Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Austria?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to Austria
Visitors from countries not covered by a Schengen visa exemption must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) at an Austrian embassy or consulate before travelling. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Checked 12 September 2026
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Embassy Application Only
Austria does not offer online visa applications. You'll need to apply in person at the nearest Austria embassy or consulate. Contact the diplomatic mission for the current document checklist and appointment availability.
Official Austria government page →
Hallstatt
The short answer
South African citizens need a visa arranged in advance to enter Austria. A visa has to be obtained before travelling to Austria. Processing takes as a rule, the processing time of an admissible Schengen visa application should not exceed 15 calendar days. Where extended checks are needed it may take up to 45 days. The fee is EUR 90 for a Schengen visa (category C), reduced to EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 12 (as of September 2026). Passport validity: a passport not older than 10 years, valid for three months after the expiry of the visa, and with two free pages. Bring completed application form, passport photograph meeting ICAO criteria, valid passport, plus a copy of the passport data page, fingerprints, unless they were collected within the previous 59 months, proof of transport, travel health insurance with minimum cover of EUR 30,000, proof of financial means and documentation of economic, family, or social ties where you live. This was last checked on 12 September 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Austria
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Passport validity
- A passport not older than 10 years, valid for three months after the expiry of the visa, and with two free pages.
- Fee
- EUR 90 for a Schengen visa (category C), reduced to EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 12 (as of September 2026).
- Processing time
- As a rule, the processing time of an admissible Schengen visa application should not exceed 15 calendar days. Where extended checks are needed it may take up to 45 days.
- Documents
- Completed application form
- Passport photograph meeting ICAO criteria
- Valid passport, plus a copy of the passport data page
- Fingerprints, unless they were collected within the previous 59 months
- Proof of transport
- Travel health insurance with minimum cover of EUR 30,000
- Proof of financial means
- Documentation of economic, family, or social ties where you live
- Conditions
- A short-stay Schengen visa (category C) permits a stay of up to 90 days in any 180 days and does not permit employment.
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Austria
Confirm which visa category applies to the purpose and length of your trip
Book an appointment at the competent Austrian representation in the country where you are legally resident
Complete the application form and gather the required documents
Attend the appointment, give fingerprints if they were not collected in the previous 59 months, and pay the visa fee
Wait for the decision, which as a rule should not exceed 15 calendar days
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Practical Info
Travel Essentials
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Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Austria
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to Austria. This was last checked on 12 September 2026.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Austria uses EUR. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 12 September 2026.
Full change history for this route →