Austria tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Austria tourist (schengen c) visa — used for short holiday or sightseeing trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Austria consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Austria tourist visa
VFS Global Austria Visa Application Centre in the UK; the application is decided by the Austrian Embassy in London.
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
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- Adult short-stay visa€90— 2026 Schengen fee
- Child 6-11€45— Reduced Schengen fee
- Child under 6Free— Exempt under the Visa Code
- Family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC waiver
- VFS UK service fee€30— Charged in GBP; check the current tariff when booking
Standard adult Schengen fee, reduced for children 6-11, plus a separate VFS UK service fee in GBP.
Booking an appointment
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.
Practical 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.
What is unusual about the Austria process
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.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — VFS Global — Austria Visa Application Centre66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BTShort-stay Schengen applications.
- London — Austrian Embassy London18 Belgrave Mews West, London SW1X 8HUResidence permits, Red-White-Red Card and national visas.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Austria consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Austria tourist visa cost?
- For a Austria tourist visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult short-stay visa — €90; Child 6-11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen — free; VFS UK service fee — €30. Standard adult Schengen fee, reduced for children 6-11, plus a separate VFS UK service fee in GBP. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Austria tourist visa take to process?
- A decision on a Austria tourist visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Austria tourist visa?
- VFS Global Austria Visa Application Centre in the UK; the application is decided by the Austrian Embassy in London. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Austria tourist visa?
- The Austria consular network lists: 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. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Austria tourist visa?
- Appointment model: Outsourced center. 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.
- Can I apply for a Austria tourist visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 2 submission points in the UK for Austria, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
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