How to Apply for an Austria Tourist Visa from London Complete Guide 2025
Yes, Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to Austria. It’s your Indian nationality that counts for visa requirements not whether you live in the UK or somewhere else. For this visa, you’ll apply through VFS Global in London at 66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT.
Austrian Alps
Scenic alpine views
Hallstatt
Picturesque lakeside town
Vienna
Historic architecture & culture
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Understanding Your Visa Requirements
Who is eligible to apply for an Austria visa from London or the UK? Criteria for Indian citizens
If you're living in the UK and thinking about applying for an Austria visa, there are some key residency rules you need to keep in mind.UK Residency Requirements
- You must hold a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or a residence visa; applications can't be made if you're only on a visitor visa.
- Your UK residence status should be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Austria, ensuring your permit doesn't expire mid-trip.
- From my experience, it is better to have 6 months valid afterwards to reduce the risk of rejection.
Basic Eligibility Criterias
- There's no strict minimum age, but applicants under 18 usually need parental consent or legal guardianship proof.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Austria.
- The visa purpose should align with tourism, business, study, or family visits; other purposes might require different visa types or permits.
Who Cannot Apply
If you're only in the UK on a short-term visitor visa, you won't be eligible to apply for an Austria visa here. Also, those with expired or invalid UK residence documents can't submit an application from the UK.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps if you want to handle the application yourself
Step 1: Online Application
Start your journey at france-visas.gouv.fr where you'll complete the online application form. It's pretty straightforward but take your time - any mistakes here can cause delays later.
Step 2: Appointment Booking
Book your appointment through TLScontact London. They're usually quite busy, so don't leave this until the last minute. The standard service fee is around £30-35.
Step 3: Document Preparation
Get all your paperwork organized well before your appointment. You'll need translations for any non-English documents, plus photocopies of everything. It's worth double-checking the checklist.
Step 4: Appointment Day
Head to the TLScontact center at 138-142 Holborn, London EC1N 2NX. Arrive 15 minutes early for security checks. The whole process usually takes 30-45 minutes including biometrics.
Step 5: Tracking & Collection
You can track your application status online using the reference number they'll give you. Most applications take 10-15 working days, and you can either collect your passport or have it couriered back.
Step 6: Travel
Once you get your visa, double-check the validity dates before booking anything. Keep all your supporting documents handy when traveling - immigration officers sometimes ask for them at the airport, though it's not super common.
Required Documents for Indian Residents
💡 Pro Tip: We strongly recommend having atleast £1,000 in your bank account for significantly better chances of visa approval.
Visa Fees and Processing Costs
Adults
€80 (≈ £70)
Children 6-12
€40 (≈ £35)
Children under 6
Free
Additional Service Fees
You have to include the TLScontact official visa application centre service fee when you submit your application through their system. The standard price for this service reaches about €24. Prime time appointments add extra charges.
Processing Time and Timeline
Standard Processing
People from India who want to get an Austrian visa through the UK must wait around 15 calendar days for their visa application to process. The approval process will take longer during peak times such as summer holidays and major European events when it can extend up to 30 days or more. The application process tends to experience delays during these busy times so you should avoid submitting your application at the last minute.
Usually 15 calendar daysPeak Seasons
Processing will take longer during busy periods (summer holidays, major events) and could extend up to 30-45 days.
Up to 30–45 days during peak seasonsFinancial requirements for Austria Schengen visa
Daily Financial Requirements
To get your Austria Schengen visa approved as an Indian citizen, you'll need to show you can cover your daily expenses while in Austria. The usual expectation is between **€40 and €120 per day**, depending on your accommodation style budget hostels might land at the lower end, while hotels or private stays mean you should budget more. You’ll want to multiply this daily rate by the total days of your trip, then add a little extra as a buffer for emergencies or unplanned costs.
Bank Statement Requirements
Visa officers want recent, genuine proof of your finances. You’ll need to provide **bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months** the longer, the better. Make sure your statements show regular activity, not just a lump sum dropped in right before applying. The closing balance should be enough to cover your entire trip, plus a reasonable buffer. Avoid accounts with sudden, unexplained spikes; consistent inflow and a healthy average balance look best.
Additional Financial Proof
Don't just rely on bank statements. It's a good idea to include salary slips, tax returns from the last year or two, and an employment letter if you work. If you’re self-employed, attach your business registration, recent invoices, or other documentation showing ongoing income. More documents mean less doubt about your financial reliability.
Sponsorship Options
If you can't show enough funds yourself, you can use a sponsor. This is common for students or those with lower income. The sponsor usually a close relative will need to provide a formal sponsorship letter, their own recent bank statements, income proof, and ID. Make sure the sponsor’s financials are solid and clearly tied to you, or your application might hit a snag.
Tips to increase Austria visa approval chances for Indian nationals
Common Rejection Reasons
Insufficient financial proof tops the list - many applications get denied because bank statements don't show consistent income or adequate funds. Incomplete documentation and poorly planned itineraries also frequently lead to rejections. Weak ties to India, like unclear employment status or lack of property ownership, make consular officers question your return intentions.
Preparation Strategies
Start your application at least 6-8 weeks before travel. Organize documents chronologically and ensure everything's translated properly into German or English. Your bank statements should cover 3-6 months and show regular salary credits. Create a detailed day-by-day itinerary with confirmed bookings - this demonstrates serious travel planning rather than last-minute decisions.
Success Tips
Submit more financial evidence than required - property documents, fixed deposits, and employment letters strengthen your case significantly. Write a compelling cover letter explaining your travel purpose and return plans. Double-check all forms for consistency; even small discrepancies between your application and supporting documents can raise red flags. Consider applying during off-peak seasons when processing times are shorter and officers have more time to review applications thoroughly.
Austria visa FAQs for Indian citizens
Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Austria from London?
Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to enter Austria regardless of their current residence because London does not provide any exemption from this requirement. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Austria because the country does not permit visa-free entry for Indian citizens. The Schengen visa allows travelers to stay in Austria and other Schengen zone countries for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day timeframe. - Always check your passport's validity and make sure it has at least two blank pages.
What documents do I need to apply for an Austrian visa from the UK?
Your application needs to include the visa form together with a current passport which must have been issued within the past ten years and remain valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen zone. You must also include passport-sized photographs and travel health insurance coverage and financial proof and reservation confirmations or invitation documents. Documents have to meet Austrian and Schengen requirements don't forget things like employment or study proof if needed.
Where and how do I apply for the Austrian visa in London?
The Austria Visa Application Centre in London operates under VFS Global for all application submissions. You need to finish the online application process then print the form before collecting your documents and scheduling an appointment at VFS. The Austrian Embassy will receive your biometric information which they will obtain during your scheduled appointment.
How long does the visa process take and what does it cost?
The embassy needs about 15 working days to process your application after receiving all documents but the process might extend to 45 days when additional verification becomes necessary. The standard visa fee is around ₹7,243 (about £70–£75), plus VFS service charges. Fees can change, so always confirm before you apply. - Apply at least 2–3 weeks before you plan to travel to avoid last-minute stress.
How much money do I need to show for my Austrian visa?
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support your entire stay and return journey because there is no fixed minimum amount but most people choose to display between €50 and €100 per day. Bank statements together with sponsorship letters and confirmed hotel and flight reservations serve as sufficient proof.
Expert Review & Official Sources
This comprehensive guide has been reviewed and verified by Visa Expert Kritika, specializing in European visa requirements and UK-based applications, on September 09, 2025.
Official Embassy Website