Planning a trip to Austria as an Ethiopian citizen? Austria is a popular tourist destination but is also frequented by business travelers from all over the world, including Ethiopia. Before departing, Ethiopian citizens must have the Austria Schengen Visa.
Read all you need to know about applying for your Austria Schengen Visa, including the documents you need, the application process, visa fees, and other important information.
Let’s get started with our complete application guide for the Austria Schengen Visa!
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Are citizens from Ethiopia eligible for the Austrian Schengen Visa?
In short, yes, Ethiopian citizens must get a Schengen Visa before they depart their home country for Austria or another Schengen country. Apply for a visa for the country you want to visit first, or the one you’ll spend the most time in.
Children and minors from Ethiopia must also get an Austrian Schengen Visa. The application process is straightforward for families, as they can apply together by selecting the ‘Add another person’ option during the iVisa application process.
What is the Austria Schengen Visa?
The Austria Schengen Visa provides more than just an opportunity to explore Austria. It also allows you to access the 26 other countries within the Schengen Zone, where passport and border control have been abolished. This makes it easy to travel around Europe.
The 27 countries of the Schengen Area are: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Austria Schengen Visa allows the following travel purposes:
Tourist activities within Austria and other Schengen countries.
Visits to family and friends.
Business travel or scientific research.
Medical purposes.
Short courses, training placements, cultural events, and sports events.
Please note that the Schengen Visa does not permit working in Austria or the Schengen Zone, receiving payments, or living there.
More information about getting a valid work visa or residence permit can be found on the Austrian government website.
How long is the Austrian Schengen Visa valid for Ethiopians?
After your application for a Schengen Visa is approved, you usually receive a Multiple Entry visa valid for stays up to 90 days Per Entry within a period of 180 days.
This means you can enter and leave Austria multiple times during the 90-day period, making exploring other countries within the Schengen Zone easier.
However, the Austrian government is ultimately the one that decides to grant you a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa, based on your individual circumstances.
Can I extend my Schengen Visa for Austria?
It is not possible to extend the validity of a Schengen Visa while in Austria. Only under exceptional circumstances may you be permitted to stay longer in the country than your visa allows.
If you think the validity of your current visa is not enough for your travel purposes within Austria or the Schengen Zone, do not overstay your visa. It is recommended that you exit before the visa expires, and reapply for a new valid visa from Ethiopia.
The visa expiry date is determined based on various factors, such as your intended travel purpose, itinerary, and financial means.
Austria Schengen Visa fee: Cost and processing time for Ethiopians in 2023
If you're applying for an Austria Schengen Visa with us, it usually takes around 30 days to process and comes with a fee of USD $149.99.
Please note: The government visa fee of approximately US$84.85 is separate and must be paid during your visa appointment. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are eligible for a government fee discount of 50%, and children under 6 are exempt from paying the fee altogether.
The government can take up to 60 days to process your application once your iVisa Expert has submitted it, although it rarely takes that long.
Get the following benefits when applying through us:
100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts will review your information and ensure it is 100% compliant with government requirements.
Unlimited access to your iVisa Expert: We assign you a personal iVisa Expert to guide you through the entire application process, from start to end.
Simplified application form: Instead of answering over 60 confusing and tedious questions on the government website, you’ll have to answer 50% of the questions, like a short survey.
Fill out at your own pace: Fill out the form at your own pace, make changes whenever you want, and save your progress if you need a break.
Step-by-step manual: By applying with us through iVisa, you’ll receive a complete guide with all the tips you need to answer difficult questions and how to prepare for your interview.
Austria Schengen Visa requirements for Ethiopian citizens
We only need your passport and passport photos to process your application. However, some more supporting documents are required to bring to your Austria Visa appointment:
Your valid Ethiopian passport that was issued in the past 10 years and remains valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen Area.
Recent passport photos. Don’t have any? Easily get them through our affordable digital photo service from the comfort of your own home.
Printed and signed application form, which you'll get during the application process.
Payment method to pay for the Schengen Visa fee during your appointment.
Copies of any previous Schengen Visas (if applicable).
Proof of enough funds to cover all expenses during your trip. Bank statements from the last 3 months, an employment contract, or an income statement are all good to include.
Proof of accommodation, such as an invitation letter from your friend or family member where you'll be staying, or hotel bookings.
Proof that you plan to return to Ethiopia, such as documents that show you're currently employed, studying, have family ties, or own property.
