Visa Information

Overview

Each customer, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the customer.

Please note that holders of an EEA (EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or Swiss passport do not require a visa. There are no restrictions on the remaining validity of your passport, providing you leave Austria before its expiry date.

For Non-EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

customers, who intend to travel to Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein or Slovenia for business purposes, i.e. visiting a business/company to have meetings, to make business deals, to recruit, to train or other work related activities can apply for a Business visa.

Each Business visa application must be confirmed by an Original invitation letter from a business/company based in Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein or Slovenia, or a Generalverpflichtungserklärung (general declaration of business relationship).If not, then the customer must apply for a Tourist visa.

With regard to conferences/c /fairs/seminars/workshops the following customers can also apply for a Business visa:

1. customers-employees attending a conference/ /fair/seminar/workshop organised by their company or another company directly related to their company.

2. customers-employees actively involved in a conference/ /fair/seminar/workshop

   Employer letter (based in Ireland ) must confirm clearly the purpose of attending the conference/ /fair/seminar/workshop, if not, customer will need to apply as Tourist.

   Self-employed customers must present Business Registration and Tax Registration in addition to sufficient financial information on their company.

Eligibility

The customer must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. hold a valid passport/travel document.

2. hold a valid Irish residence permit.

In case customer holds a short stay visa for Ireland, a visa type C (see example here), then the customer must apply for a Schengen visa from his/her country of residence.

They must apply for a short stay visa (Tourist: including Minors, Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit).

Documents Required

In addition to the list of documents below, the customer may be asked to provide additional information/documents, if requested by the Embassy.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation must be recent and must be provided for every Schengen visa application.

customers must always bring and present their original documentation but must only submit photocopies of same; unless it is specified that originals must be submitted.

Prior to gathering the required documentation mentioned below, customers are advised to note the requirements under the Overview section in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

1. Visa application form (original) (see here) (signed on 3rd and 4th page as per passport signature)

2. Passport (original)

   Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area must be issued within 10 years of leaving the Schengen Area.

   Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in which case the customer first needs to apply for a new passport.

   Photocopies of previous Schengen visas endorsed in an old passport and issued in the last 3 years, if applicable.

3. Irish Residence permit.

Irish re-entry visa /Irish Residence permit/GNIB card, must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

4. Photograph (original).

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Proof of current occupation

      1. Employer letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Embassy, name and position of the signee and confirming customer’s employment).
      2. Student letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed Irish university/college/school letter (addressed to the Embassy and confirming customer’s enrolment)

      3. Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed headed letter (addressed to the Embassy and confirming customer’s self-employment) obtained from:

         1. customer’s accountant: when customer’s company’s accounts are done by an external/independent accountant
         2. Solicitor: when customer’s company was registered by a solicitor
         3. Bank manager: when customer’s company opened a business bank account
         4. Companies Registration Office: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if customer’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating the relationship between the customer and the company should be provided
         5. Tax authorities

   2. Proof of business invitation

      Original Invitation letter from a company/business in Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein or Slovenia, or Generalverpflichtungserklärung (general declaration of business relationship) confirming the purpose of visit, travel dates and arrangements for accommodation/travel (if applicable).
      Entry tickets or registration for fairs/ /conferences/seminars (only for employees, students must apply as a tourist)

   3. Proof of funds

      1. Irish current account bank statements dated within the last 3 months, showing customer’s name, address and a positive closing balance dated within 1 week of the visa application submission date. The bank balance must show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to Ireland or the country of origin/residence; alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted.
      2. Payslips dated within the previous 3 months.

   4. Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

      Confirmation of return travel tickets: mentioning customer’s name and travel dates to Austria/ Switzerland/Slovenia or Lichtenstein.

      When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If customer is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with customer and travel dates must also be provided

      When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, invoice or payment confirmation is required.

   5. Proof of accommodation

      Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) booking mentioning customer’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

      If the customer’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.

      When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively, the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket.

   6. Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance and winter sports cover is mandatory from November to April)

      Please check the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website to check the latest travel advise! Most travel insurances will not cover any claims for countries with status ‘Avoid non-essential travel’ and ‘do not travel’.

      Travel insurance clearly showing the customer’s name - must be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the customer’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation must be € 30.000. Insurance certificates should be purchased in Ireland.

