From The Embassy

After completing steps 1 - 5, you're basically done. The only thing left is to wait for your visa to be processed. As mentioned, this can take between 15 - 30 days.

After it's processed, you'll receive feedback from the visa application center via email, a call, SMS, or your preferred contact method.

You can Track Your Application here.

If your visa is approved, you can travel back to the visa application center to collect your passport. Attached inside, you'll find your brand new Austria Schengen Visa.

How To Get A Austria Schengen Visa Without Effort?

Now, if you are someone who values your time and energy, we've got some great news for you! You don't need to read through this entire guide on getting the Austria Schengen Visa. Instead, all you need to do is download Atlys and use it to complete your application for you.

With Atlys, you can immediately start your next Austria Tourist Visa application. A benefit of Atlys is that you don't need to stress about the visa application process and everything it entails. All you need to do is select a destination and travel date, and enter your relevant details. Afterward, Atlys will do all the tedious paperwork for you. With Atlys, you can receive your next Tourist Visa in no time!

Now you know how to apply for your Austria Tourist Visa For Indians!

Ensure that you follow my exact steps, and you'll have your visa in no time. The final step is to make some unforgettable memories in Austria!

Enjoy.

Written By: Aditi Roy

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I Pay For My Visa Fee?

You can pay your visa fee in cash or via a credit/debit card.

Are there any additional charges to be paid apart from the visa fee and the service fee?

Depending on the services you choose, you may be required to pay extra for courier services or access to the premium lounge. Some of the additional charges you are required to pay to include:

Applicants shall be levied a Service Charge of INR 2237/- and a Convenience Fees of INR 167/- payable for provision of multiple mode of payment.
Mandatory Courier Facility available at INR 649/- per application.
SMS Facility available at INR 324/- per application.
Form Filling Facility available at 1622/- per application.
Courier Assurance Facility available at INR 811/- per application.
Premium Lounge Facility available at INR 2839/- per application.
Hold at Location Facility available at 649/- per passport.
All VISA Fees and Service Charge can be paid by Cash/Visa/Master Card/Rupay.

Furthermore, you can check online with the VFS Application Center to find out the additional charges.

What Are The Austria Schengen Visa Requirements For Minors?

First, minors need to present the same documents like those mentioned in this post. Furthermore, they need to submit the following additional documents:

An application form signed by both parents.
A birth certificate.
Family court order – in cases where only one parent has full custody of the child.
Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents.
A notarized parental authorization signed by both parents/legal guardians if your child will be traveling alone.
If you have stepchildren - A letter from the mother or father that permits the children to travel with you.

Check this all-inclusive guide to learn the exact process of applying for a Schengen Visa for minors.

What Do I Need To Present When I Plan To Visit A Friend?

When visiting a friend in Austria, you need to include an invitation letter alongside your required documents. The letter must include the host's (your friend's) contact details and your details, such as name, date of birth, address, passport number, and purpose and length of visit.

Is It Difficult To Get A Schengen Visa To Austria?

Not at all. As long as you meet the visa requirements as well as the entry requirements, you'll receive your visa.

Can I Submit My Austria Visa Application Via Post?

Interestingly, you can get Visa at your doorstep facility by paying a premium fee of INR 9,900 per person. However, for two to ten applicants wanting this service together, the fee is INR 7,500 per person.

Additionally, you can send a Friend/Relative/Representative or a Travel Agent to submit your Visa application as long as you have provided your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) within the last 59 months before your travel. However, they need to carry a letter of authorization signed by you as well as an identity card issued by the Government of India.

What is the process of getting my passport back once the visa is processed?

Once the application has been processed by the Austria Embassy/ Consulate General and your passport has been returned to the Visa application centre, you will need to bring your receipt and acceptance proof with you for the collection of your passport.

Can someone else collect my passport from the visa center on my behalf?

The Consulate General of Austria/Embassy of Austria has implemented a change in the arrangement for collection of passport(s) from the VFS Visa Application Centre, hence it will no longer be possible for third parties to collect the documents on behalf of an applicant, except in the following cases:

Immediate Family Member (i.e. Parents, Children, Siblings)
One member of a group collecting for the entire group
A person collecting on behalf of Govt. officials if authorized on the Govt. letter head or department
Representative of a company - Authorization letter on the letterhead of the company and the official ID card

If any of the above come for passport collection they need to carry the following documents:

Photocopy of Govt. ID card
Original ICR
Authorization Letter from the applicant

What can I do if my Austria Tourist Visa application has already been rejected?

Although you can always re-apply after a few days of rejection, it may be better to appeal the initial decision within the given time, i.e., 30 days from the date of rejection. It is extremely critical that you arrange for the missing documents or information that caused the rejection and write a compelling Appeal Letter.

What documents do I need to show if I am a housewife with no proof of income?

For housewives or those without a proof of income, you need to have a sponsorship letter from your spouse/family member who is willing to sponsor your travel. The visa requires that you show proof of income, income tax returns, and bank statements to be eligible for the visa. In some cases, they may also ask for a marriage certificate if your spouse is sponsoring your visa.

What should I do if I can only present the Income Tax returns for the current year and not for the past two years?

A Schengen Tourist Visa for Indians requires you to present your Income Tax Returns for the past two years. In the absence of such documents, you need to produce an additional cover letter that describes why you are unable to produce the required documents. Also, in such cases, maintaining a good bank balance and an existing tourist visa from the US or UK or any such first-world country may help solidify your case.

What sort of income documents can a retired person present?

For retired personnel, pension documents from the last 6 months accompanied by a bank statement showing an acceptable balance is required as proof of income.

What are some of the common reasons for the visa rejection?

There are no specific reasons for visa rejections as it varies from case to case, however, past criminal records, inability to show sufficient proof of funds, and an improper cover letter/itinerary could cause potential rejections for your Austria Tourist Visa for Indians.

What if I have been rejected by a different Schengen embassy recently?

Even though most visa centers and information online would tell you that one embassy's decision does not affect the other, you should keep in mind that if you apply too soon after a rejection (say, a couple of days), it is highly likely to be rejected by the second embassy as well. In such cases, it is best to wait a couple of weeks before you apply for Austria Visa for Indians and make sure that you keep the initial reason for rejection in mind to avoid repeating it.

Do I need to show a confirmed return ticket while applying for my visa?

The answer to this depends entirely on the country of visa application. While some embassy websites clearly mention that you can present a dummy ticket or a flight itinerary, others may not specify. Therefore, it is always better to check with the Embassy before making flight arrangements.

Austria

UK Tourist Visa For Indians

In this blog, I will discuss the UK tourist visa for Indians, the eligibility, requirements, visa fees, and processing times.

Germany Tourist Visa for Indians.

In this blog, you will find information about the Germany visa for Indians and its application process. You will also find information on where you can apply for your Germany Tourist Visa, visa requirements, visa fees, processing time, etc. Germany Visa For Indians: Visa Requirements, Fees, Application, And Processing Times