Visa Information

Overview

Tourist Visa

This visa allows people to visit Austria for a holiday or recreation,. This visa may also be used for other short-term non-work purposes.

Business Visa

For applicants seeking to engage in business visitor activities including:-

• Making general business or government enquiries
• Contract Negotiations
• Government visits
• Attending conference, seminars, Job interviews or Professional examinations

Visiting Friend / Family

This visa allows people to visit Austria to visit family and/or friends for a stay up to 90 days

Visa Fees

The consular fees for Embassy services payable in Rands.

• There is a service charge of 22 Euro or the equivalent in local currency of R475 (inclusive of VAT) applicable per application over and above the Visa Fees for all applications. The Special Courier facility for the return of processed applications is available at a nominal fee (please check under premium services for the amount charged in ZAR) and this is per Application. This is an optional service. The only acceptable modes of payment of Visa Fees are:

Banking details:

Bank Name: Nedbank

Branch Name: Corporate Client Services

Account Name: VFS Visa Processing (SA) (Pty) Ltd

Account No: 1007919760

Reference: Passport Number

Please note that visa fees are subject to change

Not Accepted
It is important that the following methods of payment will Not be accepted: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), Cheque payments and any methods not mentioned above are currently not accepted. Please note that NO Diners club or American express cards can be used to pay for the application.

• Applicants shall pay a visa fee of EUR 90.
• Children from the age of six years and below the age of 12 years shall pay a visa fee of EUR 45.

The Visa fee may be waived for:

1. Children under the age of six years and below the age of 12 years;
2. Holders of diplomatic and service passports;

Participants aged 25 years or less in seminars, conference, sports, cultural or education events, organized by non-profit organizations

Documents Required

You will need to complete the Application for Schengen Visa

To enter Austria, South African passport holders need a valid passport and a visa.

IMPORTANT

All applicants need to submit their Visa applications in person no longer than three months ahead of their journey and no later than 15 calendar days prior to departure.

Checklist: Please click here

Austrian Embassy Visa Requirements

Kindly submit your supporting documents, without staples in the documents, in the following order:

• Original Valid Passport with copy of the biometric data page
• Application form completed and signed by the applicant, plus 1 colour photographs
• Copy of flight reservation and detailed flight reservation(Leaving South Africa entering Schengen Area and leaving Schengen area entering South Africa)
• Copy of insurance policy (Visa Letter). Insurance can only be accepted if the insurer is either based (registered) in South Africa or in the European Union. Minimum cover shall be €30000.
• Proof of accommodation for full stay in Schengen state as well as proof of sufficient fund to pay for it.
• Invitation letter, copy of host’s passport, police registration (when staying with family/friends in Austria)
• Employment letter stating monthly wages, continuing employment after period of leave and duration of vacation/pension/retirement/university/school letter-original 3 month recent bank statements of father or mother current account, and original affidavit certified by a commissioner of oath, showing that they are being sponsored./self-employed (provide CIPRO documents)
• Copy and original full/unabridged birth certificate indicating both biological parents names and Identity numbers(minor children), Parental consent (if needed)
• All the copies of previous Schengen visas
• Bank statements (up to date, recent three months original bank statements of the current account, savings account or investment account can be submitted in addition, each page stamped by the bank)
• Copy of biographical data page of passport

You may download the General Schengen requirement here

NOTE: When travelling with a family, please submit copy of flight reservation and insurance with each application, remaining documents may be submitted with the main application.

South African citizens require a visa to enter the Schengen territory, i.e. Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvian Republic, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland

REQUIREMENTS:

Before applying please make sure you fulfill all the following requirements.

• Clearly completed and signed Common Schengen Application Form, (available from Consular Web sites or Consular Offices). Please ensure that question 37 is signed and that applicants aged 14 and above co-sign the application form in all relevant places. Both parents for children under 18 need to sign.
• R.S.A. passport, which must be valid for a period of at least 3 months beyond the applicant’s last day of stay in the Schengen States. Please ensure that the passport has at least two blank pages to affix visa. Please sign passport if in old format
  
  Please note that Temporary R.S.A. passports will no longer be accepted for traveling to or transit Austria, Germany, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Denmark or Luxemburg.
  
