Austria
Central Europe · Schengen area
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Fees & exemptions
- Adult short-stay visa
2026 Schengen fee
€90 - Child 6-11Reduced
Reduced Schengen fee
€45 - Child under 6Free
Exempt under the Visa Code
Free - Family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizenFree
Directive 2004/38/EC waiver
Free - VFS UK service feeService fee
Charged in GBP; check the current tariff when booking
+€30
Standard adult Schengen fee, reduced for children 6-11, plus a separate VFS UK service fee in GBP.
Where to apply
VFS Global Austria Visa Application Centre in the UK; the application is decided by the Austrian Embassy in London.
Appointment system
Book online at visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/aut. Biometrics are taken at the centre; premium lounge and prime-time slots are paid add-ons. British passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in 180.
Required documents
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2+ blank pages)
- One recent biometric photo
- Proof of UK residence status (visa or BRP) for non-UK nationals
- Travel medical insurance with EUR 30,000 Schengen cover
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Bank statements and payslips showing sufficient means
- Cover letter with the purpose and itinerary
- Employer or enrolment letter
Editor tips
Only non-visa-exempt UK residents need this route. Book early for summer and for the Salzburg and Vienna festival season, when slots go quickly.
Country-specific quirks
Holders of British Travel Documents or Certificates of Identity do need a visa even though the document was issued in the UK - an exception BMEIA lists explicitly and applicants often miss.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Austria are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence — you cannot normally apply in a country you are only visiting.
- If you are not a citizen of the country you apply from, bring your residence permit or long-stay visa — it usually has to stay valid for at least 3 months after your return.
- Visiting several Schengen countries? Apply to your main destination, or — if you split time evenly — to the country you enter first.
- Some passports are visa-exempt for short stays and only need ETIAS travel authorisation instead of a visa; long-stay and work permits are still required for everyone.
- Fees, document lists and appointment systems are set per consulate, so the local Austria mission for your region always overrides anything on this page.
Where to submit if you apply from the UK
Addresses where applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in Austria visa documents and give biometrics. Applying from elsewhere? Use the official links below to find the Austria mission covering your country of residence.
- LondonVFS GlobalVFS Global — Austria Visa Application Centre
66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
Short-stay Schengen applications.
- LondonEmbassyAustrian Embassy London
18 Belgrave Mews West, London SW1X 8HU
Residence permits, Red-White-Red Card and national visas.
Always cross-check requirements on the official page for your jurisdiction — details can vary by country of residence.
Where to apply
VFS Global Austria Visa Application Centre in the UK; the application is decided by the Austrian Embassy in London.
Appointment system
Book online at visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/aut. Biometrics are taken at the centre; premium lounge and prime-time slots are paid add-ons. British passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in 180.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Austria are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence.
Applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in Austria visa documents and give biometrics at these addresses.
- LondonVFS GlobalVFS Global — Austria Visa Application Centre
66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
Short-stay Schengen applications.
- LondonEmbassyAustrian Embassy London
18 Belgrave Mews West, London SW1X 8HU
Residence permits, Red-White-Red Card and national visas.
Book your travel to use for supporting documents for Austria
Most consulates ask for a flight itinerary and confirmed accommodation. Search Vienna and attach the confirmations to your application.
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