Visa information

Overview

An airport transit visa is required for nationals of certain states to go through the international transit area of airports, without actually entering the national territory of the country concerned, during a stop-over or transfer between two stages of an international flight.

In other words an Airport Transit Visa – TYPE A is required when you are required to connect through an airport in one of the Schengen countries without actually leaving the transit are of the airport. (I.e. you arrive from a non-Schengen country and depart to a non-Schengen country)

For Transit between two Schengen countries, please apply for a Schengen Visa – TYPE C

Applications for a Airport Transit Visa – TYPE A to Germany will need to be submitted at the German Consulate in Sydney.

Only travellers who are passport holders of the following countries require an Airport Transit Visa- TYPE A:

 

PS:

Applications are processed in the order of receipt. Processing usually takes 15 business days from receipt by the Embassy of a complete application and may take longer during peak times and in exceptional circumstances. This estimate excludes the shipping of applications to the Embassy and the return of passports to applicants. The Embassy does NOT provide status updates on visa applications.

Visa Fees

Visa Fee Effective from 01 March 2026

Fees are subject to change and may be varied by the authority at any time. If your application meets the initial completeness checks upon submission it will then be accepted for payment at the Visa Application Centre. You can pay the visa and service fee by credit or debit card. Cheques are not accepted.

VFS Value Added Services (Optional)

Note:

Incomplete Applications and Refund Policy:

• VFS Global will attempt to contact an applicant via telephone or email for any information lacking as required to constitute a complete application as set out in Annexure A [the checklist]. The applicant will be required to provide the necessary information within 2 working days, failing which the application may be considered incomplete and returned.
• All other fees other than VFS Global Service Fees will be refunded for an application considered to be incomplete [ required information to prepare a complete application is not received within 2 working days from the date of contacting the applicant via email or telephone]

Once an application is submitted to the Embassy of Austria, a no refunds policy applies..

Documents Required

Important: You will need to complete the Registration Process first. You cannot submit only the application form and or checklist. Review the Steps to apply carefully to ensure you submit a completed application set. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Photo Specifications

• Photographs submitted should be as per Austrian embassy guidelines. To find out more kindly go through the link.

Processing Time

Usually, processing time for visa applications is 10 working days (starting from the time when the Embassy or Consulate received the application, not including the transportation time), counting from when all requested documents have been submitted. This period may be extended in specific cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is required, for example, when an applicant must come to an interview or submit additional documentation requested by the Embassy or Consulate. During certain times of the year, the processing time can be longer due to the high volume of applications. It is recommended to submit your visa application at least two weeks prior to date of travel date and if possible, even earlier ahead of the holiday period.

Please note that the application processing time and decisions on visa applications are the sole prerogative of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global has no role to play in these areas of the application process.

Where and how to submit your application

Visit your nearest visa application centre to submit your application.

All applicants are required to submit their applications in person including children. Minor under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a Guardian / Parent.

You must carry with you:

• Your appointment confirmation letter
• Your completed and signed application form
• Your completed and signed Document Checklist
• Your current passport with minimum validity of 6 months provided the passport is valid for at least 3 months from the date of departure from Schengen areas.
• Your old passport if any.
• All required supporting documentation as per Document Checklist

Your application must also include:

• An Express Post Platinum 500gm satchel with your return address or Express Post Signature on Delivery [ no other type of return envelope is considered acceptable]
• A recent photograph meeting specifications as mentioned on the website. The photograph should not be older than 6 months.

Application Centres:

We have provided an informative guide to assist in knowing where you need to submit your application please click here to know more.

Overview

A Schengen visa is valid for Schengen member states and is for short stay for a maximum period of ninety days within a 180 day period. A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely across the Schengen member states.

The following countries have implemented the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

A Schengen visa can only be applied for up to six months prior to your entry into the country. Applications need to be submitted at least 15 days before the intended travel date. Any applications submitted earlier than this will not be accepted unless you have received written approval from the Austrian Embassy in Canberra.

DO YOU NEED A SCHENGEN VISA?

PS:

Applications are processed in the order of receipt. Processing usually takes 15 business days from receipt by the Embassy of a complete application and may take longer during peak times and in exceptional circumstances. This estimate excludes the shipping of applications to the Embassy and the return of passports to applicants. The Embassy does NOT provide status updates on visa applications.

Visa Fees

Visa Fee Effective from 01 March 2026

Fees are subject to change and may be varied by the authority at any time. If your application meets the initial completeness checks upon submission it will then be accepted for payment at the Visa Application Centre. You can pay the visa and service fee by credit or debit card. Cheques are not accepted.

VFS Service Fee

VFS Value Added Services (Optional)

Note:

Incomplete Applications and Refund Policy:

• VFS Global will attempt to contact an applicant via telephone or email for any information lacking as required to constitute a complete application as set out in Annexure A [the checklist]. The applicant will be required to provide the necessary information within 2 working days, failing which the application may be considered incomplete and returned.
• All other fees other than VFS Global Service Fees will be refunded for an application considered to be incomplete [ required information to prepare a complete application is not received within 2 working days from the date of contacting the applicant via email or telephone]

Once an application is submitted to the Embassy of Austria, a no refunds policy applies.

