Planning a trip to Austria from India? Exciting times lie ahead! But before you embark on your Austrian adventure, it is crucial to understand everything about the Austria visa process for Indians. Moreover, ensuring a secure journey is paramount, which is why international travel insurance is your trusty companion. Let us dive into the nitty-gritty of Austria visa requirements, processing times, fees, and the importance of travel insurance for Indian travellers.
Do Indians need an Austria visa from India?
Yes, Indian citizens planning a visit to Austria need a visa unless exempted under specific categories such as diplomatic or official passport holders. Whether you are travelling for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family, obtaining an Austrian visa is mandatory.
What are the different types of Austrian visas for Indians?
The different types of Austrian visas for Indians are:
- Tourist visa (C-visa): Allows short-term visits to Austria for tourism or leisure.
- Business visa: For individuals travelling to Austria for business purposes. Allows engagement in business activities for a specific duration.
- Student visa: Available for students pursuing studies in Austria. Different types based on the length of the study program.
- Airport transit visa (Type A): Required for nationals transiting through Austrian airports. Specific conditions must be met for issuance.
- Long-term visas: For extended stays in Austria beyond the standard tourist visa duration. Issued for specific purposes like work, study, or family reunification.
- Schengen visa: Allows entry and residence in the Schengen Area, including Austria. Covers multiple European countries for tourism, business, or other short-term visits.
Explore the list of Schengen countries you can visit with a Schengen visa.
What is the validity of different Austria visas for Indians?
The validity of an Austria visa for Indians depends on the type of visa issued. Here's a breakdown:
Visa type |
Validity |
Austria Schengen Visa |
Valid for 180 days, starting from the date it is issued. It allows a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days. |
Austria tourist visa |
This visa permits a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days. |
Austria business visa |
Valid for 180 days, starting from the date it is issued. It allows a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days. |
Austria student visa |
This visa is valid for the duration of the course of study. |
Austria work visa |
This visa is valid for the duration of the employment contract. |
What is the processing time of Austria visa from India?
The processing time for Austrian visas in India typically ranges from 15 to 30 days, with the possibility of longer processing times depending on individual circumstances. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any unexpected delays and ensure a smoother application process.
What is the Austria visa fees for Indians?
The cost of an Austrian visa application in India varies based on the type of visa, duration, and nationality. The standard fee for a Schengen visa ranges from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 18,000, depending on the types of visas valid for any duration.
However, the visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and are subject to change. It is recommended to check the latest fee schedule before applying.
Austria visa requirements for Indians
The mandatory documents required for Indian citizens to apply for an Austria visa include:
- Original passport with a validity of a minimum of 3 months.
- Duly filled and signed application form.
- Valid travel insurance for passengers travelling to Austria.
- Covering letter addressed to The Embassy of Austria with details of the visit, purpose, and expenses clause.
- Return confirmed ticket covering all sectors.
- Confirmed hotel booking matching the ticket dates.
- Original company and personal bank statement for the last six months.
- Income tax returns for the last 3 years.
- Proof of employment (employment certificate/NOC) and pay slips for the last 3 months if employed.
Additional documents may be required based on the purpose of the visit, such as business invitations, academic transcripts, marriage certificates, GST, NOC, leave letters, ITR, or medical records.
How to apply for an Austrian visa from India?
To apply for an Austrian visa as an Indian citizen, follow these steps:
- Determine the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel (e.g., tourism, work, study).
- Apply through the Austrian embassy or consulate in India.
- Prepare the necessary documents, including a valid passport, photographs, financial proof, travel insurance, and a travel itinerary.
- Schedule an appointment for biometric data collection at the designated visa application center.
- Pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and age group.
- Wait for the processing time, which typically takes 15 to 30 days, but applying at least 2 weeks before your travel date is advisable to account for any unexpected delays.
If your visa is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa attached from the visa application center.
