Austria is world-famous for its hiking and skiing opportunities, classical music, Red Bull energy drink, and gorgeous landscapes. No wonder so many Saudi citizens visit the country each year!
Before planning your trip, make sure to apply early for a valid visa for the Schengen Area and Austria. The application process for the Schengen Visa has been made very easy with us!
Read all about the process, visa fees, requirements, and more in this complete application guide for citizens of Saudi Arabia!
What is the Austria Schengen Visa?
The Austria Schengen Visa is one of the most in-demand visas to visit Austria, the European Union, and other Schengen countries, without worrying about border crossings or obtaining separate visas for each member state.
With this type of Austrian Visa, you can enter the following 27 Schengen states: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
What you can do with the Austria Schengen Visa:
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Visit the country and the Schengen area for tourism.
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Meet family and friends.
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Do business activities.
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Travel to Austria for health reasons.
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Participate in training placements.
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Enroll in short studies.
However, as a Saudi citizen, you can't work, receive payments, or live in Austria with this visa. Apply for a work visa or residence permit through the Austrian Embassy website.
Are citizens from Saudi Arabia eligible for the Austria Schengen Visa?
As mentioned above, Saudi citizens need the Austria Schengen Visa to enter the country. This also applies to citizens of over 100 other countries.
Children and minors from Saudi Arabia also need an Austria Schengen Visa. Simply apply together as a family by clicking 'Add another person' during the online iVisa process!
How long can Saudi citizens stay in the country with the Austria Schengen Visa?
This Austrian Visa is a Multiple entry document, with a maximum permitted stay of 90 days per entry within 180 days.
This means you can enter and leave Austria as often as you like to visit other countries in the Schengen area during those 90 days.
When applying with us, we submit an application for a multiple-entry visa, but it's still up to the Austrian consulate or embassy to decide if you'll receive a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa, based on your individual circumstances.
Can I extend my Schengen Visa for Austria?
Usually, a Schengen Visa cannot be extended while in Austria. You must leave the Schengen Zone before your visa expires and apply again from Saudi Arabia.
When applying for the Schengen Visa, you must state how long you want to stay in the Schengen area. The decision on how long your visa is valid will depend on your travel plans, financial means, and travel purpose.
What is the Austria Schengen Visa processing time and visa fee in 2023?
If you're applying for an Austria Schengen Visa through our services, it often takes around 30 days to process and comes with a fee of USD $226.99.
Just keep in mind that this doesn't cover the government visa application fee of US$84.85 and has to be paid during your visa appointment. Kids between the ages of 6 and 12 are eligible for a government fee discount of 50%, and children under 6 are exempt from paying the fee altogether.
The Austrian government can take up to 60 days to process your application once it has been submitted by your iVisa Expert, although it rarely takes that long.
Get the below benefits when applying with us:
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100% government-compliant application: Our team of iVisa Experts will review your information and ensure it's 100% compliant with government requirements.
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Unlimited access to an iVisa Expert: We assign you a personal iVisa Expert to guide you through the entire application process, from start to finish.
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Simplified application form: Instead of answering over 60 confusing and tedious questions on the government website, you'll have to answer 50% of the questions, like a short survey.
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Fill out the form at your own pace: Make changes whenever you want, and save your progress if you need a break.
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Step-by-step PDF manual: By applying with us through iVisa, you'll receive a complete guide with all the tips you need to answer difficult questions and how to prepare for your interview.
Austria Schengen Visa: How to apply in Saudi Arabia
To apply for the Austria Schengen Visa from Saudi Arabia, follow the three simple steps below. You can apply through us on our website or download the iVisa app for a smooth experience on your mobile device.
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Step 1: Complete the simple visa form online with your personal and travel details. Double-check all your info carefully.
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Step 2: Pay the iVisa fee with a credit, debit card, or PayPal.
After payment, you'll receive complete guidance from an iVisa Expert by email. They'll schedule an appointment with the Austrian embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Center on your behalf.
- Step 3: On the day of your appointment, bring the application form and the rest of the required documents to the embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Centre. An interview could take place if necessary.
Don't worry! We'll give you all the tips to prepare for your interview for a successful outcome. You'll also pay the government fee on the day of your appointment.
Then, all you need to do is wait for your Austria Schengen Visa application to be approved, and get ready to travel!
Necessary documents for the Austria Schengen Visa for Saudi citizens
To submit your online application for the Austria Visa, we only require your passport details and passport photo.
