Applying for a Schengen Visa via the Austrian Embassy (For Filipinos)

If you’re a Filipino traveler dreaming of exploring the picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Austria and other Schengen countries, you’ll need to obtain a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries, including Austria.

For our European Tour 2023, we are applying via Austrian Embassy since we will be spending the most days in Austria.

Determine Your Purpose of Travel

Before you begin the application process, it’s crucial to identify the purpose of your trip to Austria. Whether you plan to visit as a tourist, for business, or to visit family or friends, different visa categories may apply. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the purpose of your travel, as this will impact the documentation and visa category you’ll need to apply for.

For this blog post, I will focus on tourism. Schengen visa is processed through VFS Global and they have 2 centers – Manila and Cebu.

2. What documents are needed for Schengen visa via Austrian Embassy?
Here’s a list of the essential documents you should prepare:

1. Completed application form

2. Valid passport – Valid for at least 3 months; at least 2 blank pages

3. Passport-sized photo – not older than 6 months, format 3.5 x 4.5 cm, color, no photoshop rework. You can ask the studio as they know the specific specs for Schengen passport photos. Photo glued to application form.

4. Passport copy of the first page. For minors, submit legal guardian’s passport as well.

5. Previous Schengen visa – not mandatory but helpful to demonstrate travel history

6. Travel Health Insurance – valid for all Schengen areas with minimum coverage of 30,000 euros and should cover Covid.

7. Flight reservation – copy of round trip airline reservation

8. Proof of financial means – Bank Certificate ( original), personal bank statements showing regular income, credit card statement or balance covering 6 months. For minors, proof of economic means of parents/guardians.

9. Proof of ties to the Philippines – copy of real estate properties, family ties ( brith certificates of children, spouses,etc).

10. Proof of occupation – if employed ( Certificate of Employment, Certificate of Leave of Absence, latest ITR); if self employed ( DTI registration or SEC, business latest ITR); if student ( proof of enrollment, Certificate of Leave of absence if traveling during school year)

11. If traveling with spouse and/or children – NSO Marriage Certificate & NSO Birth Certificates

12. Proof of accommodation – hotel booking confirmation, hotel voucher, letter of promise of accommodation by host ( invitation letter); printed on max 2 pages

13. Travel Itinerary

14. For MINORS

• If traveling alone or with only one parent – written consent of the non-traveling parent/legal guardian or proof of sole custody of the traveling parent/legal guardian. No consent needed if father’s name doesn’t appear in NSO birth certificate
• Copy of bio data page of parent (s) or legal guardian’s passport
• NSO Birth Certificate
• if traveling alone – DSWD clearance.

3. Book an Appointment
Visas are processed via VFS Global. Book your appointment here. There are 2 visa centers for Austrian Embassy in the Philippines – Cebu and Manila. For our application, we chose Cebu center.

4. Pay Visa Fee
80 euros for Adults and 40 euros for minors ( 6-12) plus visa service free of VFS. There is also an additional fee for Cebu center. The fee shall be paid in Philippine peso on the application day.

5. Attend the Visa Interview
On the scheduled date and time, attend the visa interview at visa application center. Dress appropriately, be prepared to answer questions regarding your travel plans, and provide any additional information requested by the consular officer.

@vlcaulin Applying for Schengen Visa via Austria 🇦🇹 Hope we get our visas approved!🫶 #schengenvisa #schengenvisaaustria #vfsglobalcebu #cebu #europe2023 #europesummer ♬ What It Is – Solo Version – Doechii

6. Pay Visa Fee
80 euros for Adults and 40 euros for minors ( 6-12) plus visa service free of VFS. There is also an additional fee for Cebu center. The fee shall be paid in Philippine peso on the application day.

7. Wait for the Visa Decision
After submitting your application and attending the interview, you’ll need to wait for the visa decision. The processing time can vary, so it’s essential to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.

Applying for a Schengen visa through the Austrian Embassy can be a straightforward process if you carefully follow the requirements and guidelines outlined above. Remember to plan your trip well in advance, gather all the necessary documents, and attend your appointment with confidence. By being well-prepared, you increase your chances of obtaining a Schengen visa and embarking on an unforgettable journey through Austria and beyond. Good luck with your application!