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Embassy of Austria in India: Your Gateway to Experiencing the Enchanting Beauty of Austria

Are you dreaming of immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and captivating charm of Austria? As an Indian passport holder, obtaining a Schengen visa through the Embassy of Austria is your ticket to exploring the wonders of this enchanting country. Let’s embark on a comprehensive journey through the process with this guide:

1. Finalizing the Embassy and Eligibility:

Your first step is to ensure that Austria is your primary travel destination:

  • If Austria is your sole destination, or
  • If you intend to spend the majority of your stay in Austria while visiting multiple countries, or
  • If your stay is equally distributed across Schengen countries, Austria should be your initial stop.

2. Gathering the Required Documents:

To successfully apply for a Schengen visa through the Embassy of Austria, you need to compile a set of essential documents. Make sure to organize them in the same order as listed below:

  1. Application form: Ensure you fill out the application form completely in either English or German and sign it.

  2. Passport: Your passport must meet specific criteria:

    • Validity should extend at least three months after your intended departure from Schengen territory or, for multiple visits, after the last intended departure.
    • It must have at least two blank pages.
    • The passport should have been issued within the past 10 years.
    • No alterations or handwritten amendments should be present on the data page.
  3. Passport-size photos: Provide one recent photo that adheres to the international standards specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

  4. Valid permit to return (if applicable): If you’re a citizen of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, or a Tibetan traveling on an Indian IC (yellow Identity Certificate), you need a valid Indian Residency Permit or return visa to India.

  5. Documents for your trip:

    • Round-trip flight reservations: Include airline reservation and proof of other means of travel within Austria/EU if you plan to continue traveling.
    • Proof of accommodation: Present either a hotel reservation or a letter from a tour organizer, along with any other suitable documentation indicating your travel plans within Austria or the EU.
    • Travel medical insurance: The insurance must cover the entire Schengen territory and be valid for the intended duration of your stay. The minimum coverage required is EUR 30,000. If you’re applying for a multiple-entry visa, ensure you have coverage for subsequent stays as well. A signed statement acknowledging this need must be provided.
  6. Proof of occupation:

    • Employed: Include your salary certificate for the last three months, your employment contract, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your company. Also, mention your official email address or your HR department’s email address in the application form.
    • Self-employed: Provide relevant documents such as your GST certificate, Udhyog Aadhar Memorandum, Import Export Certificate, or Certificate of Incorporation.
    • Retired: Include pension statements for the last three months and any proof of regular income generated from property or business ownership.
    • Student: Submit proof of enrollment or registration in a school, college, or university.
  7. Proof of sufficient funds:

    • Provide original bank statements for the last three months, as well as other available funds (such as pensions).
    • Include Income Tax Acknowledgement or ITR-V from the last three years.
  8. Minor travelers:

    • Accompanied minor: If a minor is traveling with only one parent, provide an original notarized NOC from the other parent, along with copies of both parents’ passports or IDs.
    • Minor traveling alone: If a minor is traveling alone, provide an original notarized NOC from both parents/legal guardians, along with copies of their passports or IDs.
  9. Passport:

    • Include a copy of your current passport (data pages, pages with previous visa evidence, travel history).
    • Include the original(s) of previous passport(s) or proof of loss.
  10. Contact details of the applicant:

    • Provide your operational email address, mobile number, and business card.

Compile these documents meticulously to ensure a smooth visa application process through the Embassy of Austria.

3. Booking a Visa Appointment:

Set up your visa appointment through VFS Global, the official partner for visa services.

4. Submitting Documents to VFS Global:

Visit the designated VFS Global center to submit your documents conveniently.

5. Waiting for the Decision:

Await the decision on your visa application.

6. Tracking Application:

Stay informed about your application status by tracking it on the VFS Global website.

7. Connecting with the Embassy:

For any inquiries or assistance, reach out to the Embassy of Austria in India:

  • Address: EP-13, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
  • Phone: 011 2419 2700
  • Website: Austria in India

Suggestions:

  1. Plan your travel well in advance to ensure a seamless experience.
  2. Evaluate and choose optional services from VFS Global wisely to manage costs:
    • Premium Lounge Access
    • Form Filling Assistance
    • Passport Collection Method (consider self-pickup to save costs, especially for families)
    • Courier Assurance or Insurance
    • SMS Services

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant culture of Austria. Follow this comprehensive guide to securing your Schengen visa through the Embassy of Austria in India and get ready for a remarkable adventure. Bon voyage!