Photo Specifications

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless these are worn due to his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

Photograph attached (glued) to the Visa Application Form

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), then the visa application will be considered incomplete and the customer will be asked to re- take photographs in the visa application centre’s photo booth .

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.

Download Forms

Application Form

In order to apply for Austria visa customers needs to provide a visa application form (VAF).(The application form cannot be hand filled)

Therefore, each customer first needs to duly complete and print the Schengen visa application form as follows:

1. Click Schengen Visa Application form (PDF format)
2. Duly complete the visa application form online (as per the passport’s details)
3. Select File in Menu bar
4. Select Print and confirm Printing

Once the online Schengen visa application form has been printed, the customer must complete the remaining steps:

5. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places
6. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day

Please note that hand filled applications are no longer accepted at the visa application centre.(Schedule an Appointment)

Overview

Each customer, including children/infants, must submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which must be booked online by the customer (see Schedule an Appointment).

Please note that holders of an EEA (EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or Swiss passport do not require a visa. There are no restrictions on the remaining validity of your passport, provided that you leave Austria prior to its expiry date.

For Non-EU citizens who are uncertain as to whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa?

customers who intend to travel to Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein or Slovenia purely for tourism purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) must apply as a Tourist.

Eligibility

The customer must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. They must hold a valid passport/travel document

2. They must hold a valid Irish residence permit.

In case the customer holds a short stay visa for Ireland, Visa Type C (see example here), then the customer must apply for a Schengen visa from his/her country of residence.

They must apply for a Short Stay Visa (Tourist: including Minors, Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit)

Documents Required

In addition to the list of documents below, the customer may be asked to provide additional information/documents, if requested by the Embassy.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation must be recent, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

customers must always bring and present their original documentations, but must only submit photocopies of same; unless otherwise it is specified that originals must be submitted.

Prior to gathering the required documentation mentioned below, customers are advised to note the requirements under the overview section in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

For Minors, please click here.

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

1. Visa application form (original) (see here) (signed on 3rd and 4th page as per passport signature).

2. Passport (original).

   A signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and must be issued within 10 years of leaving the Schengen Area.

   Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in which case the customer must apply for a new passport.

   Photocopies of previous Schengen visas endorsed in an old passport and issued within the last 3 years, if applicable.

3. Irish Residence Permit

   Irish re-entry visa /Irish Residence permit/GNIB card, must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Area; a C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

4. Photograph (original).

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Proof of current occupation

      1. Employer letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Embassy, name and position of the signee and confirming customer’s employment).
      2. Student letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed Irish university/college/school letter (addressed to the Embassy and confirming customer’s enrolment).

      3. Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed headed letter (addressed to the Embassy and confirming customer’s self-employment) obtained from:

         1. customer’s accountant: when customer’s company’s accounts are done by an external/independent accountant.
         2. Solicitor: when customer’s company was registered by a solicitor.
         3. Bank manager: when customer’s company opened a business bank account.
         4. Companies Registration Office: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if customer’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating the relationship between the customer and the company should be provided.
         5. Tax authorities.

   2. Unemployed/retired

      1. Receiving Benefits: a letter of confirmation by the respective social welfare office thatstates that the office is aware of the intended trip.
      2. Not in receipt of Benefits: cover letter explaining customer’s financial status.

      3. Housewife/husband (only applicable to married couples): customer may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in which case the following needs to be provided:

         1. marriage certificate (original + copy): in cases where this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English or German, it should be translated by a certified translator in the Ireland and must have an Apostille.
         2. spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy).
         3. spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation.
         4. spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds.
         5. spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship.

   3. Proof of funds

      1. Irish current account bank statements dated within the last 3 months, showing customer’s name, address and a positive closing balance dated within 1 week of the visa application submission date. The bank balance must show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to Ireland or the country of origin/residence; alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted.
      2. Payslips dated within the previous 3 months.

   4. Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

      1. Confirmation of return travel tickets: mentioning customer’s name and travel dates to Austria/ Switzerland/Slovenia or Lichtenstein.
      2. When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If customer is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with customer and travel dates must also be provided

      When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, invoice or payment confirmation is required.

   5. Proof of accommodation

      Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) booking mentioning customer’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

      If the customer’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.

      When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively, the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket.

