World Country Guide

Note
Austria is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport and visa regulations in the Schengen area, see the introductory section How to Use This Guide.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months longer than the validity of visa required by all except:
1. nationals of EU countries, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Switzerland, who may enter with a valid national ID card.

Visas
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of EU countries and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland for an unlimited period (nationals of Iceland and Norway cannot remain for an unlimited period);
(b) 2. nationals of Japan for stays of up to six months;
(c) 3. nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, East Timor, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Korea (Rep), Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Uruguay, USA, Vatican City and Venezuela for touristic stays of up to three months;
(d) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (only applicable if arriving from/departing to a non-Schengen country).
Note: Nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka passing through Austria always require a transit visa, even when not leaving the airport. Transit passengers are advised to check transit regulations with the relevant Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

Types of visa and cost
A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for all types of visit, costing £24.40. Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage certificate are produced) receive their visas free of charge; enquire at Embassy for details.

Validity
Validity according to documents presented. Visas cannot be extended; a new application must be made each time.

Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the first country they will enter that requires them to have a visa (if they have no main destination).

Note
Visa applications can be sent by post or made in person. If using the latter method in the UK, an appointment will need to be arranged by telephone (tel: (020) 7344 3289) or online (e-mail: visa@austria.org.uk).

Application requirements
Transit/Airport Transit: (a) Completed application form(s). (b) Passport valid for at least three months beyond the validity of the visa with at least one blank page. (c) Fee (cash or postal order only; postal order only for postal applications). (d) Two passport-size photos. (e) Proof of transport (airline tickets, vehicle papers, train reservation etc). (f) Visa for onward destination country, if applicable. (g) An all-risk medical insurance policy covering duration of visa (minimum coverage: £15,000 for entire period of stay). (h) Postal applicants should enclose a self-addressed, prepaid envelope (registered or recorded delivery) for the return of the passport. Visitor: (a)-(h) and, (i) Proof of occupation/student status. (j) Confirmed hotel or tour reservation or letter from business partner in Austria or letter of invitation from Austrian host.

Note
All documents must be submitted in both their original form, plus one duplicate.

Working days required
Five. Several weeks for nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria, Colombia, Congo (Dem Rep), Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Korea (Dem Rep), Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Surinam, Syrian Arab Republic, Togo and Yemen.

Temporary residence
Seek advice from the Austrian Embassy.