The process of booking an Austrian Schengen visa appointment is a necessary part of the visa application process. Are you planning to visit Austria anytime soon? Now may be a good time to book an appointment with the Austrian embassy or visa application center so your visa will be released as early as possible. However, there are some steps you must take to lock down an interview date with the visa officers; we review them below and throw more light on the Austrian visa.
Austria At A Glance
Austria is a Schengen country located in Central Europe; the country is more on the Western side of the continent than the East, with a land area of 83,871 km2. It is one of the most powerful economies in the world, with a GDP that only a few other countries on the globe can rival or exceed. Austria is a member of the European Union and is strategically located along the famous Danubian trade route once used by travelers to connect North to South through the legendary Alpine Passes.
Austria is a tourist attraction boasting several cities with historic landmarks. The capital, Vienna, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but there is also Salzburg and Innsbruck worth visiting. The majority of the local population speaks German due to the close cultural and historical links between Germans and Austrians.
Austria has been a Schengen nation since 1997 and has been issuing Schengen visas. If you want to visit the country on a short visit, you will need to apply for and obtain an Austria visa first.
Who Needs A Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is required for visitors from outside Europe who are not citizens of visa exempt countries. You should know that there has long been a visa free policy for EU citizens, especially those from Schengen countries. Furthermore, there is a list of visa exempt countries whose citizens do not need visas to enter Austria. If you are not from any of the visa free countries and also not from a fellow Schengen nation, you definitely need a visa to enter the country.
Austria Schengen Visa Validity
The Austrians Schengen visa is valid 180 days from the issue date, meaning you ought to use it within six months, or it will expire. Also, the visa may be issued either as a single entry or multiple entry visa, but you cannot stay in Austria for more than 90 days.
Which Countries Can You Visit With An Austrian Schengen Visa?
You can visit any of the 26 countries in the Schengen zone, including non-Schengen States like Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. The visa is also accepted for entry into Andorra, San Marino, The Vatican, and Monaco, all independent micro States in Europe.
How to Book An Austrian Schengen Visa Appointment?
Here are the things you should do to book a visa appointment
Know If You Need A Visa: The first thing you should know is whether you need a visa in the first place. Consult the visa exempt list to see if your country is included if you are not from a Schengen country. Only proceed with the application process if your country is not on the list.
Know The Visa You Want: The second step is identifying your visa. If you want a visa for transit or tourism, be sure before you commence the process.
Organize Your Documents: The next step is to organize your documents neatly in a single file so you can access them when necessary. Besides organizing your documents, fill out the application form correctly and make sure all fields are completed.
Book The Appointment: The next stage is to book your appointment with the Austrian embassy in your country or a licensed visa application center. A date will be scheduled for the interview, which you must honor.
Attend The Interview: Attend the visa interview on the set date and make sure you answer all questions presented to you as clearly as possible. The visa officer will also review your documents to ensure they are in order.
After the interview, you can track your application online until a verdict is reached. The visa will be issued to successful applicants to travel to Austria at the appointed time.
How Much Is The Application Application Fee?
The application fee for a Schengen visa is a standard fee for all Schengen countries. The standard fee is €80 for 12-80-year-old applicants and €40 for 6-11-year-old applicants. Those outside this age bracket do not pay application fees.
Austria Schengen Visa Requirements
Completed application form
Valid passport
Two recent passport photographs
Round trip flight Itinerary
Proof of accommodation
Proof of financial means
Travel medical insurance
Cover letter
Civil Status proof (optional)
After the Austria Schengen visa appointment, it will take about 15 days for the visa to be ready.