The Complete Guide to Austria Schengen Visas

Whether you’re traveling to Vienna for work, or are ready to explore Austria’s rich and vibrant culture and heritage (it is the birthplace of Mozart, after all!), the world of visas can feel overwhelming.

This guide will give you a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about applying for an Austria visa, ensuring you have all of the knowledge you need for a hassle-free experience application process!

Who needs a visa for Austria

Millions of travelers go to Austria each year, but whether or not you need a visa depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

Austria is part of the Schengen zone, which has specific visa rules for both short-term and long-term stays. We will get into what that means for you, so you can make the best choice for your upcoming travels.

Do US citizens need a visa for Austria?

Sometimes. For short stays (up to 90 days) related to tourism or business trips, US citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria.

However, if you're planning to stay longer or for specific purposes (like studying abroad), a visa will be required, in which case you can get an Austria visa from the USA.

Who doesn’t need a visa to go to Austria?

Citizens from Schengen area member countries (there are 29 of them) or nations that have visa-free agreements with the EU can enter Austria without a visa.

That said, if you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you can only stay in Austria for up to 90 days without a visa. If you want to stay longer, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.

How to apply for a visa for Austria

Applying for an Austria visa involves several steps, and it all starts with determining the type of visa you need based on the purpose of your trip and which visa you need.

One of the first things you’ll need to do is gather all of the required documents and submit an application at your nearest Austrian consulate.

You cannot apply for an Austria visa online

Currently, no. You must attend an Austria visa appointment in person. All Austria visa applicants must set up an in-person appointment at an Austrian consulate in their country of nationality.

In the coming years, there will be a secure, online application system for all Schengen visas (called EU VAP), but it isn’t available yet.

Austria visa difficulty

Is an Austrian visa difficult to get? How likely your Austria visa will be rejected depends on a variety of factors. One of those is your country of nationality.

For some nationalities, Austria visas have a much higher approval rate than others. These approval rates can (and often do) change regularly.

With that being said, Austria visas, especially for tourism or short-term stays, are generally straightforward if all requirements are met.

Austria visa rejection rates

In 2024, 13.7% of Austria visa applications were rejected globally. The most common reasons for denial include incomplete applications or insufficient documentation.

Keep in mind that it also depends on your country of citizenship. A lot of factors go into play when it comes to visa rejection rates.

Austria visa processing times

Visa processing times can vary depending on the type of visa. For Schengen visas, processing typically takes between 15-30 days. Long-term visas often take longer.

Processing estimates can change based on the time of year, large tourism events, and other unforeseen reasons.

Austria visa application requirements

Austria has a variety of visa types; thus, the application requirements change depending on which visa it is you’re applying for.

Required documents

Most visa applications for Austria require:

• A completed Schengen application form.
• Passport-sized photos.
• A valid passport.
• Travel insurance coverage that meets Schengen visa travel insurance requirements.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation).
• Proof of sufficient financial means for your stay.
• Return flight tickets/flight itinerary.

These requirements are the basic level of what you’ll need to have ready for your application.

Some visas, especially long-stay and/or work visas, will have additional requirements, such as specific forms from the enterprise or institution you’re working with, proof of professional mastery, and more.

Types of visas & their requirements

Type C (short-stay and visitor) - Austria tourist visa requirements

This is the most common visa for tourists and business travelers staying under 90 days. Basic requirements for short-stays (under 90 days) can be seen in the list above.

Your in-person appointment

Currently, in-person appointments are mandatory when applying for an Austria visa, whether it’s a short-term visa or a long-term one.

Interviews are usually straightforward, focusing on the purpose of your visit and double-checking that you have all of the required documents for a successful visa application.

You also will provide biometrics (fingerprints) at your appointment.

Austria visa costs

Visa fees depend on the type of visa.

A Schengen visa costs €90 for adults, while long-term visas (or, national visas) may have higher fees. Children under the age 12 are €45, and children under the age of six are free.

These fees can also change from time to time, so make sure you always check with your visa processor.

Austria is part of the Schengen area

Yes, Austria is a Schengen country, meaning travelers can move freely between Austria and other Schengen nations without border controls.

Traveling with an Austria Schengen visa

It sure does. If you have a Schengen visa, you can travel within all 29 Schengen countries while your Austria visa is still valid.

In some rare circumstances, a Schengen visa may have limited travel authorization. Always check your visa permissions before planning a trip.

Can I go anywhere in Europe with an Austria visa?

An Austrian Schengen visa usually allows travel to all Schengen member countries, but it does not cover non-Schengen countries like the UK or Ireland.

The TLDR;

• There are many types of Austria visas.
• A variety of documents are required for an Austria visa application.
• Austria is part of the Schengen zone.
• To apply, you must have Schengen-compliant travel insurance.
• To apply, you must have proof of sufficient funds, a flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
• Some Austria visas allow you to work abroad, others don’t.
• The processing time for Schengen visas is typically 15 days, but can be much longer.
• You must apply for an Austria visa in person at a visa center or consulate.
• In the coming years, you will be able to apply for an Austria visa online with EU VAP.
• Austria visas (short-stay Schengen visas) cost 90 euros for adults, 45 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under the age of 6.
• US citizens do not need a visa to visit Austria (as long as their visit doesn't exceed 90 days).