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🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
🇦🇹AustriaSA-AT

Saudi Arabia to Austria visa requirements

Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa to visit Austria for tourism. There is no visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa option, and ETIAS does not apply because Saudi nationals are not visa-exempt for the Schengen area. Austria is a Schengen Area member state, and Saudi Arabia is on the EU list of nationalities that require a visa to enter the Schengen zone. As of 2026, a Saudi ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen Type C (short-stay) visa before traveling to Austria for tourism. Applications are submitted in Saudi Arabia through VFS Global centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam on behalf of the Austrian Embassy, and the applicant must appear in person for biometrics. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 90 (paid in SAR at the embassy's monthly exchange rate), plus a VFS Global service charge. Required documents include a passport valid at least three months beyond the intended departure, travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage, confirmed round-trip flights, accommodation bookings, and proof of sufficient funds. Standard processing is around 15 calendar days but applicants are advised to apply well in advance. ETIAS (the EU travel authorization launching late 2026) applies only to visa-exempt nationals and therefore does not change the requirement for Saudi citizens, who continue to need a full Schengen visa. The EU has discussed facilitating future visa-free entry for Saudi nationals, but no such waiver is in force as of mid-2026.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen Type C short-stay visa (tourism)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple entry (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 adult visa fee + VFS Global service charge
consular fee only
Processing time
Approximately 15 calendar days (apply 15+ days before travel)
standard track
Validity
Valid for the dates granted, within the 90/180 Schengen rule; must apply no earlier than 6 months before travel
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm purpose and trip dates
Determine that your visit is a short tourist stay under 90 days. Austria handles your application if it is your main or first Schengen destination. Gather your travel dates and itinerary.
· Tourism / short visit· Main destination: Austria
/02
Book a VFS Global appointment
Create an account and book an appointment at the VFS Global Austria Visa Application Center in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. Appointments are mandatory; apply no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 calendar days before travel.
· visa.vfsglobal.com/sau/en/aut· Riyadh / Jeddah / Dammam
/03
Complete the application form
Fill in the harmonized Schengen visa application form accurately, sign it, and prepare two recent ICAO-compliant passport photos.
· Schengen C application form· 2 biometric photos
/04
Assemble supporting documents
Collect passport, travel medical insurance (min. EUR 30,000), round-trip flight reservation, hotel/accommodation bookings, bank statements, and proof of employment or sponsorship.
· Insurance EUR 30,000+· Proof of funds & accommodation
/05
Attend appointment and give biometrics
Appear in person at the VFS center to submit documents, pay the visa fee and service charge in SAR, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics).
· In-person biometrics· Pay in SAR (cash)
/06
Track and collect your passport
Track your application status online, then collect your passport with the decision or arrange courier return. Allow about 15 calendar days for processing.
· Online tracking· ~15 days
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Austria · Schengen Type C short-stay visa (tourism)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure, with 2+ blank pages and issued within the last 10 years
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa (Type C) application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent ICAO-compliant biometric passport photos
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance covering the Schengen Area with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed round-trip flight reservation
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of accommodation in Austria (hotel bookings or invitation)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredBank statements proving sufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedProof of employment, business registration, or student status
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedDetailed travel itinerary / day-by-day plan
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredVisa fee (EUR 90) plus VFS service charge, payable in SAR
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Austrian Foreign Ministry (BMEIA) - Austrian Embassy Riyadh: How to apply
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard fee for applicants 12 and older; paid in SAR at the embassy's monthly exchange rate
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Reduced fee for children aged 6 to 11; free for under 6
VFS Global service chargeApprox. SAR 100-150Per-application service fee charged by VFS Global; varies and is non-refundable
Travel medical insuranceApprox. SAR 100-300Mandatory Schengen-wide policy with min. EUR 30,000 coverage; cost varies by duration and provider
Optional add-on servicesVariesPremium lounge, courier return, SMS, or photo services are optional extra charges
Total estimateEUR 90 (plus ~SAR 200 in service and insurance fees)EUR 90 + approx. SAR 450+ in service, insurance, and optional add-on chargesincl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Early submission
Up to 6 months before travel
Applications may be lodged as early as 6 months before the trip and no later than 15 calendar days before departure; applying early avoids appointment shortages
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Saudi Arabia is not on the Schengen visa-exempt list
The EU requires Saudi ordinary passport holders to obtain a visa before entering any Schengen state, including Austria.
High
/02
Austria is a full Schengen Area member
Entry is governed by common Schengen visa rules and the 90/180-day short-stay limit, not by national Austrian-only rules.
High
/03
ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals
The upcoming ETIAS authorization is only for visa-exempt travelers; Saudi citizens still need a full Schengen visa.
Medium
/04
No visa-on-arrival or eVisa channel exists
Austria offers no VOA or electronic visa for Saudi tourists; the only route is a Schengen C visa applied for in advance.
Medium
/05
Proposed EU visa facilitation is not yet in force
The EU has discussed easing entry for Saudi nationals, but no waiver or facilitation agreement is active as of mid-2026.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Saudi Arabia to Austria route verified
Verified that Saudi ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa for Austria. Confirmed the adult visa fee is EUR 90, that ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals, and that applications are filed via VFS Global in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. Sources: Austrian Foreign Ministry (BMEIA), Wikipedia visa requirements, KPMG fee update.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit Austria?
Yes. Saudi ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen Type C short-stay visa before traveling to Austria for tourism. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option.
How long can I stay in Austria on a Schengen visa?+
How much does the Austria Schengen visa cost for Saudis?+
Does ETIAS apply to Saudi travelers going to Austria?+
Where do Saudi residents apply for the Austrian Schengen visa?+
How early should I apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Saudi Arabia passport

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