Dreaming of wandering through Vienna's imperial palaces, attending a classical concert in Mozart's birthplace of Salzburg, discovering the fairytale village of Hallstatt, or skiing the pristine slopes of the Austrian Alps? If you're a non-EU/EEA national, you may need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to experience Austria's magnificent cultural heritage, stunning Alpine landscapes, and world-renowned musical traditions for up to 90 days.

When planning a trip to Austria, this comprehensive guide covers everything about the Schengen visa process, from eligibility and application procedures, to essential documents and why Schengen-compliant travel insurance from Gigasure is vital for your Austrian journey.

With thorough preparation, you can explore Austria's UNESCO World Heritage sites and enjoy authentic Wiener Schnitzel with complete peace of mind.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Austria?

UK passport holders can visit Austria without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180 - day period, ideal for extended cultural holidays exploring everything from the Danube Valley's picturesque vineyards to Innsbruck's Alpine charm and Graz's architectural treasures.

However, if you're from a country that doesn't qualify for visa-free travel, or if you're planning to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa before entering Austria.

As a founding member of the Schengen area, Austria follows the 90/180 rule: you can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the entire Schengen zone. This is exceptionally convenient as it allows you to easily travel between Austria and neighbouring Germany, Switzerland, Italy, or Slovenia without requiring separate visa applications.

Your passport must also:

• Be issued within the last 10 years
• Remain valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area
• Have at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps

Types of Austria Schengen Visas

• Type C (Short-Stay): Perfect for tourism, business trips, or visiting family and friends for up to 90 days
• Multiple-Entry Visa: Ideal for frequent travellers to the Schengen area (validity varies, typically 1-5 years)
• Airport Transit Visa: Required for certain nationalities transiting through Austrian airports
• Type D (Long-Stay): For extended stays exceeding 90 days, such as work, study, or family reunification

For most holidaymakers and business travellers, a Type C short-stay visa is what you'll need, but it's always worth confirming based on your specific travel plans.

Essential Documents for Your Austria Schengen Visa

Here's your complete checklist for gathering the right documents:

• Valid Passport: Issued within 10 years, valid for 3+ months after your Schengen exit
• Completed Visa Application Form: Available online through VFS Global platform
• Two Recent Passport Photos: 35×45mm, meeting Schengen photo requirements
• Travel Medical Insurance: Minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation (covers entire stay and transit)
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings, rental confirmations, or invitation letter from Austrian hosts
• Financial Evidence: Approximately €40 per day (minimum €65 for entry), demonstrated through bank statements
• Travel Itinerary: Return flight bookings and detailed travel plans
• UK Residence Documentation: BRP card if you're living in the UK but not a UK citizen
• Additional Supporting Documents: Employment letter, study confirmation, or business invitation, as applicable

How to Apply for an Austria Schengen Visa: Your Step-by-Step Journey

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Requirements

Check if you need a visa based on your nationality and travel purpose. Austria's official embassy resources provide up-to-date eligibility information.

Step 2: Complete Your Application

Use VFS Global's online platform for a streamlined digital experience, ensuring all information matches your supporting documents exactly.

Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment

Book through VFS Global centres based on your location:

• UK residents: Apply through VFS Global centres in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh
• Other locations: Check Austria's official embassy or designated visa application centres

Step 4: Gather Your Documentation

Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and translated into German or English where required.

Step 5: Attend Your Appointment

Submit your application, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo), and pay the required fees.

Step 6: Track Your Application

Monitor progress through your online account or the visa centre's tracking system.

Processing time typically takes 10-15 working days, though this can extend to 30 days during peak travel seasons like Christmas markets period. We strongly recommend applying 4-6 weeks before your intended departure date.

Austria Schengen Visa Fees

Applicant Category: Adults (12+ years)

• Standard Schengen visa fee: €90

Applicant Category: Children (6–11 years)

• Reduced fee: €45

Applicant Category: Children under 6

• No fee required: Free

VFS Service Fee: £30-40 (Additional, varies by location)

Certain categories may qualify for fee exemptions, including students, researchers, participants in cultural programmes, and family members of Austrian/EU nationals.

Biometric Requirements & Application Locations

When applying for your Austria Schengen visa, you'll need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) in person, unless you've done so for another Schengen visa within the past 59 months.

UK Application Centres

• London: VFS Global Visa Application Centre
• Manchester: VFS Global Visa Application Centre
• Edinburgh: VFS Global Visa Application Centre

For other countries, Austria has delegated visa processing to VFS Global and other external service providers, depending on your location.