  Passports for Minors: Please be advised that Denmark does not recognize the new South African passport which is issued to minors below the age of 16 and bears the phrase “too young to sign,” instead of a signature.
  
  If the passport bears the phrase “too young to sign,” instead of the holder’s signature, the validity of the visa will be limited to ALL SCHENGEN COUNTRIES EXCEPT DENMARK.
• Non-South Africa Nationals: South African residence permit or temporary residence permit or temporary residence valid at least three months beyond the planned stay in the territory of the member states
  
  

  If the applicant does not intend to return to South Africa but either goes to his country of origin or another third country, a reasonable proof of their intention is needed e.g. Work contract in the new destination, or proof of enrolment in university or school or a rental agreement

• One recent passport sized photographs in colour.
• Copy of round trip flight reservation and detailed itinerary including dates and flight numbers, specifying the dates of entry and exit from the territory of the Schengen State. Please provide a copy for each application.
• The Visa of the final country of destination (if needed) must be obtained before applying for a Schengen visa.

• Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay

• Airport Transit – Proof of entry of the final country of destination.

• Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay Submit original recent three months current up to date bank statements of a current account each page stamped. Savings account or investment statements can be submitted in addition. Internet statements and bank letters will not be accepted. Credit Card Statements are not accepted. If expenses are covered by the host this needs to be clearly established in the invitation letter or note verbal, as appropriate

• Travel/Health/Accident Insurance Policy with a minimum medical coverage of Euro 30.000,00. (Visa Letter). An insurance can only be accepted if the insurer is either based (registered) in South Africa or in the European Union.

• Accommodation:

  
  
  • Confirmed hotel reservation as well as proof of sufficient funds to pay for it or tour vouchers (copy of the vouchers and originals). Please ensure that all applicants names, address of hotel and check in and out dates are clearly stated.
  • In case of a prepaid tour, details of the tour with a proof of payment to the operator should be provided.
  • If you are visiting and staying with friends or family in Austria (without financial sponsorship): Invitation letter from host, the letter must clearly identify the host and the invitee( name, address, birthdate, official identification number, occupations and permanent residence) ; the purpose of the visit ; length of stay and accommodation status( where the invitee stays and whom pays for itand copy of the host’s passport, copy of Meldezettel” or “Unterkunftsbestätigung” of your host (proof of residence).
    (NOTE: Non-Austrian Citizens must provide additional proof of valid Austrian residence permit (copy) is required.) the letter must clearly identify the host and the invitee (name, address, birthdate, official identification number, occupation and permanent residence); the purpose of the visit; length of stay and accommodation status (where will the invitee stay and who pays for it).
  • If your visit is supported and paid for by a sponsor residing in Austria: electronic affidavit (“elektronische Verpflichtungserklärung” – EVE) which can be obtained by the host from the nearest aliens police (“Fremdenpolizei”) in Austria.
• For business: the company in Austria or in another Schengen country should provide an invitation letter, The invitation should include clear identification of both the entity issuing it and the invited applicant; nature, duration and venue of the event; applicant´s role in the event and the link between the host and the invited applicant. . If the Austrian company is paying for the trip (accommodation, medical insurance, daily allowance, etc.) it should be confirmed by an affidavit (Generalverpflichtungserklärung or EVE). If person is attending sports events, exhibitions and fairs: presentation of a document providing the participation in the event. Official visits: a note verbal from the Department of Internationals Relations and Corporation or any other relevant South African Ministerial Department is required.
• Proof of employment: a letter from company stating monthly wages, continuing employment after period of leave and duration of vacation etc. For participant in conferences: a proof of registration and payment. If Self-employed; a certification from SA companies and Intellectual property Commission or SA Revenue Service is required
• If applicant is a student: letter from school/college/university in South Africa certifying the status of the applicant. One parent must provide three months up to date bank statements stamped, letter from account holder, confirming financial responsibility and copy of account holder Identity document. Original 3 month recent bank statements of father or mother current account. An original affidavit certified by a Commissioner of Oath, that they are being sponsored.
• Parental consent for children under 18: Children travelling alone, must submit an original letter of consent and copies of both parent’s RSA ID, both documents must be certified by a Commissioner of Oath. If the child travels with only one parent, the other parent must produce a letter of consent and a copy of his/her RSA ID. If only one parent has guardianship of the minor, the court documents stating so must be presented.
  An unabridged birth certificate must be submitted for all children under 18 irrespective if they are travelling with the parents or not.