   6. Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance and winter sports cover is mandatory from November to April).

      Please check the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website to check the latest travel advise! Most travel insurances will not cover any claims for countries with status ‘Avoid non-essential travel’ and ‘do not travel’.

      Travel insurance clearly showing the customer’s name - must be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the customer’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation must be € 30.000,-- . Insurance certificates should be purchased in Ireland.

Photo Specifications

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless these are worn due to his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

Photograph attached (glued) to the Visa Application Form

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), then the visa application will be considered incomplete and the customer will be asked to re- take photographs in the visa application centre’s photo booth .

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.

Download Forms

Application Form

In order to apply for Austria visa customers needs to provide a visa application form (VAF).(The application form cannot be hand filled)

Therefore each customer first needs to duly complete and print the Schengen visa application form as follows:

1. Click Schengen Visa Application form (PDF format)
2. Duly complete the visa application form online (as per the passport’s details)
3. Select File in Menu bar
4. Select Print and confirm Printing

Once the online Schengen visa application form has been printed, the customer must complete the remaining steps:

5. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places
6. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day

Please note that hand filled applications are no longer accepted at the visa application centre.(Schedule an Appointment)

Overview

Each customer, including children/infants, must submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which must be booked by the customer. online (see Schedule an Appointment)

For Non- EU citizens who are unsure as to whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? .

customers who intend to travel to visit and stay with family/friends legally residing in Austria, must apply for a Visitor Family/Friend visa.

Eligibility

The customer must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. They must hold a valid passport/travel document

2. hold a valid Irish residence permit.

In case customer holds a short stay visa for Ireland, a Visa Type C (see example here), then the customer must apply for a Schengen visa from his/her country of residence

They must apply for a short stay visa (Tourist: including Minors, Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit)

Documents Required

In addition to the list of documents below, the customer may be asked to provide additional information/documents, if requested by the Embassy.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation must be recent and must be provided for every Schengen visa application.

customers must always bring and present their original documentation, but must only submit photocopies of same; unless it is specified that originals must be submitted.

Prior to gathering the required documentation mentioned below, customers are advised to note the requirements under the Overview section in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

For Minors, please click here.

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

1. Visa application form (original) (see here) (signed on 3rd and 4th page as per passport signature).

2. Passport (original).

   Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area must be issued within 10 years of leaving the Schengen Area.

   Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in which case the customer first needs to apply for a new passport.

   Photocopies of previous Schengen visas endorsed in an old passport and issued in the last 3 years, if applicable.

3. Irish Residence permit

Irish re-entry visa /Irish Residence permit/GNIB card, must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

4. Photograph (original)

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Proof of current occupation

      1. Employer letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Embassy, name and position of the signee and confirming customer’s employment).
      2. Student letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed Irish university/college/school letter (addressed to the Embassy and confirming customer’s enrolment).

      3. Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed headed letter (addressed to the Embassy and confirming customer’s self-employment) obtained from:

         1. customer’s accountant: when customer’s company’s accounts are done by an external/independent accountant.
         2. Solicitor: when customer’s company was registered by a solicitor.
         3. Bank manager: when customer’s company opened a business bank account.
         4. Companies Registration Office: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if customer’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating the relationship between the customer and the company should be provided.
         5. Tax authorities.

   2. Unemployed/retired

      1. Receiving Benefits: a letter of confirmation by the respective social welfare office thatstates that the office is aware of the intended trip.
      2. Not in receipt of Benefits: cover letter explaining customer’s financial status

      3. Housewife/husband (only applicable to married couples): customer may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in which case the following needs to be provided:

         1. marriage certificate (original + copy): in cases where this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English or German, it should be translated by a certified translator in the Ireland and must have an Apostille.
         2. spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy).
         3. spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation.
         4. spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds.
         5. spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship.

   3. Proof of funds

      1. Irish current account bank statements dated within the last 3 months, showing customer’s name, address and a positive closing balance dated within 1 week of the visa application submission date. The bank balance must show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to Ireland or the country of origin/residence; alternatively, online bank account printouts are also accepted.
      2. Payslips dated within the previous 3 months.

   4. Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

      Confirmation of return travel tickets: mentioning customer’s name and travel dates to Austria/ Switzerland/Slovenia or Lichtenstein.

