Navigate to the Embassy of Austria website and click "Download Schengen Visa Application" to print the Austrian visa application. You must complete all questions and you must sign the application twice.
Provide your original passport and visas for other locations you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your date of travel and must not be older than 10 years old. If you are not a U.S. citizen you must provide a valid U.S. visa. If you are a B1/B2 visa holder you must apply for an Austrian visa in your home country.
Obtain two passport-size photos.
Provide a copy of your round-trip tickets or confirmed itinerary showing the exact dates of travel and your last three months' banks statements as proof of sufficient funds to stay in Austria. If you are planning to visit friends and do not have proof of income you can provide an electronic sponsorship letter from your host as an alternative. The letter must be filed by your host with the Austrian Immigration Authorities.
Provide a letter stating that you will continue to be employed and an income statement from your employer. Business owners must provide business registration, tax returns, and your bank statements.
Provide a letter stating that you are fully covered by travel insurance in all Austrian/Schengen countries and worldwide. Travel insurance coverage must be a minimum of $50 USD and cover the duration of your stay in Austria plus an additional 15 days.
Provide an original letter stating why you are visiting Austria if planning on visiting for business purposes. This letter must be provided by your company or the company you intend to do business with.
Provide your payment for your Austrian visa. As of June 2011 the fee for an Austrian visa is $84.60 USD for an Airport Transit Visa (changing planes only), $87.30 USD for a Transit Visa to travel through Austria or forced overnight stay due to flight schedule. Short-stay single or multiple-entry visas are $84.60 USD. Visas for children 6 to 12 years old are $49.90 USD. Payments can be made with cash (exact change) or postal money order at the time of application. Do not mail cash.
Submit the listed documents and your payment to the Embassy of Austria, Consular Section, 3524 International Court, NW; Washington, D.C. 20008. As of June 2011 the processing times for Schengen or regular transit visas is one to three weeks. If you would like your visa returned to you by mail, you must provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.