Travel insurance covering hospitalizations, emergencies, and related medical expenses of at least 30,000 euros.
You’ll receive a detailed list of documents during the application process with us!
Austria Schengen Visa photo requirements
Here are the specific photo criteria set by the Austrian government:
Two identical photos must be provided.
Must be taken within the last six months.
Measure 35 mm x 45 mm.
Must be in color.
The applicant's head should take up 70-80% of the photo.
The minimum resolution of the photo should be 400 dpi.
If you don't have a passport photo yet, or don’t know if it meets the requirements, use our handy digital photo service! Get 100% compliant photos from the comfort of your own home, saving you time, money, and effort.
Austria Schengen Visa requirements for children/minors
Children or minors from Ethiopia traveling alone must provide a certified power of attorney signed by their parents or legal guardians.
Austria Schengen Visa passport requirements
To be eligible to apply for an Austria Schengen Visa, it is crucial to have a valid passport.
We recommend that Ethiopian passport holders check their document for the following:
Issued within the past 10 years.
Valid for at least six months beyond the planned arrival date in the Schengen Zone.
Has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
Ensuring your passport meets these requirements is essential for a hassle-free visa application process!
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Austria Schengen Visa application: How to apply from Ethiopia
For a fast and hassle-free Austria Schengen Visa application, Ethiopian passport holders should follow the below steps online through our website or by downloading the iVisa app for an even easier process from their mobile device.
Step 1: Provide your personal and travel details. Double-check all the information before submitting the form to avoid any delays or issues with your application. An iVisa agent will also check everything carefully.
Step 2: Pay the iVisa processing fee online using your credit/debit card or PayPal.
After completing the payment, you'll receive an email from us with complete guidance on how to fill out the application form, collect the necessary documents, and schedule an appointment near you.
Step 3: On the day of your appointment, bring all the required documents.
We'll provide all the info you need to help you prepare for the interview and increase your chances f getting your visa approved!
Our streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience to apply for an Austria Schengen Visa from Ethiopia, plan your trip, and enjoy your travels without worries!
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How to prepare for the Austria Schengen Visa interview in Ethiopia
Proper planning and preparation for your Austria Schengen Visa interview can significantly affect the outcome of your application.
When applying for your visa through us, we provide a comprehensive guide on scheduling an appointment and preparing for the interview.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Collect the necessary documents: Ensure you have all the required documents and information for your visa application.
An example list is provided in this article, and we provide a detailed list of the required documents during the application process.
Practice for the interview: The interview allows the consular officer to learn more about your travel plans and intentions. Prepare to answer questions about your itinerary, accommodation, purpose of travel, and ties to your home country. Be honest and concise in your responses.
Dress appropriately: It is essential to dress appropriately for the interview. Avoid wearing anything too casual or revealing. Smart casual attire like a neat shirt and jeans would suffice.
Arrive early: It is always better to arrive at the embassy or consulate early to avoid any unexpected delays. Being late for your appointment may negatively impact your application.
Be respectful: The interview is a formal process, and it is essential to be polite and courteous to the consular officer. Answer questions clearly and honestly and avoid becoming angry or raising your voice.
For more tips and information, read our ultimate Schengen Visa interview guide!
My Austria Schengen Visa application was denied. What should I do?
It’s disappointing to hear your Austria Schengen Visa application was denied. Here are some steps you can take:
Appeal the decision: You can appeal the visa decision if you have new evidence that supports your application and addresses the reasons for the rejection.
Reapply for your visa: If you want more security and expert review, you can reapply through our services. Our iVisa agents will check your documents and application for completeness and compliance.
Note that we currently don't offer refunds for rejected Schengen Visas, but we provide recommendations and tips to increase your chances of approval.
- Seek professional assistance: If you're feeling lost, ask our experts for professional help. They can guide you on what steps to take and assist you in preparing a stronger visa application.
Don't let the Schengen Visa application hold you back from traveling! We're here to make it easy and help you sail through the process without a hitch!
COVID-19 entry requirements and restrictions in Austria
Travelers from Ethiopia are not required to do a COVID-19 test, show a vaccination certificate, or quarantine to visit Austria and the Schengen Zone.
Always check the latest entry requirements before you fly, as information can change quickly.
More info about the Austria Schengen Visa
More questions about the Austrian Schengen Visa process? Our expert customer service team is here to help! Reach out via online chat or email us at [emailprotected].
The information in this article is gathered from reputable sources: iVisa Experts, the Austria Embassy, and the Austrian government.