If you're a Gabon national with a desire to visit Austria and its awe-inspiring landscapes, historic cities, and charming villages, you're in the right place! We've got a comprehensive guide that will assist you in applying for an Austrian Schengen Visa.
We'll provide you with all the essential details and necessary documents you'll need to guarantee a successful application.
Let's get started and transform your dreams of traveling to Austria into a reality!
What is the Austria Schengen Visa?
The Austria Schengen Visa allows Gabonese travelers to explore the country and all other 26 Schengen states in Europe, such as Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, and Iceland.
The Austria Schengen Visa permits the following activities:
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Tourism and visiting family and friends.
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Business activities and training placements.
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Travel for health reasons.
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Short-term studies and scientific research.
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Sports and cultural activities.
However, it's essential to note that this visa doesn't permit holders to work in Austria. Instead, you must apply for a work visa or residence permit through the Austria Embassy website.
Do Gabonese citizens need an Austrian Schengen Visa?
Gabon is not yet one of the visa-free countries for the Schengen Zone. Travelers from over 100 countries, including Gabon, are required to apply for a valid visa before entering Austria, the European Union, and any other Schengen country.
Children and minors from Gabon also need an Austria Schengen Visa before traveling. Apply together as a family by selecting ‘Add another person’ during the online iVisa process!
In this guide, we'll provide you with all the necessary information to make your journey to Austria as smooth as possible.
How Long Is the Austria Schengen Visa valid for Gabonese citizens?
This is a Multiple Entry visa, meaning that you can enter and exit Austria multiple times within a 180-day validity period.
Each stay in the Schengen Zone can last up to 90 days Per Entry, meaning that visitors are free to travel to other Schengen countries as they wish while staying within the permitted 90-day limit.
Am I eligible to get an Austrian Schengen Visa in Gabon?
To be eligible for an Austrian Schengen Visa, Gabonese travelers must:
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Possess a valid passport from Gabon.
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Demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses.
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Have a clear purpose of travel, such as tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.
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Not be considered a threat to public health, national security, or international relations.
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Intend to leave Austria and the Schengen area before their visa expires.
Austria Schengen Visa application: How to apply in Gabon
Getting your Austria Schengen Visa has never been easier. You have the option to apply online via our website or our handy app, which you can download for convenient on-the-go application.
Here are the steps to follow:
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Step 1: Complete the Austria Schengen Visa application form online providing your personal and travel details.
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Step 2: Pay the iVisa fee using your debit/credit card or PayPal.
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Step 3: Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive detailed instructions from an iVisa expert through email, including a list of documents required, and what steps come next.
In addition to these steps, we'll also provide expert guidance to help you prepare for your appointment at the Visa Application Center, ensuring that you have all the necessary documents and information to make a successful outcome.
With our support, getting your Austria Schengen Visa has never been easier!
Austria Schengen Visa fee: Cost and processing time of the visa for Gabonese citizens
If you're applying for an Austria Schengen Visa through our services, it usually takes around 30 days to process and comes with a fee of USD $266.99.
Just keep in mind that this does not cover the government visa application fee of US$84.85 and has to be paid during your visa appointment. Kids between the ages of 6 and 12 are eligible for a government fee discount of 50%, and children under 6 are exempt from paying the fee altogether.
The Austrian government can take up to 60 days to process your application once it has been submitted by your iVisa Expert, although it rarely takes that long.
In addition, you also get the following benefits when applying through us:
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Our iVisa experts guarantee that your application will be 100% compliant with government requirements.
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Enjoy the advantage of having unlimited access to your personal iVisa expert, who will guide you through the entire application process from start to finish.
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Say goodbye to the long, confusing, and tedious questions on the government website with our simplified application form.
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With our service, you can fill out the form at your own pace, make changes whenever you want, and save your progress to continue later.