      
      

      When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If customer is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with customer and travel dates must also be provided.

      When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, invoice or payment confirmation is required.

   5. Proof of accommodation

      Accommodation provided by family/friends in Austria: customer’s hosts (written within 1 week ) cover letter (signed, dated and confirming both travel period and address of stay) ,copy of host’s passport’s bio page + host’s permit of stay in Austria(if host is non-EU citizen) and copy of registration (“Meldezettel” for Austria and for Switzerland "Wohnsitzbescheinigung").

      Alternatively in cases where an “Electronic letter of guarantee“ (elektronische Verpflichtungserklärung) = EVE can be forwarded, then only the LHR-number is required (no passport copy of host).

   6. Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance and winter sport cover is mandatory between November and April).

      Please check the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website to check the latest travel advise! Most travel insurances will not cover any claims for countries with status ‘Avoid non-essential travel’ and ‘do not travel’.

      The travel insurance clearly showing the customer’s name must be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the customer’s intended stay in the Schengen Area: T the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation must be €30.000. Insurance certificates should be purchased in Ireland.

Photo Specifications

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless these are worn due to his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

Photograph attached (glued) to the Visa Application Form

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), then the visa application will be considered incomplete and the customer will be asked to re- take photographs in the visa application centre’s photo booth .

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.

Download Forms

Application Form

In order to apply for Austria visa customers needs to provide a visa application form (VAF).(The application form cannot be hand filled)

Therefore each customer first needs to duly complete and print the Schengen visa application form as follows:

1. Click Schengen Visa Application form (PDF format)
2. Duly complete the visa application form online (as per the passport’s details)
3. Select File in Menu bar
4. Select Print and confirm Printing

Once the online Schengen visa application form has been printed, the customer must complete the remaining steps:

5. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places
6. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day

Please note that hand filled applications are no longer accepted at the visa application centre.(Schedule an Appointment)

Overview

Each customer, including children/infants, must submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which must be booked online by the customer. (see Schedule an Appointment)

Please note that holders of an EEA (EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or Swiss passport do not require a visa. There are no restrictions on the remaining validity of your passport, provided that you leave Austria prior to its expiry date.

For Non- EU citizens who are unsure as to whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa?

1. The following family members of EEA/EU and Swiss nationals are entitled to apply for a Schengen visa as EEA/EU Family member, i.e. submitting fewer documents required than regular Tourists and exempt from paying the applicable visa fee, when travelling together with their EEA/EU or Swiss Family member.(Please also check here)

   1. Spouse
   2. Child(ren)
   3. Registered partner
   4. Parents, if their child is a minor
      
      

      Any customer, travelling without his/her EEA/EU or Swiss Family member, cannot apply as EEA/EU Family member and must apply for a Tourist visa, i.e. providing all the required documents and paying the applicable visa fee.

      Visa application exemption for certain EEA/EU and Swiss national family members:

      Family members of EEA/EU or Swiss nationals holding a valid Irish Residence permit as demonstrated below, do not need a Schengen visa to enter Austria only if the following 2 conditions are fulfilled:

   5. They are travelling with/joining the EEA/EU or Swiss Family member in Austria.
   6. Their Irish Residence permit bears the following stamp No:

EU family

You can click here if you need a visa when you travel with your EU/EEA or Swiss family member to Schengen.

However if the customer, holding one of the abovementioned Irish residence permits, is travelling without their EEA/EU or Swiss Family member, they must apply for a Tourist visa, i.e. providing all the required documentation and paying the applicable visa fee.

Eligibility

The customer must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. Hold a valid passport/travel document

2. Hold a valid Irish residence permit.

In case customer holds a short stay visa for Ireland, a visa type C (see example here), then the customer must apply for a Schengen visa from his/her country of residence applying for a short stay visa (Tourist: including Minors, Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit)

Documents Required

In addition to the list of documents below, the customer may be asked to provide additional information/documents, if requested by the Embassy.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation must be recent, (see below), and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

customers must always bring and present their original documentation but must only submit photocopies of same; unless it is specified that originals must be submitted.

Prior to gathering the required documentation mentioned below, customers are advised to note the requirements under the Overview section in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

For Minors, please click here.

