Austria Visa for South African Citizens

You will need to complete the Application for Schengen Visa To enter Austria, South African passport holders need a valid passport and a visa. IMPORTANT All applicants need to submit their Visa applications in person no longer than three months ahead of their journey and no later than 15 calendar days prior to departure. Checklist: Please click here Austrian Embassy Visa Requirements Kindly submit your supporting documents, without staples in the documents, in the following order: - Original Valid Passport with copy of the biometric data page - Application form completed and signed by the applicant, plus 1 colour photographs - Copy of flight reservation and detailed flight reservation(Leaving South Africa entering Schengen Area and leaving Schengen area entering South Africa) - Copy of insurance policy (Visa Letter). Insurance can only be accepted if the insurer is either based (registered) in South Africa or in the European Union. Minimum cover shall be €30000. - Proof of accommodation for full stay in Schengen state as well as proof of sufficient fund to pay for it. - Invitation letter, copy of host’s passport, police registration (when staying with family/friends in Austria) - Employment letter stating monthly wages, continuing employment after period of leave and duration of vacation/pension/retirement/university/school letter-original 3 month recent bank statements of father or mother current account, and original affidavit certified by a commissioner of oath, showing that they are being sponsored./self-employed (provide CIPRO documents) - Copy and original full/unabridged birth certificate indicating both biological parents names and Identity numbers(minor children), Parental consent (if needed) - All the copies of previous Schengen visas - Bank statements (up to date, recent three months original bank statements of the current account, savings account or investment account can be submitted in addition, each page stamped by the bank) - Copy of biographical data page of passport You may download the General Schengen requirement here NOTE: When travelling with a family, please submit copy of flight reservation and insurance with each application, remaining documents may be submitted with the main application. South African citizens require a visa to enter the Schengen territory, i.e. Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvian Republic, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland REQUIREMENTS: Before applying please make sure you fulfill all the following requirements. - Clearly completed and signed Common Schengen Application Form, (available from Consular Web sites or Consular Offices). Please ensure that question 37 is signed and that applicants aged 14 and above co-sign the application form in all relevant places. Both parents for children under 18 need to sign. - R.S.A. passport, which must be valid for a period of at least 3 months beyond the applicant’s last day of stay in the Schengen States. Please ensure that the passport has at least two blank pages to affix visa. Please sign passport if in old format Please note that Temporary R.S.A. passports will no longer be accepted for traveling to or transit Austria, Germany, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Denmark or Luxemburg. Passports for Minors: Please be advised that Denmark does not recognize the new South African passport which is issued to minors below the age of 16 and bears the phrase “too young to sign,” instead of a signature. If the passport bears the phrase “too young to sign,” instead of the holder’s signature, the validity of the visa will be limited to ALL SCHENGEN COUNTRIES EXCEPT DENMARK. - Non-South Africa Nationals: South African residence permit or temporary residence permit or temporary residence valid at least three months beyond the planned stay in the territory of the member states If the applicant does not intend to return to South Africa but either goes to his country of origin or another third country, a reasonable proof of their intention is needed e.g. Work contract in the new destination, or proof of enrolment in university or school or a rental agreement - One recent passport sized photographs in colour. - Copy of round trip flight reservation and detailed itinerary including dates and flight numbers, specifying the dates of entry and exit from the territory of the Schengen State. Please provide a copy for each application. - The Visa of the final country of destination (if needed) must be obtained before applying for a Schengen visa. - Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay - Airport Transit – Proof of entry of the final country of destination. - Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay Submit original recent three months current up to date bank statements of a current account each page stamped. Savings account or investment statements can be submitted in addition. Internet statements and bank letters will not be accepted. Credit Card Statements are not accepted. If expenses are covered by the host this needs to be clearly established in the invitation letter or note verbal, as appropriate - Travel/Health/Accident Insurance Policy with a minimum medical coverage of Euro 30.000,00. (Visa Letter). An insurance can only be accepted if the insurer is either based (registered) in South Africa or in the European Union. - Accommodation: - Confirmed hotel reservation as well as proof of sufficient funds to pay for it or tour vouchers (copy of the vouchers and originals). Please ensure that all applicants names, address of hotel and check in and out dates are clearly stated. - In case of a prepaid tour, details of the tour with a proof of payment to the operator should be provided. - If you are visiting and staying with friends or family in Austria (without financial sponsorship): Invitation letter from host, the letter must clearly identify the host and the invitee( name, address, birthdate, official identification number, occupations and permanent residence) ; the purpose of the visit ; length of