The Alpine range beckons the world in all its glory to breathe of its deep, fresh mountain air, bask in its snowy wilderness, and bathe in its meandering rivers. That’s Austria – the land of Mozart, Beethoven and Freud –where spectacular landscapes meet modern-day civilization.
Austria’s must-see spots include the architectural marvels of Wilten Basilica at Innsbruck; Hohensalzburg Fortress at Salzburg; crystal-clear lakes and sprawling gardens of Vienna; the lakeside floating stage at Bregenz; Echern Valley glacier garden at Hallstatt – the list is endless!
Austrian Visa and US Residency Status
US citizens, particularly New Yorkers, aspiring to make Austria as part of their travel plans can do so quite easily. They only need to furnish proof of US citizenship and financial security to be granted an Austrian Visa. This is typically issued for a 90-day period.
Green cardholders and permanent US residents must obtain a Schengen Visa, which is also valid for only 90 days. For stays longer than 90 days, a National D-Type Visa is required.
Ongoing Covid-19 Restrictions
There is a strict entry ban for all US residents and nationals till December 31, 2020, except for:
- Family members of Austrian citizens
- D-Visa holders
- Meldezettel Cardholders (residents of Austria)
- Legitimation Cardholders
But December will be here soon and hopefully visa restrictions will be lifted. So, if you want to realize that Austrian dream, it is advisable to start getting your paperwork ready!
Jurisdiction and Types of Visas Issued
The Austrian Consulate in New York processes Visa applications not only for the home state but also Bermudas, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
While tourism is by far the commonest reason for visiting Austria, Schengen Visas are also issued for Airport Transit, business/official work, academic studies, visiting family and friends residing in Austria, etc. For all of these Short-Stay Visas you can opt for Single, Double, or Multiple Entry Visas, which will allow you to enter Austria once, twice, or multiple times within the 90-day period. For the Long-Stay D-Type Visa, you can opt for Single Entry or Multiple Entry only.
Schengen Visa Processing at the Austrian Consulate, NY
Schengen Visa Processing for Austria at NY must be initiated online. Telephone calls and personal visits to the Consulate are not entertained.
- Visit website, follow on-screen prompts to book your appointment. Due to the prevailing Visa restrictions, appointments are currently available only for passport processing and not Visa. Nevertheless, remember that your appointment date should be 15 to 90 days before your proposed trip.
- Next, visit website to download the Schengen Visa Application Form. Fill this on your computer and then take a printout or take a printout first and then fill it by hand.
- Collate originals and photocopies of all required documentation. Refer to the list at the website .
- On the day of appointment, visit the Austrian Consulate in NY with the Visa Application Form and other documents. Be prepared to be interviewed regarding your trip. Once the interview is complete, pay the Visa Processing Fee, and handover your passport to the designated official.
Supporting Documents
- Fully filled application form with attached documents.
- A Travel document or valid passport. It has been issued within the past 10 years. The validity of Your Passport will be at least three months after the date of exit Italy or the Schengen Area.
- Should have valid U.S Permanent residence card (green card) or a valid US Visa.
- Duly valid application form signed by the applicant.
- Recent passport size (3.5 x 4.5 cm) photo must be glued on the application form and stapled photographs will be rejected.
- Credit Card and Bank Statements for the last 3 months.
- A Valid document to prove that you are a legal resident in US.
- Valid Proof of Travel Agreements or a Travel / Flight Itinerary for Schengen Visa. It is a duplicate air ticket which has designed especially for visa purposes.
- Should have Travel Insurance which is stating that you are saved in the case of medical emergency.
- Proof of accommodation such as dummy Hotel Conformation for Schengen Visa. These reservations are made without any payments.
- If you are employed, must have official letter from your employer and also get pay slips from the last 3 months.
- If you are student get an official letter from your school or university in the US.
- If you are self-employed, get a letter showing a self-employed regarding the financial status.
- Visit the official website to get the complete list of supporting documents.
Finalize your Trip!
You will receive your passport within 2 to 3 weeks; however, it can get extended if the Consulate is inundated with applications. The greater chances are for you to receive the passport with Visa stamped. However, if you handled your interview poorly or if the documentation was incomplete, then there is a small chance that the Visa was denied. In the latter case, don’t worry. Simply re-apply and give the application process a fresh start. Your Alpine getaway is always within reach.