Austria's Travel Insurance Requirements

Austrian authorities require comprehensive travel medical insurance meeting specific criteria:

• Minimum €30,000 coverage
• Emergency medical and hospitalisation coverage
• Repatriation coverage
• Valid throughout the entire Schengen area
• Coverage for your complete travel period, including transit days

Gigasure's Austria Plans

• Instant PDF certificate ready for visa applications and border checks
• Full Schengen area coverage across all 29 countries
• Complete refund if your visa is denied
• 24/7 emergency assistance in multiple languages
• Competitive pricing with transparent coverage

Upcoming Changes: Preparing for ETIAS & EES

• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System): Expected from late 2026, this €7 travel authorisation will be required for visa-exempt travellers, including UK passport holders.
• EES (Entry/Exit System): Launching in 2025, this system will replace passport stamping with electronic entry/exit logging for all non-EU travellers.

While these systems won't directly affect current Schengen visa applicants, they represent important changes for future travel to Austria and the broader Schengen area.

What If Your Austria Visa Application Is Refused?

Common refusal reasons include:

• Incomplete or missing documentation
• Insufficient proof of financial means
• Unclear travel itinerary or accommodation details
• Inadequate ties to your home country
• Issues with passport validity or condition

Your options if refused:

• Appeal the Decision: Submit a written appeal within the timeframe specified in your refusal notice to the Austrian embassy
• Reapply: Address the specific issues mentioned in your refusal notice and submit a fresh application

Essential Contacts for Your Austria Visa Journey

• VFS Global Austria Visa UK: Book appointments and track your application status
• Austrian Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs: Official visa policies and embassy information
• Austrian Embassy London: Direct consular services and complex enquiries

 

Your Top Questions about Austria Visa

How good are Austria's visa approval chances compared to other Schengen countries?

Austria has excellent approval rates with only a 13.7% rejection rate in 2024, meaning 86.3% of applications are approved. This makes it significantly easier than countries like Malta (37% rejection) or Belgium (24% rejection), ranking Austria among the more accessible Schengen destinations.

What is an EVE (Electronic Guarantee Letter) and when do I need one for my Austria visa?

EVE (Elektronische Verpflichtungserklärung) is a free electronic guarantee letter that Austrian residents obtain from local foreign police to sponsor your visit. You need it when visiting friends/family in Austria, cannot show sufficient personal funds (€40+ per day), or receiving business invitations from Austrian companies.

What specific accommodation proof does Austria require for visa applications?

For hotels: confirmed reservations with your name and dates. For private stays: invitation letter from Austrian host, copy of host's "Meldezettel" (residence registration), host's passport copy, and proof of legal residence. Non-Austrian hosts must also provide their Austrian residence permit copy.

What financial documents specifically does Austria require for visa applications?

Austria requires 6 months of original bank statements (not 3 months), all stamped by your bank, showing €40 per day minimum (€65 entry minimum), plus recent salary slips, employment letter, and tax returns if self-employed. All documents must be originals in A4 format.

Can I visit other Schengen countries first before entering Austria with an Austrian-issued visa?

Yes, you can enter through another Schengen country and travel freely, but Austria must be your main destination (longest stay). Your itinerary and bookings should clearly demonstrate Austria as your primary destination throughout your trip.

What are the most common reasons for Austria visa rejections and how can I avoid them?

Main rejection reasons: insufficient financial proof (provide 6 months bank statements), unclear accommodation documentation (get proper invitations/bookings), inadequate insurance coverage (ensure €30,000+ Schengen-wide), incomplete applications (match passport details exactly), and weak home country ties (provide employment/property proof).

 

Austria Awaits! Start Your Austrian Adventure Today

Whether you're planning to explore the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, attend a performance at the legendary Salzburg Festival, discover the breathtaking beauty of the Hallstatt-Dachstein region, or ski the world-class slopes of Kitzbühel, Austria offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller.

From the imperial grandeur of the Ringstrasse to the pristine lakes of the Salzkammergut, this enchanting country seamlessly blends rich imperial history with contemporary cultural dynamism and Alpine splendour.

Get your Schengen-compliant Travel Insurance from Gigasure in minutes and begin your Austria visa application with confidence. Let us handle the insurance complexities whilst you focus on planning the Austrian adventure of a lifetime, complete with world-class music, architectural masterpieces, and some of Europe's most welcoming hospitality.

Note: Information accurate as of September 2025. Always verify current visa requirements with official Austrian government sources or the Austrian embassy in your country before applying.