stay and accommodation status( where the invitee stays and whom pays for itand copy of the host’s passport, copy of Meldezettel” or “Unterkunftsbestätigung” of your host (proof of residence). (NOTE: Non-Austrian Citizens must provide additional proof of valid Austrian residence permit (copy) is required.) the letter must clearly identify the host and the invitee (name, address, birthdate, official identification number, occupation and permanent residence); the purpose of the visit; length of stay and accommodation status (where will the invitee stay and who pays for it). - If your visit is supported and paid for by a sponsor residing in Austria: electronic affidavit (“elektronische Verpflichtungserklärung” – EVE) which can be obtained by the host from the nearest aliens police (“Fremdenpolizei”) in Austria. - For business : the company in Austria or in another Schengen country should provide an invitation letter, The invitation should include clear identification of both the entity issuing it and the invited applicant; nature, duration and venue of the event; applicant´s role in the event and the link between the host and the invited applicant. . If the Austrian company is paying for the trip (accommodation, medical insurance, daily allowance, etc.) it should be confirmed by an affidavit (Generalverpflichtungserklärung or EVE). If person is attending sports events, exhibitions and fairs: presentation of a document providing the participation in the event. Official visits: a note verbal from the Department of Internationals Relations and Corporation or any other relevant South African Ministerial Department is required. - Proof of employment: a letter from company stating monthly wages, continuing employment after period of leave and duration of vacation etc. For participant in conferences: a proof of registration and payment. If Self-employed; a certification from SA companies and Intellectual property Commission or SA Revenue Service is required - If applicant is a student: letter from school/college/university in South Africa certifying the status of the applicant. One parent must provide three months up to date bank statements stamped, letter from account holder, confirming financial responsibility and copy of account holder Identity document. Original 3 month recent bank statements of father or mother current account. An original affidavit certified by a Commissioner of Oath, that they are being sponsored. - Parental consent for children under 18: Children travelling alone, must submit an original letter of consent and copies of both parent’s RSA ID, both documents must be certified by a Commissioner of Oath. If the child travels with only one parent, the other parent must produce a letter of consent and a copy of his/her RSA ID. If only one parent has guardianship of the minor, the court documents stating so must be presented. An unabridged birth certificate must be submitted for all children under 18 irrespective if they are travelling with the parents or not. - Administrative costs for processing of visas: All types of visa (transit and short stay) 60 Euro payable in Rand for adults, 35 Euro for children aged 6 to11 years, kindly have the exact amount ready. - Transit; If the applicant intends to enter the territory of a Member State , however, short the stay will be ( including change of the airport, going from airport to train or bus station or even change terminals when that entails entering the territory of the Member state) he/she must apply for a short stay visa. The following categories are exempt from visa fee: - Children under 6 years - School pupils, students, post graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose of study or educational training - Researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations. The fee for the processing of visa applications for spouses of EU/EEA citizens (EEA: Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein) and their children, under 21, may be waived under certain circumstances. Originals and copies of spouse’s EU/EEA passport, Full Marriage and Full Birth certificates need to be submitted on application. Also provide air ticket which clearly shows that you will be traveling with the EU/EEA passport holder. Important Note: Additional documents may be requested depending on the individual case. PROCESSING TIME: - RSA passport holders: up to 15 calendar days - Foreign passport holders: can take up to several weeks Visas can only be processed once all supporting documents have been received! Please note: - Visa applications will be rejected if application forms are not fully completed and signed and are not accompanied by the required documents. - The possession of a visa is only one of the prerequisites for entry into the territory of the Schengen State. Should the Schengen State’s border authority refuse entry, no claim to refund of the visa can be submitted. - The Schengen State’s Consular Offices reserve the right to request further documentation should it be deemed necessary. - For organized groups arrangements should be made well in advance with relevant issuing authority. - There is no guarantee that a visa will be issued and no rights can be derived from the information obtained in the general Schengen visa requirements - Visa processing fees are non-refundable if a visa is rejected. - The border police at your arrival in the Schengen area may request the presentation of sufficient funds, a letter of invitation, hotel reservation and proof of medical insurance. Failure to present said funds/documents may result in entry being refused. - Delays and procedure: It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of delays and requirements for the issuance of visas, before making travel arrangements and applying for a visa. - Parental Sponsorship of children 18+ Requirements **Children over 18 that are being sponsored by their parents require an affidavit certified by a Commissioner of Oaths, unabridged birth certificate, and the most recent 3-month recent bank statement/s (stamped by the bank) of the parent sponsoring.