Overview
Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Austria
Austria, a landlocked European gem, offers a captivating blend of historic cities, stunning alpine landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. From the grandeur of Vienna to the picturesque charm of Salzburg, Austria promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Why Visit Austria?
- Historic Cities: Explore the magnificent palaces, cathedrals, and museums of Vienna, the cultural heart of Europe. Immerse yourself in the romantic ambiance of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart.
- Breathtaking Landscapes: Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Austrian Alps, with opportunities for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Visit the serene lakes of Salzkammergut and the charming villages of Tyrol.
- Rich Culture and Arts: Experience the vibrant cultural scene of Austria, with world-class opera, classical music concerts, and art exhibitions.
- Delicious Cuisine: Indulge in Austria’s culinary delights, from hearty traditional dishes to modern gourmet cuisine.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Austria depends on your preferred activities:
- Summer (June-August): Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming.
- Winter (December-February): Perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the Austrian Alps.
- Spring (March-May): Enjoy mild weather and blooming flowers.
- Autumn (September-November): Experience stunning fall foliage and cultural festivals.
Currency:
The official currency of Austria is the Euro (€).
Population:
Approximately 9 million people.
Things to Know Before Visiting:
- Visa Requirements: Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Austria.
- Language: German is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Etiquette: Austrians value punctuality, politeness, and respect for personal space.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in restaurants and hotels.
Must-Visit Cities:
- Vienna: The capital city, renowned for its historical landmarks, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
- Salzburg: A charming city with a rich musical heritage, beautiful architecture, and stunning mountain scenery.
- Innsbruck: A picturesque city nestled in the Alps, offering winter sports, hiking, and cultural attractions.
- Hallstatt: A picturesque village on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, known for its stunning scenery and historic charm.
Get ready to be enchanted by the beauty and elegance of Austria!
Identify your Visa Type
A Tourist Visa is ideal for those visiting Austria for leisure, tourism, or to visit friends and family. To be eligible, you must have strong ties to your home country, such as a job, property, or family.
Documents Required
Begin Your Application
For Employed Individuals:
- Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages along with 6 months of validity
- Passport-sized photos
- Cover letter stating the purpose of visit
- Employment contract / Appointment Letter from Company
- Salary slips of the last 3 months
- Bank statements of the last 6 months
- Leave letter from employer / NOC Letter from Employer
- Travel itinerary (Confirmed / Dummy Booking for Flights & Hotels)
- Travel Insurance
For Self-Employed, Business Owners, and Government Employees:
- Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages along with 6 months of validity
- Passport-sized photos
- Cover letter stating the purpose of visit
- Business registration certificate / GST Certificate / Shop Enlistment Certificate / Trade License etc.
- Income tax returns of the last 3 years Individual and/or Business
- Bank statements of the last 6 months
- Travel itinerary (Confirmed / Dummy Booking for Flights & Hotels)
- Travel Insurance
For Retired Individuals:
- Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages along with 6 months of validity
- Passport-sized photos
- Cover letter stating the purpose of visit
- Pension certificate / PPO Certificate / Pension Passbook
- Bank statements of the last 6 months
- Travel itinerary (Confirmed / Dummy Booking for Flights & Hotels)
- Travel Insurance
For Housewives:
- Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages along with 6 months of validity
- Passport-sized photos
- Cover letter stating the purpose of visit
- Spouse’s employment or business documents
- Marriage Certificate, if travelling with spouse
- Joint bank accounts
- Travel itinerary (Confirmed / Dummy Booking for Flights & Hotels)
- Travel Insurance
For Unemployed Individuals:
- Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages along with 6 months of validity
- Passport-sized photos
- Cover letter stating the purpose of visit
- Affidavit of support from a sponsor
- Sponsor’s financial documents
- Travel itinerary (Confirmed / Dummy Booking for Flights & Hotels)
- Travel Insurance
Note: All documents must be original when copied or use certified copies. If your documents are not in English, you may need to provide certified translations on Embassy request.
- Download the Visa Application Form: Download the application form from the Austrian Embassy website.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the form accurately and completely.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents.
- Attend the Appointment: Submit the completed application form, required documents, and pay the visa fees.
Photo Specifications
Photo Specifications for Austria Visa
- Size: 35mm x 45mm
- Quality: High quality, sharp focus, no ink marks or creases
- Face: Full face, looking directly at the camera, eyes open and clear
- Background: Plain, light-colored background
- Lighting: Uniform lighting, no shadows or reflections
- Glasses: Permissible, but avoid heavy frames and ensure eyes are clear
- Headwear: Only allowed for religious reasons, but must not obscure facial features
- Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Pose: Full frontal, no tilting or turning
- Timeframe: Taken within the last 6 months
Please ensure your photos adhere to these guidelines to avoid delays in your visa application process.
Do you need Appointment Assistance?
Book an appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre. Our Visa Expert Team will assist you with getting Appointments.
Submission Process
On the Day of Your Appointment:
- Arrive Early: Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
- Bring Required Documents: Ensure you have a printed copy of your visa application form, your passport, and all supporting documents (originals and copies).
- Biometric Information: You will need to provide your fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- Pay Fees: If you haven’t already paid the visa fees online, you can pay them at the center.
- Accompaniment: Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Important Notes:
- Biometric Data: Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) is mandatory for most visa applicants.
- Exemptions: Certain categories of applicants, such as children under 12 and heads of state, may be exempt from biometric requirements.
- Security Measures: The center may conduct security checks, including bag searches.
- Respectful Behavior: Treat the staff with respect. Any abusive or threatening behavior will not be tolerated.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth experience at the Visa Application Centre.
Processing Timeline
Typically, your visa application will be processed within 15 working days. However, this timeframe can vary based on several factors:
- Complexity of the Application: Applications requiring additional scrutiny may take longer.
- Peak Seasons: During peak travel seasons, processing times may increase.
Recommendation:
To ensure ample time for visa processing, it’s advisable to submit your application at least two weeks, or preferably earlier, before your planned travel date, especially during peak seasons.
Please note that the final decision on your visa application lies solely with the relevant Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global’s role is limited to administrative processes and does not influence the decision-making process.