Description

Austria Schengen Visa Policy

Before making the trip, all foreign nationals coming to Austria must be informed about the entry requirements and limitations. This is because the general policy of the Austrian government is that all visitors hold visas before they can be allowed into the country unless they are from visa-exempt countries. The visa policy of Austria depends on the applicant’s nationality, and those who may not need visas need some kind of authorization to gain entry as per the new policy of the European Union.

Austria shares the same policy with 26 other countries signatories to the Schengen Agreement.

This agreement qualifies citizens of the Schengen zone passport-free travel to any member state for an indefinite period. The policy also establishes requirements for foreigners coming to Europe based on their nationality, purpose, and duration of stay. This uniform policy is maintained by Austria and all the other countries in the Schengen Zone.

According to the current law, visitors to Austria and any other Schengen country are classified as visa-exempt or needing visas. Those who need visas must visit the Austrian government embassy or the embassy of the country they wish to visit first to obtain a Schengen visa. Schengen visas are multi-country visas, as the holder can visit as many countries in the zone as they like.

Austria Schengen Visa ETIAS

Visa-exempt visitors can visit Austria without the need for visas, but they must apply for a special approval called the European Travel Information and Authorization System, otherwise called ETIAS. This program was approved and launched by the European Commission to facilitate travel within Europe, combat illegal migration, and prevent criminal elements from gaining entry into Austria and the wider continent.

Etias is available online to qualified, and interested applicants and holders can access all the Passport free zones in Austria. This entry permit allows visitors to stay in Schengen countries for 90 days maximum in 180 days and is meant for tourism, transit, business, or medical care visits. ETIAS is also electronically linked to the holder’s passport.

The application form is easy to complete and the vetting process takes under 30 minutes to know your fate. The system is programmed to screen your data using information stored in different databases. If the information triggers no security alerts it means the applicant poses no risk to the host country and will be granted the approval document to visit.

Applications that trigger security alerts will be rejected though the applicant may reapply in the nearest future.

Austria Schengen Visa Exempt Countries

Being a member of the Schengen zone and a signatory to the Schengen Agreement, Austria maintains the same visa exempt list with other member states. If you are from a visa exempt country you automatically qualify for the visa waiver program which means you are eligible for ETIAS approval. Please note that visa exemptions are as a result of multilateral and bilateral agreements between the European Union and otter countries which evolve over time.

Before deciding whether you qualify for visa free visits or not, consult the current list to be sure.

Austria Schengen Visa Key Information

Local ETIAS Unit: There is a local ETIAS unit in every Schengen country, including Austria. This unit is responsible for manually vetting applications referred to them by the system. If your data trigger a security alert, but the system doesn’t reject your application, it will forward your details to the Local unit, where the officers will review and make a determination about your application. This process may take days or weeks, depending on your unique situation.

Only For Visa Exempt Visitors: ETIAS is only for visitors who are nationals of visa-exempt countries. If you are not from a visa-exempt country, you do not qualify for ETIAS. What you should apply for instead is a Schengen visa at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country.

Linked To Your Passport: Your ETIAS is linked to your passport, so endeavor to travel with the same passport. If your passport expires less than three months after your planned departure date, you should apply for a new passport before applying for the ETIAS.

Not For Work: Etias are only issued to persons coming for business, tourism, transit, or medical treatment, not for work or study. This permit cannot be converted into a long-term residency visa. For visas, you must submit your application to the embassy or consulate.

90/180 Days Rule: Just as is the case with Schengen visas, the 90/180 days rule apply with ETIAS visitors.  You must not stay in Austria or a combination of Schengen countries for more than 90 days within a six month period. If you overstay you will have violated the terms of the permit and on your way out you will be fined for the extra days you stayed. Prolonged stay will attract heavier sanctions and a potential ban for future visits.

Primary Destination Rule: You should only apply for an Austrian Etias if it will be the first country you visit assuming you have other nations in your sight also.  Under ETIAS rules, visitors who intend to visit multiple countries must fill in the first country they will visit as their primary destination and go there first. Should they visit a different country first they may face difficulties with the local authorities there.

Who Pays Application Fee: The application fee must be paid before the ETIAS application form can be submitted. This fee is payable using a credit or debit card but only applicants between the ages of 18-70 years are charged fees.  Persons outside this bracket are exempted.