Documents Required

Important: You will need to complete the Registration Process first. You cannot submit only the application form and or checklist. Review the Steps to apply carefully to ensure you submit a completed application set. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Document Checklist and Schengen Visa Form

Photo Specifications

• Photographs submitted should be as per Austrian embassy guidelines. To find out more kindly go through the link.

Processing Time

Usually, processing time for visa applications is 10 working days (starting from the time when the Embassy or Consulate received the application, not including the transportation time), counting from when all requested documents have been submitted. This period may be extended in specific cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is required, for example, when an applicant must come to an interview or submit additional documentation requested by the Embassy or Consulate. During certain times of the year, the processing time can be longer due to the high volume of applications. It is recommended to submit your visa application at least two weeks prior to date of travel date and if possible, even earlier ahead of the holiday period.

Please note that the application processing time and decisions on visa applications are the sole prerogative of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global has no role to play in these areas of the application process.

Where and how to submit your application

Visit your nearest visa application centre to submit your application.

All applicants are required to submit their applications in person including children. Minor under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a Guardian / Parent.

You must carry with you:

• Your appointment confirmation letter
• Your completed and signed application form
• Your completed and signed Document Checklist
• Your current passport with minimum validity of 6 months provided the passport is valid for at least 3 months from the date of departure from Schengen areas
• Your old passport, if any.
• All required supporting documentation as per Document Checklist

Your application must also include:

• An Express Post Platinum 500gm satchel with your return address or Express Post Signature on Delivery ( no other type of return envelope is considered acceptable)
• A recent photograph meeting specifications as mentioned on the website. The photograph should not be older than 6 months.

Application Centres:

We have provided an informative guide to assist in knowing where you need to submit your application please click here to know more.

Overview

If you intend to stay in Austria for more than 90 but less than 6 months (tourism, business trip, conference, student exchange, visiting family members, work) AND you are neither an EU nor an EFTA citizen, you need an Austrian National Visa D.

The Austrian National Visa D entitles you reside in Austria for up to 6 months. Within the validity of your Visa D you may travel for up to 90 days within a 180 days period in other Schengen countries.

The Austrian National Visa D per se is not a work permit and, as such, does not allow you to take up employment in Austria! When travelling to Austria for work, the original employment contract for the proposed work in Austria as well as a work permit from the Austrian Employment Service (AMS), which needs to be obtained by the employer in Austria, has to be provided when applying for the Austrian National Visa D.

For more information please visit the website of the Austrian embassy in Canberra.

Processing times

Applications are processed in the order of receipt. Processing usually takes 15 business days from receipt by the Embassy of a complete application and may take longer during peak times and in exceptional circumstances. This estimate excludes the shipping of applications to the Embassy and the return of passports to applicants. The Embassy does NOT provide status updates on visa applications.

Applications can only be submitted within 6 months of your entry date into Austria.

Visa Fees

Visa Fee Effective from 01 March 2026

Fees are subject to change and may be varied by the authority at any time. If your application meets the initial completeness checks upon submission it will then be accepted for payment at the Visa Application Centre. You can pay the visa and service fee by credit or debit card. Cheques are not accepted.

VFS Service Fee

VFS Value Added Services (Optional)

Note:

Incomplete Applications and Refund Policy:

• VFS Global will attempt to contact an applicant via telephone or email for any information lacking as required to constitute a complete application as set out in Annexure A [the checklist]. The applicant will be required to provide the necessary information within 2 working days, failing which the application may be considered incomplete and returned
• All other fees other than VFS Global Service Fees will be refunded for an application considered to be incomplete [ required information to prepare a complete application is not received within 2 working days from the date of contacting the applicant via email or telephone]

Once an application is submitted to the Embassy of Austria, a no refunds policy applies.

Documents Required

Important: You will need to complete the Registration Process first. You cannot submit only the application form and or checklist. Review the Steps to apply carefully to ensure you submit a completed application set. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Document Checklist and Austrian National Visa Type D Form

Photo Specifications

• Photographs submitted should be as per Austrian embassy guidelines. To find out more kindly go through the link.

Processing Time

Usually, processing time for visa applications is 10 working days (starting from the time when the Embassy or Consulate received the application, not including the transportation time), counting from when all requested documents have been submitted. This period may be extended in specific cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is required, for example, when an applicant must come to an interview or submit additional documentation requested by the Embassy or Consulate. During certain times of the year, the processing time can be longer due to the high volume of applications. It is recommended to submit your visa application at least two weeks prior to date of travel date and if possible, even earlier ahead of the holiday period.

Please note that the application processing time and decisions on visa applications are the sole prerogative of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global has no role to play in these areas of the application process.

