Located in Central Europe, Austria, with its stunning natural beauty is a lovely place to visit. The scenic Alps and busy cities make Austria a dream place to visit for many Indian travellers. When planning a trip to Austria, the first thing to do is to secure a visa. This blog takes you through the simple steps of getting a visa to Austria. From the steps involved to useful tips, this blog covers it all.

Understanding the Austria Visa  

Austria is included in the Schengen Area. It implies that when applying for a Austria visa for Indians, one has to apply for a Schengen visa. With a Schengen visa, you can travel to as many as 27 countries that are a part of the Schengen Area. You should however apply at the Austrian embassy or consulate if Austria is your main destination.

This visa allows the holder to stay for a duration of 90 days within a period of 180 days. The visa can be used for tourism, attending events or visiting family and friends.

When Should You Apply?  

It’s best to apply for a Schengen visa at least 15 days before the trip. You can, however, apply as early as 6 months before the trip. Since visa processing can take time, it’s better to apply early. Delays are common during peak travel seasons.

Where to Apply  

Austria visa applications are handled by VFS Global in India. There are VFS visa application centres across major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru where you can apply. The applications are then forwarded to the Austrian Embassy or Consulate for its approval.

Also Read:- What To Do If Austria Visa Application Is Rejected?

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process  

You need to go through a few simple steps to secure a Schengen visa. Here’s a guide that runs you through them.

Step 1: Decide the Type of Visa  

Apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa if you’re going on a short visit. Select the appropriate visa type on your form if you are going for business or family visits. Make sure that you state your purpose of visit clearly.

Step 2: Fill Out the Visa Application Form  

fill out the visa form online on the VFS Global portal or download it from the official Austrian embassy website. After filling in the required details correctly, take a print out of it and then sign it.

Step 3: Book an Appointment  

Book an appointment at your nearest visa centre after visiting the VFS Global website. You’ll have to provide your biometric data and submit your documents. Hence, you’ll have to visit the centre in person. You can approach experts offering international visa services for advice.  

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents  

Before your appointment, you must gather all the required documents. Here are the documents you’ll have to share:

1. A valid passport valid for at least 3 months after your return and issued within the last 10 years

2. A completed visa application form duly signed by you

3. Two recently taken passport-sized photos with a white background

4. A cover letter mentioning your travel plans

5. Round-trip flight reservation

6. Proof of accommodation and hotel booking

7. Travel insurance providing coverage of a minimum of 30,000 euros

8. Bank statements of the last 3-6 months as proof of financial means

9. Form 16 or Income Tax Return

10. If self-employed, proof of business or an employment letter

11. If applicable, leave approval from employer or school

All the documents have to be in English or German. They shall have to be translated if they are in any other language.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Appointment  

Arrive at the visa centre on time on the day of your appointment. Carry the necessary documents in proper order. You’ll have to pay the visa fee after submitting your documents and giving your biometrics.

For adults, the visa fee is around €80 and for children between 6 and 12 years old, it’s €40. There are no charges for children below 6 years. Apart from the visa fees, you’ll also have to pay VFS Global a service fee.

Step 6: Track Your Application  

You will get a tracking number after your appointment. You can check the status of your visa application with the number online on VFS Global’s official website. You’ll be sent updates by SMS and you’ll receive them on your email ID as well.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport  

You will be notified once your visa is processed. You can choose courier delivery or you can collect your passport in person. A sticker will be pasted to your passport with the details of your stay if your visa is approved.

Tips for a Successful Visa Application  

Applying for a Schengen visa appears complicated. We bring you a few tips that can make the process smoother.

1. Do not provide false information or fake documents. Be honest in your application.

2. To avoid missing submission of any documents, double-check all your paperwork.

3. Show that your ties with India are strong by sharing proof of job, family or property that shows you have strong reasons to return.

4. Your travel insurance must cover all the Schengen countries.

5. Be ready to explain your trip details and so, plan your itinerary.

What to Do If Your Visa Is Rejected  

Visa applications are rejected sometimes. Unclear travel purpose, missing documents or doubts about your return could be the reasons. Don’t worry if your visa is denied.

Fix the issues mentioned in your rejection letter and apply again. While it can take time, in some cases, you may appeal the rejection.

How Long Does It Take?  

It usually takes 15 working days to process a Schengen visa. It may take longer during busy times. If everything is in order, some applications may be processed faster. You can avoid stress if you apply early.

Final Thoughts  

Securing a visa to Austria from India may seem complicated and a lot of work. It’s manageable though with proper planning. Make sure that you start early. Simply go through the steps after preparing the documents. Any leading travel agency in Dubai may help you with the process. Get your visa and brace yourself to explore stunning Austria.