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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Introduction to Austrian Schengen Visas
The Schengen visa permits travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Whether you're planning sightseeing in Vienna, hiking in the Alps, or visiting family—understanding the application requirements will make the process much smoother.
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 at least £1,000 in your bank account and including bank statements for the last 3–6 months to improve approval chances.
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 apply for an Austrian visa through the UK should expect around 15 calendar days for processing. It can extend to 30 days or more during peak times.
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.
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. Make sure your statements show regular activity, not just a lump sum dropped in right before applying.
Additional Financial Proof & Sponsorship
Include salary slips, tax returns, or business documentation. If you can't show enough funds, a sponsor can provide a formal sponsorship letter, their recent bank statements, income proof, and ID.
Tips to increase Austria visa approval chances for Indian nationals
Common Rejection Reasons
Insufficient financial proof, incomplete documentation, poorly planned itineraries, and weak ties to India are common reasons for refusal.
Preparation Strategies
Start your application at least 6-8 weeks before travel. Organize documents chronologically and ensure translations into German or English where necessary. Provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary and include more supporting documents than required where possible.
Success Tips
Submit property docs, fixed deposits, employment letters and a strong cover letter explaining travel purpose and return plans. Consider applying during off-peak seasons.
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. The Schengen visa allows travel up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Always check your passport has at least two blank pages and required validity.
What documents do I need to apply for an Austrian visa from the UK?
Your application should include a current passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond departure), passport-sized photos, travel insurance, financial proof, and accommodation/flight reservations.
Where and how do I apply for the Austrian visa in London?
The Austria Visa Application Centre in London operates under VFS Global. Complete the online application, print the form, then schedule an appointment at VFS for document submission and biometrics.
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; it may extend to 45 days for additional checks. The standard visa fee is around ₹7,243 (≈ £70–£75), plus VFS service charges. Fees change, so always confirm before applying.
How much money do I need to show for my Austrian visa?
There is no fixed minimum—but most applicants show between €50 and €100 per day. Bank statements, sponsorship letters, and confirmed bookings are accepted as proof.
Expert Review & Official Sources
This guide has been reviewed by Visa Expert Kritika on September 09, 2025 and cross-referenced with Austrian Embassy London sources as of September 01, 2025.
Official Embassy Website