NOTE: This guide was last updated in January 2025. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic for the most up-to-date information.

Its imperial grandeur and spectacular architecture make Austria a popular travel destination for all types of travellers. Whether you’re seeking a nature trip or a cultural expedition, Austria offers you all that you need.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Austria?

Austria is a member of the European Union and most of its visa policy is tailored accordingly to its regulations. European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland citizens are eligible for a visa-free entry to Austria.

Other than the EU, EEA, and Switzerland citizens, Austria signed many bilateral or multilateral agreements with various countries from different parts of the world to abolish visa requirements mutually. Their stay is also limited to a maximum of 90 days per 180 days and cannot take up employment.

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If you are wondering what to do in Austria, you can check out our Austria travel guide for a detailed overview of the country. Plus, our Vienna travel guide is perfect for those planning a trip to the Austrian capital.

Austria Visa Types

Austria has two main types of visas, Schengen Visa (Category C) and National Visa (Category D). The former allows visitors to stay in Austria and in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days, while the latter permits longer stays.

Austria Category C Visa for Short Stay Visits

Schengen visa is a short-duration free-roaming agreement that was first established between Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain in 1995. After 1995, many other European states became an integral part of the agreement in different years, thus creating the Schengen area. Today, the Schengen area consists of 26 countries without border controls between them and having a Schengen visa issued by these countries will grant a visa-free stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in the Schengen area as well as transits through international airports.

A Category C visa, also known as the Uniform Schengen Visa, allows its holder to stay in Austria for up to 90 days. This visa is typically issued for tourism and business trip purposes, while those who want to receive medical treatment, visit a family member, or participate in a cultural event can also apply for this visa.

Austria Category D Visa for Long Stay Visits

An Austria Category D visa is a long stay visa that allows its holder to stay in Austria for longer than 90 days. This visa is often issued to students and individuals working in Austria. The relatives of Austrian residents can also apply for a family reunion or relative visa to live with their relatives in Austria.

General Requirements to Apply for Austria Visa

You are required to present the following documents if you are not eligible for a visa-free entry to Austria:

• Fully completed application form,
• Passport with at least two blank pages – the passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond the validity of the requested visa. Passports which were issued over 10 years ago cannot be accepted for visa applications,
• Copy of bio data page of the passport,
• Copies of previous Schengen Visa of the last three years, if any,
• One passport-size photograph according to ICAO standards and not older than 3 months. If the photos are not up to standard they will be rejected. Do not staple or glue the photo to the application form. Please make sure it is not damaged,
• Insurance certificate of all-risk medical travel insurance, including repatriation, valid for all Schengen countries, covering EUR 30.000, – (when travelling between November and April, winter sports must be included) for your stay must be provided,
• Proof of confirmed transportation (airline, train, ferry etc.) to the Schengen area,
• Proof of accommodation in Austria,
• Recent bank statements for the last 3 months balance, not older than one week - online printouts can be accepted - in the applicant’s name and with current address,
• If the applicant is financially supported by her/his spouse/parents, please also provide a marriage/birth certificate, copy of the relative's passport and the relative's bank statements. Please note that cash is not accepted as proof of sufficient means,
• Documents required from employed applicants: Recent, official, and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number, email address, website address and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips of the last 3 months.
• Documents required from self-employed applicants: recent letter from accountant, banker, or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom. Letter from the tax authorities.
• Documents required from students: recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue (not older than 10 days), name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record

What is Visa Sponsorship for Austria?

A visa sponsorship is required in Austria or any Schengen member state if the applicant cannot cover his/her expenses for educational or touristic purposes by own in the duration of the stay. A sponsor could be a parent, sibling, other relatives, or a friend. However, it would increase chances to obtain a visa if the sponsor is a first-degree relative or has a permanent residence permit or citizenship in Austria or a Schengen country.

Austria Visa Requirements

Austria has many bilateral agreements with several countries, nationals of different countries are subject to different visa procedures. You can find below some country-specific information regarding Austria visa.

Austria Visa Requirements for EU Nationals

Citizens of the EU do not need a visa to Austria, as they have the freedom of movement within the country.

Austria Visa Requirements for Third Country Nationals

Third country nationals without a right of free movement in the EU should apply for a visa to Austria.

Austria Visa Requirements for the USA, the UK, and Canada

The citizens of the USA, the UK, and Canada can travel to Austria and stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days.

Austria Visa Fees

Austria short-stay visa types listed below exclusively include the visa fee. Keep in mind that there might be additional payments expected from the applicant such as consular fees, service fees of the outsourced companies, or application form fees.