Austria, a German-speaking country at the crossroads of European commerce between east and west, is a popular tourist destination in Europe. Since 1997, when Austria joined the Schengen Area as an EU member state, foreign visitors have been allowed to apply for an Austrian Schengen visa. In 2017, Austrian embassies and consulates across the world received 304,556 applications for short-term visas. In the same year, it is projected that 38.6 million visitors, including EU citizens, visited the country. As you can see, Austria is one of the most favourite destinations for tourists. If you want to be one of them, you need to get enough information about the process of getting a visa, Austria visa fees, an appointment for Austria visa, and so on. To clarify all the details for you, let's answer some questions: How to apply for Austria visa? How much is Austria visa fee? Which ones are the Austria visa free countries?
On the other hand, Austria is known as one of the most interesting countries in Europe to study. According to the statistics, 15% of students in the universities of Austria come from different countries. If you want to become one of those students, it is essential to know about the study visa in Austria, Austria study visa application, and Austria study visa requirements.
Let's start with the first question before going to the education field: How to apply for Austria visa? Non-EU nationals will be required to provide some travel and identity papers to an Austrian border officer when arriving at the Austrian port of entry. The following are the documents:
- A passport or other travel document that is valid. It must have been issued within the previous ten years and be valid for at least three months after your departure date.
- If you are subject to the Austrian visa regime, you will need a visa.
There is one important fact that you need to know about getting an appointment for Austria visa. Austrian border officer has the last say on whether or not you are allowed to enter Austria. The border official will examine your documentation and may inquire about your travel to Austria, such as:
What is your reason for visiting Austria? What is your plan for your time in Austria? Where will you be staying in Austria? etc.
In order to apply for Austria visa, you need to prepare some required documents, which are motioned below:
- Application form for a visa in Austria. You need to fill it up completely. After you've printed it, don't forget to sign it
- Two pictures that are nearly identical. The photographs should be passport size, with a bright backdrop and a current whole-face shot. See the picture specs and requirements
- Your passport/travel document must be valid for at least three months beyond the day you want to leave Austria (the Schengen zone)
- No more than ten years old.
- It also has to include at least two blank pages.
- A copy of any prior Schengen visas you've held (if applicable)
- Itinerary for a round-trip flight. It contains the dates and flight numbers for entering and exiting Austria
- Travel insurance for the Schengen Area. Confirmation that you have travel insurance for Austria and the entire Schengen area, with at least 30,000 Euros in medical emergency coverage
- AXA Assistance and Europ Assistance offer travel health insurance plans for foreigners travelling to Austria who meet the Austrian visa criteria. Austrian Embassies and Consulates across the world welcome both firms.
- Proof of accommodation is required. That is a hotel reservation for the whole length of the planned stay in Austria. Find and book low-cost accommodations in Austria!
- Proof of civil status is required. This might be a marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, a spouse's death certificate, and so on
- Proof of enough financial resources for the duration of your stay in Austria
- A cover letter. In which you explain why you're visiting Austria and give a comprehensive schedule of your vacation (if needed)
Austria visa free countries
Before preparing for an appointment for Austria visa, you need to know whether you need a visa for Austria or not. To travel or live in the country, third-country nationals must apply for Austria visa. The visa is granted based on the applicant's nationality and purpose. You do not need a visa to visit Austria if you are an EU/EEA country or Switzerland citizen. You just need a valid travel document (passport or identification card) for admission to and residency in Austria if you have adequate financial means to fund your stay in Austria and valid health insurance covering all essential charges. If you want to stay in Austria for longer than three months, you must register with the local government within four months of your arrival. In short, EU/EEA nations or Switzerland can be called the Austria visa free countries.
Austria visa fees
If you want to apply for Austria visa, you might want to get an answer for "How much is Austria visa fee?" Question. Here is the answer! The visa cost is included in all of the Austria short-stay visa categories listed below. Keep in mind that the applicant may be required to pay extra expenses such as consular fees, outsourced company service fees, or application form fees. The following are the current Austria visa fees:
- For adults, an 80 euro
- For children between 6-12 years old, a 40 euro
- Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia citizens a 35 euro
Following is not required to pay for Austria visa fees:
- Children under the age of six.
- spouses/civil partners, children and dependents of EU/EEA nationals
- school pupils, students, postgraduate students, and accompanying teachers undertaking stays for the purpose of study or educational training.
Third-country researchers are travelling to conduct scientific research as specified in the European Parliament and Council's Recommendation of September 28, 2005.
- Diplomatic and service passport holders for official visits. Note: The verbal of the particular mission must explain the trip's objective, as well as the trip's expenditures and travel insurance coverage.
- Non-profit representatives under the age of 25 attending seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational activities organized by non-profit organizations.
Study visa in Austria
International students must satisfy specific standards and have the proper paperwork to get a study visa in Austria. These differ based on the country. I will share all the details of the Austria study visa requirements with you. Obtaining an interview appointment at an Austrian embassy might take up to 6 weeks, depending on the demand for appointments. The visa application may then take another 1-4 weeks to be processed. Studying in Austria for international students from outside the EU is possible with a student visa. Students from non-EU countries can study in Austria for up to 6 months. In Austria, there are two categories of student visas:
1. The bearer of a Visa C can stay for up to 90 days.
2. The bearer of a Visa D is allowed to remain for 91 days to 6 months.
Austria, being a member of the European Union, enables people of other EU nations to study without obtaining a visa. To enter the country, you must have a valid travel document (ID card or passport). For students staying for up to three months, no further documentation is necessary. Those who are studying for more than three months must register in person with the appropriate municipal authorities. EU students should not be charged additional entrance costs and, like Austrian students, should be eligible for a residence visa in order to receive financial aid. Before coming to Austria, students who require a visa must apply for one at an Austrian embassy or consulate. On the other hand, non-EU students planning to study in Austria for more than six months must apply for a "Residence Permit — Student." They must additionally apply for a Visa D to enter the country and then receive their residence permit in Austria from the appropriate authorities once this is accepted. If the university or institution has its own admissions requirements or an entrance examination, the results must be acquired first, and the offer of admission must be provided with the student visa and/or resident permit application.
We mentioned all the Austria study visa requirements, so the next step is showing the Austria study visa application process gradually:
1. Accept your university's offer of admission: To ensure your spot, you may be required to pay an enrollment fee or a deposit.
2. Make an appointment for a residence permit: An Austrian embassy or consulate will need you to show your letter of admission, as well as proof of adequate cash, travel insurance documentation, and your passport.
3. Wait for your residence permit to be approved: Because applications might take up to three months to process, you should apply well in advance of your intended arrival date.
4. Make an appointment for a visa: You can apply for a visa D once you've received your residence permit. Getting an appointment with the embassy or consulate might take up to 6 weeks, so don't wait until the last minute.
5. Keep your scheduled appointment: Take any required papers, such as the visa application form, picture ID, passport, and travel and health insurance documents, with you.
6. Visa process: In most cases, a decision on your application will be made within four weeks.
7. Register with the local authorities: Within three days after arrival in Austria, you have to register with the Austrian authorities. You must fill out a registration form and provide your address.
