Austria entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Austria in 2026. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Austrian embassy or visa application center before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take 2–4 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Austria. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may still enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and entry | Border officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. This is also a mandatory document for the visa application. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Carry a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from your host in Austria. This is also required for the visa application. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you can support yourself during the trip — bank statements from the last 3 months or a credit card with sufficient limit. No fixed amount is published, but €50–€100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 15–45 days. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until you have the visa in hand.
Biometrics required
You must appear in person to give fingerprints and a photo. If you've given biometrics for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months, you may not need to do it again.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your application at the Austrian embassy or a visa application center (like TLScontact or VFS Global) in Saudi Arabia. Book an appointment online, bring all required documents, pay the fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12, free for under 6), and give your fingerprints.
2
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30–45 days during peak season. You'll get your passport back with the visa sticker if approved.
3
Arrive in Austria
At the airport (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, etc.), join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport with the visa. The officer may ask about your trip — have your return ticket and hotel booking ready.
4
Enter the Schengen area
Once stamped, you're in. Your visa allows you to travel freely within the 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Download Austria Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Austrian Employment Visa (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD)
For skilled workers with a job offer in Austria. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting specific criteria.
Apply student visa
Austrian Student Visa (Aufenthaltsbewilligung für Studierende)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD)
For full-time students enrolled at an Austrian university. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
Apply family reunification visa
Austrian Family Reunification Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD)
For family members of Austrian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day, max €1,000 (~$1,090 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Austria
Transit visa required
Saudi Arabia passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to change flights in Austria, unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, EU/EEA, or certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, or South Korea
Transit hubsVienna International Airport (VIE) · Salzburg Airport (SZG) · Innsbruck Airport (INN)
Health & vaccines for Austria
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter; annual flu shot advised.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vienna
Austrian Embassy Vienna – Visa Section
Rennweg 16, 1030 Vienna
Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00
For visa applications and inquiries; appointments required.
Salzburg
Austrian Embassy Salzburg – Visa Office
Franz-Josef-Straße 1, 5020 Salzburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00
Handles visa matters; limited services.
Practical information for SA travellers
Country basics
CapitalVienna
LanguageGerman
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 6 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (2 round pins) and Type F (2 round pins with clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water in Austria is safe to drink and of high quality.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
If you're staying in the international transit area and not entering the Schengen zone, you do not need a visa. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you'll need a Schengen visa.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
€80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Fees are paid at the time of application and are non-refundable.
No, Schengen visas are not extendable for tourism. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply.
Yes. Bank statements from the last 3–6 months showing sufficient balance. There's no fixed amount, but around €50–100 per day is a safe guideline.
Yes. An Austrian Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.