Austria Schengen Visa for Russian Citizens: Complete Application Guide for 2023

Welcome to the ultimate guide for Russians applying for an Austrian Schengen Visa! Austria is a popular destination for travelers worldwide, offering a wealth of cultural experiences, breathtaking scenery, and endless opportunities for adventure.

If you're a Russian citizen looking to travel to Austria and Europe, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the Schengen Visa application process with ease.

Let's get started.

Can Russian nationals apply for the Austrian Schengen Visa?

In light of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia a year ago, a number of Schengen Area countries have ceased issuing visas to Russian citizens. However, there are still some countries that are offering Schengen Visas to Russians, with a territorial validity for all 27 member states.

Among the countries issuing Schengen Visas to Russian citizens are: Austria, Croatia, Spain, France, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Portugal.

On the other hand, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Czech Republic, Estonia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Slovakia do not issue Schengen Visas to Russians at the moment.

Children and minors from Russia must also have an Austrian Schengen Visa before their visit. Apply together as a family by selecting the ‘Add another person’ option during the iVisa application process.

Continue reading to learn more about the process, visa fees, and required documentation.

What is the Austria Schengen Visa?

Beyond providing an opportunity to explore Austria, the Austria Schengen Visa offers access to all 27 countries within the Schengen Zone.

The countries within the Schengen Area include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Austria Schengen Visa is not an eVisa, a visa appointment at the Austrian embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Center near you is still required to obtain the Austria Schengen Visa.

The Austria Schengen Visa serves multiple purposes, including:

• Tourism within Austria and other Schengen countries.

• Visiting family and friends.

• Conducting business or scientific research.

• Traveling for medical purposes.

• Attending short courses, training placements, cultural events, and participating in sports events.

However, it's essential to note that the Schengen Visa does not permit Russian visa applicants to work, receive payments, or reside in Austria.

Find more info about residency permits or work visas on the Austrian government website.

How long is the Austria Schengen Visa valid for Russians?

After your application for a Schengen Visa is approved, you usually get a Multiple entry visa that is valid for a maximum of 90 days per entry within a period of 180 days.

However, remember that the Austrian embassy or consulate has the ultimate authority to determine whether to grant you a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa based on your specific situation and travel purpose.

Can I extend my Schengen Visa for Austria?

It is not possible to extend the validity of a Schengen Visa while in Austria. Under exceptional circumstances, such as a medical emergency, you may be allowed to stay longer than your visa allows.

If you think that you need more than the duration of your visa for your plans in Austria or the Schengen Zone, exit before the visa expires and reapply for a new visa from Russia.

The validity date is determined based on various factors, such as your intended travel purpose, itinerary, and financial status.

Austria Schengen Visa costs: Fees and processing time for Russians

If you're applying for the Austrian Visa with us, the process for submission usually takes around 30 days to process for a fee of USD $314.99.

The government visa fee of approximately US$84.85 must 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. It's important to note that due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russian citizens may be subject to additional scrutiny.

When applying through us, you’ll get extra peace of mind due to the following benefits:

• 100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts will review your information and ensure it is 100% compliant with government requirements.

• Unlimited access to your iVisa Expert: We assign you a personal iVisa Expert to guide you through the entire application process, from start to end.

• 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.

• Fill out at your own pace: Fill out the form at your own pace, make changes whenever you want, and save your progress if you need a break.

• 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.

Required documents for the Austria Schengen Visa application from Russia

To apply for a valid Schengen Visa from Russia, you must bring supporting documents to your visa appointment to meet the requirements:

• Your valid Russian passport issued in the past 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen Area.

• Two recent passport photos, get one easily and affordably using our digital photo service.

• A printed and signed application form, which you'll receive during the application process.

• Payment method to pay the Schengen Visa fee.

• Copies of any previous Schengen Visas (if applicable).

• Proof of enough funds to cover your expenses during your trip. Bank statements from the last 3 months are usually sufficient. Account for around US$100 per day of your trip as a guideline.

• Proof of accommodation, such as an invitation letter from your host or hotel bookings.

• Proof that you intend to return to Russia, such as a return ticket, documents that show you're currently employed, studying, have family ties, or own property.

• Travel insurance that covers hospitalizations, emergencies, and related medical expenses of at least 30,000 euros.

