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Filipino citizens planning to visit Austria must obtain a visa before travel, as Austria is part of the Schengen Area — a group of European countries that share common entry rules. Austria does not allow visa-free entry for Philippine passport holders for tourism or business purposes; a visa application is a requirement before departure.
Here’s what prospective travelers need to know:
Where to Apply
Filipino applicants must submit their visa applications through VFS Global Austria Visa Application Centres in the Philippines — with locations typically in Manila and Cebu — or directly through the Austrian Embassy in Manila (by appointment).
Austrian Embassy Manila
📌 Address: 8th Floor, One Orion Building, 11th Avenue corner 38th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
📞 Contact: +63 2 817 9191 (by appointment only).
Visa Types
Filipino citizens may apply for the following main visa categories:
1. Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
➡️ For tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, and short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
2. National Visa (Visa D)
➡️ For stays over 90 days and up to 6 months, including work, study, or family reasons (often linked with residence permits).
Required Documents
While specific requirements depend on the visa type, standard documents include:
- ✔️ Completed application form (printed and signed)
- ✔️ Valid Philippine passport — issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen, with two blank pages
- ✔️ Passport-sized photo (Schengen specs)
- ✔️ Proof of travel arrangements — flight itinerary
- ✔️ Travel health insurance covering entire Schengen stay (minimum €30,000)
- ✔️ Proof of funds — bank statements or certifications
- ✔️ Proof of ties to the Philippines — employment letter, property, or family documents
- ✔️ Visa fee payment (paid in Philippine pesos at VFS)
Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose (e.g., business invitations, employment letters, enrollment for students, sponsor letters).
Fees & Processing
- Schengen visa fee: ~€90 for adults (children 6–12 around €45; under 6 free).
- Processing time: Typically 15 calendar days, but can take longer if further checks are needed or high application volume occurs.
Applicants should book appointments at least 15 days before planned travel and may apply up to 6 months in advance.
Tips & Common Challenges
Some applicants report waiting longer than 15 days, especially during peak travel seasons or when additional documentation is requested. Timely submissions and complete paperwork increase the likelihood of smoother processing.
Important Notes
- Submission must be in person at the VFS centre, and appointments specifically for visa applications are required.
- Filipino citizens cannot get an Austria visa on arrival.
- Austrian embassies may request extra documents or clarifications based on individual circumstances.
Bottom Line: While Austrian visas require preparation and documentation, Filipinos can successfully apply through the designated VFS centres or the Austrian Embassy in Manila by following procedures closely and submitting a complete application well before planned travel.
- source: bmeia.gv.at/picture: Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
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