Austria, a country in Central Europe, attracts tourists with its ski resorts, eco-tourism, and landmarks. People come here not only to see architectural samples from various eras but also to study and work. To visit Austria, adults and children need passports with Schengen visas, which allow entry to EU countries. This overview provides information on the types of visas, their specific features, how to obtain them, and current prices.
How to obtain a visa to Austria
Since 2022, due to the introduction of sanctions, the conditions for obtaining a visa have changed. The changes affect documents, processing times, and the duration of stay in the EU. In Moscow, visa applications are submitted to the Austrian Consular Section. In St. Petersburg, residents apply to the Finnish Consulate General. In Yekaterinburg, the Hungarian Consulate General handles visa applications. Austrian representative bodies allow applications to be submitted at accredited major visa centers, with branches in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other major cities in Russia.
The processing time for applications has now increased from 7-10 days to 15-45 working days, with the number of available slots determined by the diplomatic mission. When applying at regional visa centers, the processing time is extended by a week due to mailing. Expect to wait three weeks to receive a passport with a visa. Hospitalization, death of a relative, or other compelling reasons can justify obtaining a Schengen visa in 2-3 days for a 30-day stay.
Submitting documents does not guarantee entry permission. Applications at the Consulate General are reviewed individually and checked for compliance with the EU Visa Code and the Foreign Police Act. If there are any issues, applicants may be called for a second interview. If denied, the reasons are provided in writing, which forms the basis for an appeal. First-time applicants can only expect trips of 1-2 weeks. Multiple-entry visas for 90-180 days are issued only to residents who frequently visit EU countries.