Based on your situation, you’ll receive a detailed list of documents from your dedicated iVisa Expert when applying with us.

Austria Schengen Visa photo requirements

Here are the specific photo requirements set by the Austrian government:

• Please provide two identical photos.

• Taken within the last six months.

• Measure 35 mm x 45 mm.

• Must be in color.

• The head of the visa applicant should take up 70-80% of the photo.

• Minimum resolution of the photo should be 400 dpi.

If you don't have a photo or don’t know if it meets the criteria, our handy digital photo service can help! Get 100% compliant photos from the comfort of your own home, saving you time and money.

Austria Schengen Visa requirements for children

Children or minors with a Russian passport and traveling alone must provide a certified power of attorney signed by their parents or legal guardians.

Austria Schengen Visa passport requirements

To be eligible to apply for an Austria Schengen Visa, it is crucial to have a valid passport.

Check if your passport meets the following criteria:

• It was issued within the past 10 years.

• It is valid for at least six months beyond the planned arrival date in the Schengen Zone.

• It has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

Ensuring your passport meets these requirements is essential for a hassle-free visa application process!

Austria Schengen Visa application: How to apply from Russia

For a fast and hassle-free Austria Schengen Visa application, Russian nationals should follow the below steps online through our website or download the iVisa app for an even easier process!

Step 1: Fill out your personal and travel details. Double-check all the information before submitting the form to avoid errors.

Step 2: Pay the iVisa fee using your credit/debit card or PayPal.

After completing the payment, you'll receive an email from an iVisa Expert with comprehensive guidance on how to fill out the visa application form, collect the necessary documents, and schedule an appointment near you.

Step 3: On the day of your appointment, bring all the required documents.

We'll provide all the tips you need to prepare for the interview and increase your chances of getting your Austria Visa approved!

Our simple process ensures a stress-free experience for Russian passport holders to apply for an Austria Schengen Visa!

How to prepare for the Austria Schengen Visa interview in Russia

Preparing for your Austria Schengen Visa interview can affect the outcome of your application. When applying for your visa through us, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to schedule an appointment and how to prepare for the interview.

Here are some tips for your peace of mind:

1. Gather the necessary documents: Ensure you have all the required documents and information to bring to your visa application.

An example list is provided in this article, and we provide a detailed list of the required documents during the application process.

2. Practice for the interview: The interview is meant for the consular officer to learn more about your travel plans. Prepare to answer questions about your itinerary, accommodation, purpose of travel, and ties to Russia, such as work. Be honest and concise.

3. Dress appropriately: Avoid wearing anything too casual or revealing. Smart casual attire, such as a blouse and jeans, would suffice.

4. Arrive early: Arrive at the embassy or consulate early to account for any unexpected delays.

5. Be respectful: The interview is a formal process, and it is essential to be polite and courteous to the consular officer. Answer questions honestly and avoid becoming defensive.

For more interview tips for Schengen Visa applications, read our ultimate Schengen Visa interview preparation guide!

My Austria Schengen Visa application was denied. What should I do?

It’s disappointing to hear your Austria Schengen Visa application was denied. Here’s what to do:

• Appeal: You can appeal the rejection if you have evidence supporting your application and addressing the reasons for your Schengen Visa denial.

• Reapply with iVisa: If you want more security and expert review, you can reapply with us. A dedicated iVisa Expert will carefully review your documents and application for completeness and compliance.

Please note: We currently don't offer refunds for rejected Schengen Visas, but we provide recommendations and tips to increase your chances of approval.

• Seek expert help: If you're feeling lost, ask our experts for assistance. They can guide you on what steps to take and assist you in preparing a stronger and more complete visa application.

We're here to make the process easy for you!

COVID-19 entry requirements and restrictions in Austria

Travelers from Russia are not required to do a COVID-19 test, show a vaccination certificate, or quarantine to visit Austria and the Schengen Zone.

Always check the latest entry requirements in Austria before you fly, as information can change quickly.

More info about the Austria Schengen Visa for Russians

More questions about the Austrian Schengen Visa process for Russian nationals? Our customer service team is here to assist! Contact us via online chat or send an email at [email protected].

The information in this article is gathered from reputable sources: iVisa Experts, the Austria Embassy, and the Austrian government.