Where and how to submit your application

Visit your nearest visa application centre to submit your application.

All applicants are required to submit their applications in person including children. Minor under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a Guardian / Parent.

You must carry with you:

• Your appointment confirmation letter
• Your completed and signed application form
• Your completed and signed Document Checklist
• Your current passport with minimum validity of 9 months provided the passport is valid for at least 3 months from the date of departure from Schengen areas

• Your old passport, if any.

• All required supporting documentation as per Document Checklist.
  

Your application must also include:

• An Express Post Platinum 500gm satchel with your return address or Express Post Signature on Delivery [ no other type of return envelope is considered acceptable]
• A recent photograph meeting specifications as mentioned on the website. The photograph should not be older than 6 months.

Application Centres:

We have provided an informative guide to assist in knowing where you need to submit your application please click here to know more.

Overview

Under the Work and Holiday Visa (WHV) Arrangement between Austria and Australia, Australian citizens aged between 18 and 30 years have the opportunity to work and holiday in Austria for up to one year.

To be eligible you must

• Have the primary intention to holiday in Austria, with employment and study being incidental rather than primary reasons for the visit
• Hold an Australian passport that is valid for at least three months after your departure from Austria
• Be aged between eighteen (18) and thirty (30) years, both inclusive, at the time of application
• Hold tertiary qualifications or have successfully completed at least two (2) years of higher education
• Have sufficient funds for your maintenance during the initial period of stay in Austria
• Hold a return ticket or show sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket
• Have adequate travel and health insurance that covers all risks and is effective for the entire period of stay in Austria

You must not

• Be accompanied by children or other dependents
• Have previously held a WHV under an Austrian working holiday scheme
• Have previously been expelled by a Schengen country and/or be considered as a threat to public order, internal security or public health

For more information please visit the website of the Austrian Embassy in Canberra.

Processing times

Applications are processed in the order of receipt. Processing usually takes 15 business days from receipt by the Embassy of a complete application and may take longer during peak times and in exceptional circumstances. This estimate excludes the shipping of applications to the Embassy and the return of passports to applicants. The Embassy does NOT provide status updates on visa applications.

Visa Fees

Visa Fee Effective from 01 March 2026

Fees are subject to change and may be varied by the authority at any time. If your application meets the initial completeness checks upon submission it will then be accepted for payment at the Visa Application Centre. You can pay the visa and service fee by credit or debit card. Cheques are not accepted.

VFS Service Fee

VFS Value Added Services (Optional)

Note:

Incomplete Applications and Refund Policy:

• VFS Global will attempt to contact an applicant via telephone or email for any information lacking as required to constitute a complete application as set out in Annexure A [the checklist]. The applicant will be required to provide the necessary information within 2 working days, failing which the application may be considered incomplete and returned.
• All other fees other than VFS Global Service Fees will be refunded for an application considered to be incomplete [ required information to prepare a complete application is not received within 2 working days from the date of contacting the applicant via email or telephone] Once an application is submitted to the Embassy of Austria, a no refunds policy applies.

Once an application is submitted to the Embassy of Austria, a no refunds policy applies.

Documents Required

Important: You will need to complete the Registration Process first. You cannot submit only the application form and or checklist. Review the Steps to apply carefully to ensure you submit a completed application set. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Document Checklist and Austrian Work and Holiday Visa for Australian Citizen – Type D

Photo Specifications

Photographs submitted should be as per Austrian embassy guidelines. To find out more kindly go through the link.

Processing Time

Usually, processing time for visa applications is 10 working days (starting from the time when the Embassy or Consulate received the application, not including the transportation time), counting from when all requested documents have been submitted. This period may be extended in specific cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is required, for example, when an applicant must come to an interview or submit additional documentation requested by the Embassy or Consulate. During certain times of the year, the processing time can be longer due to the high volume of applications. It is recommended to submit your visa application at least two weeks prior to date of travel date and if possible, even earlier ahead of the holiday period.

Please note that the application processing time and decisions on visa applications are the sole prerogative of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global has no role to play in these areas of the application process.

Where and how to submit your application

Visit your nearest visa application centre to submit your application.

All applicants are required to submit their applications in person including children. Minor under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a Guardian / Parent.
You must carry with you:

• Your appointment confirmation letter
• Your completed and signed application form
• Your completed and signed Document Checklist
• Your current passport with minimum validity of 9 months provided the passport is valid for at least 3 months from the date of departure from Schengen areas
• Your old passport, if any.
• All required supporting documentation as per Document Checklist.

Your application must also include:

• An Express Post Platinum 500gm satchel with your return address or Express Post Signature on Delivery [ no other type of return envelope is considered acceptable]
• A recent photograph meeting specifications as mentioned on the website. The photograph should not be older than 6 months.

Application Centres:

We have provided an informative guide to assist in knowing where you need to submit your application please click here to know more.