However, before your Schengen Visa appointment, you must gather the following documents:
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Copy of your valid Saudi passport, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen Area.
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Two recent passport photos. If you don't have one, use our affordable and convenient digital photo service!
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Printed and signed application form.
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Payment of the Schengen Visa fee.
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Copies of your previous Schengen Visas (if applicable).
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Proof of sufficient funds, for example, bank statements for the last 3 months.
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Proof of accommodation, for example, a letter of invitation from your friend or family member you'll be staying with.
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Proof that you intend to return to Saudi Arabia after your trip. For example, documents that show you're currently working or studying, have family ties, or own property.
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Travel medical insurance or travel insurance covering hospitalizations, emergencies, urgent medical treatment, and related costs of at least 30,000 euros.
Austria Schengen Visa requirements for children from Saudi Arabia
Minors traveling alone must provide a certified power of attorney signed by their parents or legal guardians (if applicable).
Austria Schengen Visa passport requirements
Have your passport ready when you apply for an Austria Schengen Visa. Your passport has to be up-to-date. This means that it must:
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Have been issued within the last 10 years.
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Be valid for at least six months from the arrival date in the Schengen Zone.
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Have at least two blank pages.
Austria Schengen Visa photo requirements
The passport photos you need to provide must meet the following criteria:
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They must be two identical photos.
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Taken within the last six months.
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Measure 35 mm x 45 mm.
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In color.
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The applicant's head should take up 70-80% of the photo.
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Have a minimum resolution of 400 dpi.
If you're unsure that your photos meet these government requirements or don't have one, use our handy digital photo service! It allows you to get 100% compliant photos from the comfort of your own home.
Austria Schengen Visa financial requirements
The exact financial information needed to get an Austria Visa is determined case-by-case.
However, it's generally advised to ensure you have at least €100 (US$110) per travel day in your bank account. The proof you can show includes bank statements for the last three months, a job contract showing your annual or monthly income, or savings.
My Austria Schengen Visa was denied in Saudi Arabia. What should I do?
Receiving a visa rejection can be frustrating. There are a few options to consider if your Austria Schengen Visa application was denied in Saudi Arabia:
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Appeal the decision: You can appeal the visa decision within a certain timeframe, usually within 30 days of receiving the denial. You'll need to provide new evidence to support your application and address the reasons for the rejection.
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Reapply: You can choose to reapply for the visa again with us, but only after you have taken the necessary steps to address the reasons for the rejection. This means reviewing your application and documents to ensure they are complete and meet the requirements.
Please note that we currently can't give refunds for Schengen Visa rejections; however, we can provide recommendations and tips to increase your chances of approval!
- Seek professional help: If you're unsure of what steps to take, seek professional help from our iVisa Experts. They can advise you on the best course of action and help you prepare a stronger visa application.
Remember, a dedicated iVisa Expert carefully reviews all visa applications to ensure that your application complies with government regulations and is complete.
How to prepare for the Austria Schengen Visa interview in Saudi Arabia
Proper planning and preparation for your Austria Schengen Visa interview can significantly affect the outcome of your application.
To help you feel more confident during the interview, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
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Collect the necessary documents: Ensure you have all the required documents and information for your visa application.
A sample list is provided in this article, and we offer a detailed list of the required documents during the application process.
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Practice for the interview: The interview allows the consular officer to learn more about your travel plans and intentions. Prepare to answer questions about your itinerary, accommodation, purpose of travel, and ties to your home country. Be honest and concise in your responses.
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Dress appropriately: It's essential to dress appropriately for the interview. Avoid wearing anything too casual or revealing. Smart casual attire such as a neat shirt and jeans, will suffice.
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Arrive early: It's always better to arrive at the embassy or consulate early to avoid unexpected delays. Being late for your appointment may negatively impact your application.
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Be respectful: The interview is a formal process, and it's essential to be polite to the consular officer. Answer questions clearly and honestly and avoid becoming angry or raising your voice.
For more tips and information, read our ultimate Schengen Visa interview preparation guide!
COVID-19 entry requirements and restrictions in Austria
Travelers from Saudi Arabia don't need a COVID-19 test, a vaccination certificate, or quarantine to enter the Schengen Zone and Austria.
However, always check the latest entry requirements before flying, as information can change quickly.
More questions about the Austria Schengen Visa application?
If you want to learn more about the Austria Schengen Visa application from Saudi Arabia or have questions about the application process, we're here to help.
Our dedicated online team of customer service agents is available via online chat to assist with any questions you may have, or you can email them at [email protected].