The Complete Guide to Austria 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 be overwhelming.

This guide provides 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!

Do I need a visa to go to 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.

This generally applies to short-term stays for tourism, business, or family visits.

How do I apply for an Austria visa?

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.

Can I 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.

Is an Austria 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.

What is the rejection rate for Austria visas?

In 2023, 14.34% 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.

What is the processing time for an Austria visa?

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.

Austria visa documents: what is required?

Most visa applications for Austria require:

• A completed Schengen application form
• Passport-sized photos
• A valid passport
• Travel insurance coverage
• 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.

Requirements depending on type of Austria visa

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.

Type D (long-stay) Austria visa requirements

For stays longer than 90 days (also referred to as long stays), you’ll need additional documents depending on the reason for your long-stay. These can be proof of residency, income, and possibly a work contract or school admission letter. You’ll also need to supply the basic documents listed above.

Austria digital nomad visa requirements

Austria does not have an official "digital nomad" visa, but freelancers may apply for a visa for work purposes if they meet specific requirements, such as proving income stability and having clients in Austria.

Is there an interview when applying for an Austria visa?

Currently, interviews are required 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.

How much does an Austria visa cost?

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

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have an Austria visa?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is not required if you already have a valid Austria visa.

However, if you’re from a visa-exempt country, you will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Austria from 2026 on. For example, US citizens going to Austria for under 90 days (without a visa), will need to apply for ETIAS to travel to their city of destination.

Who needs ETIAS to visit Austria?

Citizens from countries that don’t require a visa to enter the Schengen zone, including the US, Canada, and Australia, will need ETIAS approval for short stays in Austria from 2026.

If you are not a citizen of a country with a visa waiver agreement (for example, China or India), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. Additionally, if you are a citizen of a Schengen country, you are also exempt.

Is Austria part of the Schengen Zone?

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

Does my Austrian visa allow me to travel through the Schengen zone?

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.

Schengen countries include:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Key takeaways for obtaining an Austria visa

• 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).