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Visa application form (original) (see here) (signed on 3rd and 4th page as per passport signature)

   2. Passport (original)

      Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area.

      Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case customer first needs to apply for a new passport.

      Photocopies of previous Schengen visas endorsed in an old passport and issued in the last 3 years, if applicable.

   3. Irish Residence permit.

      Irish re-entry visa /Irish Residence permit/GNIB card, must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

   4. Photograph (original).

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. EEA/EU and Swiss national’s passport or ID card (original to be seen).
   2. Proof of relation to EEA/EU and Swiss national: marriage/birth certificate (original to be seen), if not in English or German, then translation by a certified translator in Ireland of the same is required.
   3. Address in Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein or Slovenia.

3. Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

   Confirmation of return travel tickets: mentioning customer’s name and travel dates to Austria/ Switzerland/Slovenia or Lichtenstein.

   When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If customer is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with customer and travel dates must also be provided.

   When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, invoice or payment confirmation is required.

Photo Specifications

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless these are worn due to his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

Photograph attached (glued) to the Visa Application Form

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), then the visa application will be considered incomplete and the customer will be asked to re- take photographs in the visa application centre’s photo booth .

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.

Download Forms

Application Form

In order to apply for Austria visa customers needs to provide a visa application form (VAF). (The application form cannot be hand filled)

Therefore, each customer first needs to duly complete and print the Schengen visa application form as follows:

1. Click Schengen Visa Application form (PDF format)
2. Duly complete the visa application form online (as per the passport’s details)
3. Select File in Menu bar
4. Select Print and confirm Printing

Once the online Schengen visa application form has been printed, the customer must complete the remaining steps:

5. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places
6. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day

Please note that hand filled applications are no longer accepted at the visa application centre.(Schedule an Appointment

Overview

Each customer, including children/infants, must submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment).

Please note that holders of an EEA (EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or Swiss passport do not require a visa. There are no restrictions on the remaining validity of your passport, provided you leave Austria prior to its expiry date.

For Non-EU citizens who are unsure as to whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

Minors are customers who have not reached the age of 18 years when submitting a Schengen visa application (Tourist, Visitor Family/Friends, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit).

Therefore, each minor MUST provide the following additional documents:

1. Child’s unabridged/full birth certificate showing both parents/legal guardian's names.
2. Written consent (signed and dated) of both parents/legal guardians mentioned on the child’s birth certificate.
3. Copy of both parents/legal guardians’ passport’s Bio page and signature page, if signature is not on Bio page.
4. Court order confirming one parents/legal guardian’s sole custody or the deceased parents/legal guardian’s death c in the case where the parents/legal guardians are divorced or one of the guardians is deceased.
5. In case a guardian has been appointed by the parents, then the guardianship letter and the guardian’s passport’s Bio page and signature page, if signature is not on Bio page.

Due to European legislation regarding protection of children/minors, it must be emphasised that Minors, who do not provide all the required documents, may not be granted a Schengen visa.

Applicable visa fee for minors varies in 3 age groups:

1. Minors under 6 years of age: Free of Charge.
2. Minors 6 years of age but less than 12 : Reduced visa fee.
3. Minors 12 years of age and older : Full visa fee.

Eligibility

customer must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. They must hold a valid passport/travel document

2. They must hold a valid Irish residence permit.

In case the customer holds a short stay visa for   Ireland, a visa type C (see example here), then the customer must needs apply for a Schengen visa from his/her country of residence

They must apply for a short stay visa (Tourist: including Minors, Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit)

Documents Required

In addition to the list of documents below, the customer may be asked to provide additional information/documents, if requested by the Embassy.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation must be recent and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

customers must always bring and present their original documentation but must only submit photocopies of same; unless it is specified that originals must be submitted.

Prior to gathering the required documentation mentioned below, customers are advised to note the requirements under the Overview section in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Visa application form (original) (see here): (mandatory to be signed by both parents/legal guardians on 3rd and 4th page as per parents/legal guardian’s passport signature)

   2. Passport (original)

      Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area must be issued within 10 years of leaving the Schengen Area.

      Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in which case the customer must apply for a new passport.

      Photocopies of previous Schengen visas endorsed in an old passport and issued within the last 3 years, if applicable.

