Schengen Visa C

The Schengen agreement was ratified in June 1985 and regulates a common asylum and immigration strategy for the member states. Border checks within the Schengen member states were suspended and security measures along non-Schengen borders were enhanced. This has also necessitated closer cooperation between the police and judicial system of all Schengen member states.

The Republic of Austria became a member of the European Union (EU) on January 1, 1995. The Schengen rules and regulations were implemented on December 1, 1997.

Currently the Schengen area consists of the following EU member states:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Poland
• Portugal
• Sweden
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• The Netherlands

and, in addition, the following non-EU member states:

• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Switzerland

Schengen visas permit foreign nationals to stay within the the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a duration of 180 days calculated from the first day of entry.

Passport holders of the United States of America and further countries benefit under the "Visa Waiver Program (VWP)",  and therefore can travel within the Schengen member states for private and tourist purposes without obtaining a visa for a maximum of 90 days within a duration of 180 days.

Nationals of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegowina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia need to hold a biometric passport in order to travel "visa-free". Please note that individuals holding a passport issued by the Serbian authority "Koordinaciona uprava" still need a visa.

If you are waived to obtain a visa you can only travel for tourist or business purposes. If you intend to study or work in Austria you have to apply for an Austrian National Visa D or Residence Permit.

Please click on the applicable travel purpose to get the list of requirements: 

• Airport Transit - Schengen Visa A
  Airport Transit through an Austrian/Belgian airport in the transit area without passing immigration.
  Please note that travelers who transit within the Schengen area (e.g. Chicago-Frankfurt-Vienna-New Delhi) require a Schengen Visa C for tourists, since the passengers need to pass the immigration to change the airplane and therefore have a possibility to leave the airport.

• Business - Schengen Visa C
  business trips to attend e.g. business meetings, seminars, conferences, etc.

• Culture and Sport - Schengen Visa C
  to participate in cultural events e.g. concerts, auditions, exhibitions, Sport events etc.

• Students up to 90 days - Schengen Visa C

          to participate in short term university programs, language courses etc.

• Sponsorship - Schengen Visa C
  travels to visit family/friends or for tourism that are financially sponsored
  Information on Electronic Sponsorship
  
  
• Tourist - Schengen Visa C
  travels for tourist purposes with main destination in Austria and/or Belgium

Schengen Visa Application Form

Insurance Declaration Form Multiple Entries

Important Information Schengen Visa A & C

Photo Guidelines

The Consular fees are to be paid on the day of submission either in cash or money order only (pay to the order of “Austrian Consulate General”). Other payment methods are not accepted. Please note that the consular fees are adjusted and published on the page "Consular Fees" on the first business day of each month according to the present exchange rate.

With reference to the Schengen Regulations ("Visakodex") the Consular Fees for for Schengen Visa applications are:

Exempt

• children 0 – 6 years
• accompanying/following dependants of EU/EWR and CH citizen
• researchers who travel for research purposes
• representatives of non-profit organisations up to 25 years of age attending seminars, conferences, sport, culture or teaching seminars, organised by a non-profit organisation
• holders of diplomatic and service passports upon submission of a note verbal
• applicants holding biometric passports of Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia (except passports issued by “Koordinacija Uprava")
• applicants holding Taiwanese passports incl. ID-No.

EUR 35,00

• children 6 - 12 years
• applicants holding non-biometric passports issued by Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina
• applicants holding passports issued by Kosovo (visa not valid for EL, ES and SK), Macedonia (visa not valid for GR), Russian Federation, Serbia (passports issued by “Koordinacija Uprava”), Ukraine and Moldova

EUR 60,00

• all other applicants

Last Update: July 13, 2011