• Administrative costs for processing of visas:
  All types of visa (transit and short stay) 60 Euro payable in Rand for adults, 35 Euro for children aged 6 to11 years, kindly have the exact amount ready.

• Transit; If the applicant intends to enter the territory of a Member State , however, short the stay will be ( including change of the airport, going from airport to train or bus station or even change terminals when that entails entering the territory of the Member state) he/she must apply for a short stay visa.

The following categories are exempt from visa fee:

• Children under 6 years
• School pupils, students, post graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose of study or educational training
• Researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.

  The fee for the processing of visa applications for spouses of EU/EEA citizens (EEA: Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein) and their children, under 21, may be waived under certain circumstances. Originals and copies of spouse’s EU/EEA passport, Full Marriage and Full Birth certificates need to be submitted on application. Also provide air ticket which clearly shows that you will be traveling with the EU/EEA passport holder.

  Important Note: Additional documents may be requested depending on the individual case.
  
  

  PROCESSING TIME:

  • RSA passport holders: up to 15 calendar days
  • Foreign passport holders: can take up to several weeks

    Visas can only be processed once all supporting documents have been received!
    
    Please note:

    • Visa applications will be rejected if application forms are not fully completed and signed and are not accompanied by the required documents.
    • The possession of a visa is only one of the prerequisites for entry into the territory of the Schengen State. Should the Schengen State’s border authority refuse entry, no claim to refund of the visa can be submitted.
    • The Schengen State’s Consular Offices reserve the right to request further documentation should it be deemed necessary.
    • For organized groups arrangements should be made well in advance with relevant issuing authority.
    • There is no guarantee that a visa will be issued and no rights can be derived from the information obtained in the general Schengen visa requirements
    • Visa processing fees are non-refundable if a visa is rejected.
    • The border police at your arrival in the Schengen area may request the presentation of sufficient funds, a letter of invitation, hotel reservation and proof of medical insurance. Failure to present said funds/documents may result in entry being refused.
    • Delays and procedure: It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of delays and requirements for the issuance of visas, before making travel arrangements and applying for a visa.
    • Parental Sponsorship of children 18+ Requirements **Children over 18 that are being sponsored by their parents require an affidavit certified by a Commissioner of Oaths, unabridged birth certificate, and the most recent 3-month recent bank statement/s (stamped by the bank) of the parent sponsoring.

Photo Specifications

Note : The photographs submitted must meet with these specifications.

Please provide two recent photographs (not more than 3 months old) of yourself. The photographs should be in colour and:

• Taken against a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear share quality and with the face in focus
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
• Full face, non-smiling [without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background].
• Please stick ( not stapled) one Photograph on the Visa Application Form and the second photograph to be handed over separately along with the documentation during submission at the visa application center.

Note : Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. Kindly download the Photo Specification file for more information.

Processing Time

Usually, processing time for visa applications is 15 calendar 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.

Download Forms

When you apply for a visa the "Application for Schengen Visa" and the "Application for Schengen Visa,

Supplementary Information" forms must be submitted together. Links to both forms can be found below:

Application for Schengen Visa

Visa Check list

Affidavit of Consent Letter

Visa Requirements

To Download a Form:

• Click on the form link
• When the form opens, save the form on your computer

OR

• Press the right button on your mouse on the required link.
• Select Save Target As from the list
• Save the form on your computer.