   3. Irish Residence permit

      Irish re-entry visa /Irish Residence permit/GNIB card, must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

   4. Photograph (original)

      Every minor, irrespective of the visa category being applied for, must also provide the following documentation as part of the Standard Documentation.

   5. Birth certificate

      Unabridged birth certificate showing parents/legal guardian’s names; if not in English or German, then translation by a certified translator in Ireland is also required. If issued outside the EU it must contain an Apostille.

   6. Consent of parents/legal guardians

      Both parents/legal guardians are required to give their written consent (signed & dated) for the minor to travel. Two signatures are required in both the application form  and on the consent form.

   7. Parents/Legal Guardian’s passports (copies)

   8. Proof of sole custody (in case of a single parent): in case parents/ legal guardians have divorced or one of the parents/guardians has deceased, then the same must be demonstrated by a court/residence order (original to be presented) or death certificate (original to be presented)

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   In cases where the minor is applying for a TOURIST/VISITOR FAMILY & FRIENDS/AIRPORT TRANSIT:

   1. Proof of current occupation

      1. Student letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed Irish university/college/school letter (addressed to the Embassy and confirming customer’s enrolment)

   2. Proof of funds (from 1 parent/legal guardian)

      Irish current account bank statements dated within the last 3 months showing at least 1 of the customer’s parents/legal guardians, address and a positive closing balance dated within 1 week of the visa application submission date. The bank balance must show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to the Ireland or the country of origin/residence; alternatively, online bank account printouts are also accepted.

   3. Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

      1. Confirmed return travel tickets mentioning customer’s name and travel dates to Austria/ Switzerland/Slovenia or Lichtenstein.
      2. When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If customer is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with customer and travel dates need to be provided too.

      When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, an invoice or a payment confirmation is also required.

   4. Proof of accommodation

      Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) booking mentioning customer’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

      If the customer’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.

      When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket

   5. Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance, winter sports cover is mandatory between November to April)

      Please check the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website to check the latest travel advise! Most travel insurances will not cover any claims for countries with status ‘Avoid non-essential travel’ and ‘do not travel’.

      Travel insurance clearly showing the customer’s name must be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the customer’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation must be € 30.000, Insurance certificates should be purchased in Ireland.

      In case the minor is applying for EEA/EU and Swiss national family member

   1. EEA/EU and Swiss national’s passport or ID card (original to be seen)
   2. Proof of relation to EEA/EU and Swiss national: marriage/birth certificate (original to be presented), if not in English or German, then translation by a certified translator in Ireland of the same is required. If issued outside the EU it must contain an Apostille.
   3. Address in Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein or Slovenia

Photo Specifications

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless these are worn due to his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

Photograph attached (glued) to the Visa Application Form

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), then the visa application will be considered incomplete and the customer will be asked to re- take photographs in the visa application centre’s photo booth .

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.

Download Forms

Application Form

In order to apply for Austria visa customers needs to provide a visa application form (VAF).(The application form cannot be hand filled)

Therefore each customer first needs to duly complete and print the Schengen visa application form as follows:

1. Click Schengen Visa Application form (PDF format)
2. Duly complete the visa application form online (as per the passport’s details)
3. Select File in Menu bar
4. Select Print and confirm Printing

Once the online Schengen visa application form has been printed, the customer must complete the remaining steps:

5. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places
6. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day

Please note that hand filled applications are no longer accepted at the visa application centre.(Schedule an Appointment)

Overview

Holders of a valid national long stay visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen member state are exempt from the obligation to hold an airport transit visa.

Documents Required

For further information please go to the following link click here

Photo Specifications

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless these are worn due to his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

Photograph attached (glued) to the Visa Application Form

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), then the visa application will be considered incomplete and the customer will be asked to re- take photographs in the visa application centre’s photo booth .

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.

Download Forms

In order to apply for Austria visa customers needs to provide a visa application form (VAF).(The application form cannot be hand filled)

Therefore each customer first needs to duly complete and print the Schengen visa application form as follows:

1. Click Schengen Visa Application form (PDF format)
2. Duly complete the visa application form online (as per the passport’s details)
3. Select File in Menu bar
4. Select Print and confirm Printing

Once the online Schengen visa application form has been printed, the customer must complete the remaining steps:

5. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places
6. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day

Please note that hand filled applications are no longer accepted at the visa application centre.( Schedule an Appointment)