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2 ways to enter

Austria visas

Austria transit visa

Many passengers can change flights in Austria without a visa if they stay in one airport's international transit area for less than one day. Some nationalities need an airport transit visa even when staying there.

Ways to get a Austria transit visa

  1. Transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers who can transfer airside through one airport in less than one day and are not subject to an airport transit visa requirement, or qualify for an exemption.

    Stay
    Less than 24 hours.

Who needs it

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Syria need an airport transit visa unless an exemption applies.

Who doesn't

Exemptions include qualifying visas or residence permits, diplomatic passports, family members of European single market citizens and flight crew members.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
If your transfer requires leaving the international transit area, the airside transit exemption does not apply. You must meet the rules for entering Austria.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Stay for strictly less than 24 hours in the international transit area of one airport. Your flights and the airport layout must allow the transfer without leaving that area. Nationalities subject to airport transit visas need a qualifying exemption.

Good to know

  • Staying airside means remaining in the airport's international transit area.
  • The transit privilege applies to a transfer through one airport.
  • An airport transit arrangement does not replace permission to enter Austria.
  • The limit is less than 24 hours, not a full 24-hour stay.
  • Syria is Austria's additional nationality beyond the common airport transit visa list.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Austria?

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Syria need an airport transit visa unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include qualifying visas or residence permits, diplomatic passports, family members of European single market citizens and flight crew members.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Austria?

There are 2 options: Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a Austria transit visa?

For visa-free airside transit: less than one day.

How long can I stay in transit in Austria?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Stay for strictly less than 24 hours in the international transit area of one airport. Your flights and the airport layout must allow the transfer without leaving that area. Nationalities subject to airport transit visas need a qualifying exemption.

Can I stay inside the airport in Austria without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: If your transfer requires leaving the international transit area, the airside transit exemption does not apply. You must meet the rules for entering Austria.

What rules do I have to follow on a Austria transit visa?

Staying airside means remaining in the airport's international transit area. The transit privilege applies to a transfer through one airport. An airport transit arrangement does not replace permission to enter Austria.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Austria?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Austria visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Austria be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Austria transit visa rules?

On Austria's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in Austria?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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