Austria entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Austria in 2026. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Austrian embassy or visa application center before you travel. Processing takes at least 15 days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Austrian embassy or consulate | Sri Lankan passport holders need a Schengen visa before traveling to Austria. Apply at the Austrian embassy or VFS Global center in Colombo — expect biometrics and a processing time of 15 calendar days. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen countries, not just Austria.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after your intended departure date from Austria. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Vienna Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave the Schengen zone before your visa expires. Budget airlines check this at check-in too — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay or a signed invitation letter from a host in Austria. Immigration may ask for this at the border — a booking.com confirmation with your name and dates works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least €100 per day of your stay. Credit cards and cash (euros) also help — officers want to see you won't need to work illegally. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 15 days or more, and appointments at the embassy or TLScenter fill up quickly. Start your application at least 6 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Schengen area rules
Austria is part of the Schengen zone. A visa for Austria allows you to travel to 26 other Schengen countries (e.g., Germany, France, Italy) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. But your main destination must be Austria.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport (valid 6+ months beyond entry), completed visa application form, 2 recent passport photos, travel insurance certificate, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and proof of employment or leave. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Austrian embassy in Colombo or the TLScontact visa application center. Submit your documents, pay the fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Appointments are usually required — book online in advance.
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can extend to 30-45 days if additional checks are needed. Track your application online using the reference number from your submission.
4
Collect your passport
Once a decision is made, you'll be notified to collect your passport from the visa center. If approved, check the visa sticker carefully — verify your name, dates, and number of entries (single or multiple).
5
Arrive in Austria
At the airport (usually Vienna International), join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
Download Austria Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen C visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (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
Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte (Red-White-Red Card)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For skilled workers, key workers, or graduates. Requires a job offer meeting salary thresholds and qualifications. Leads to permanent residence.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Aufenthaltsbewilligung für Studierende)
1 year, renewable annually
€110 (~$120 USD) application fee
For full-time study at an Austrian university. Requires proof of admission, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
Apply family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For spouses, minor children, or dependent relatives of Austrian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing.
Apply investor visa
Settlement Permit – Exceptional Contribution
Indefinite, after 5 years
€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution (e.g., €1 million+ investment). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
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 dayNo official cap; fines can accumulate significantly. | €100 per day (~$109 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders need an airport transit visa (ATV) to change planes at Austrian airports, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, USA, Canada, Japan, or Ireland
- Holders of a valid residence permit from an EU/EEA country
Transit hubsVienna International Airport (VIE) · Salzburg Airport (SZG) · Innsbruck Airport (INN)
Health & vaccines for Austria
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer; vaccination recommended.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months; vaccination 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
Landespolizeidirektion Wien – Fremdenpolizei
Hermanngasse 24, 1070 Wien
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Graz
Bezirkshauptmannschaft Graz-Umgebung – Fremdenpolizei
Brucknerstraße 2, 8020 Graz
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00
Handles immigration matters for Styria region.
Practical information for LK 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 = 0.86 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 are a Sri Lankan passport holder transiting through an Austrian airport (e.g., Vienna) to a non-Schengen country, you generally need an airport transit visa. This applies if you do not leave the international transit area. Check with the Austrian embassy before booking.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of submission. It can take up to 30 days if more documentation is needed, or 45 days in exceptional cases. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel.
Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure or humanitarian reasons. You must apply at the local immigration office (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) in Austria before your visa expires. Routine tourism extensions are not allowed.
The standard fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Fees are non-refundable. Some visa centers charge an additional service fee (around €20-30).
You will receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal the decision within 1 month by writing to the Austrian embassy. Alternatively, you can reapply with stronger documentation. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or weak ties to Sri Lanka.
Yes. You need to show you can support yourself during your stay. Bank statements for the last 3-6 months are standard. A general guideline is €50-100 per day. If someone else is sponsoring your trip, they need to provide their bank statements and a sponsorship letter.
Yes, if you have a valid Schengen visa from another Schengen state, you can enter Austria as long as your visa is still valid and covers the dates of your stay. However, you must enter the Schengen area through the country that issued the visa, unless you are traveling within the zone.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.