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Applying through us grants you exclusive access to a step-by-step manual, which includes tips for answering difficult questions, tips to prepare for your interview, a full list of necessary documents, and guidance from start to finish.
Austria Schengen Visa requirements for Gabonese citizens
To apply for your Austria Visa, you'll need two sets of documents. The first set includes only your passport details and a passport photo, which you'll provide as part of your online application with us.
But before your Schengen visa appointment, you'll need to gather the following documents:
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A copy of your valid passport, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
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Two recent passport photos. Use our digital photo service to get them quickly and affordably.
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A printed and signed application form, which you’ll receive during the application process.
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An approved payment method for the Schengen Visa government fee, such as a valid credit card.
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Copies of your previous Schengen Visas (if you have them).
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Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements from the last three months.
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Proof of accommodation, such as a letter of invitation from your friend or family member where you'll be staying.
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Proof that you intend to return to Gabon after your trip, such as documents showing your current employment or student status, family ties, or property ownership.
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Medical insurance or travel insurance with coverage for hospitalization, emergencies, urgent medical treatment, and related costs of at least 30,000 euros.
Austria Schengen Visa requirements for children in Gabon
The following documents are required for children traveling to Austria from Gabon:
Austria Schengen Visa passport requirements
When applying for an Austria Schengen Visa, your passport must meet the following requirements:
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It must have been issued within the last 10 years.
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It must be valid for at least six months from your planned arrival date in Austria or the Schengen Zone.
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It must have at least two blank pages available for visa stamps.
Austria Schengen Visa photo requirements
When applying for an Austria Schengen Visa, you need to submit passport photos that meet specific standards. Here are the requirements:
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Submit two identical photos.
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The photos should be taken no more than six months before the application date.
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They should be in color and measure 35 mm x 45mm.
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Your head should take up 70-80% of the photo.
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The minimum resolution for the photos is 400 dpi.
If you're unsure whether your photos meet the government's requirements or if you don't have suitable photos, you can take advantage of our digital photo service. With this service, you can get photos that comply with all the regulations without leaving your couch!
My Austrian Schengen Visa in Gabon was denied. What should I do?
In case your Austrian Schengen visa application is rejected in Gabon, don't lose hope. Here are some options to consider:
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Appeal the decision: You can appeal the visa decision within a certain time frame, usually 30 days after receiving the rejection. In your appeal, you must provide reasons for the rejection and include new supporting documents for your application.
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Submit a new application: If you have taken steps to eliminate the reasons for rejection, you can choose to submit a new visa application with us. This means carefully reviewing your application and documents to ensure compliance with the regulations.
How to prepare for the Austria Schengen Visa interview in Gabon?
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your Austria Schengen Visa interview for Gabonese passport holders:
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Review your application: Before your interview, review your visa application and make sure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Bring a copy of your application with you to the interview.
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Gather the necessary documents: Make sure to bring all the required documents to the interview, such as your passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial documents.
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Dress appropriately: Dress professionally and conservatively for the interview.
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Be prepared to answer questions: The interviewer may ask you questions about your travel plans, the purpose of your trip, your financial situation, and other relevant details. Be prepared to answer these questions truthfully and clearly.
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Stay calm and composed: The interview may be stressful, but it's important to stay calm and composed. Speak clearly and confidently, and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of a successful Austrian Schengen Visa application in Gabon.
Tips for a successful Austria Schengen Visa application
Here are some extra tips for a successful Schengen Visa application:
Start early: It is important to start your visa application process as early as possible to avoid any last-minute rush. The embassy or consulate may take several weeks to process your application, so plan accordingly.
Provide complete and accurate information: Make sure you fill out all forms correctly and provide all the necessary documents. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay the processing of your application or even result in a visa refusal.
Show proof of funds: You will need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your travel expenses while in the Schengen area. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. Bank statements, pay stubs, and other financial documents can be used to show proof of funds.
Provide a detailed travel itinerary: Provide a detailed itinerary of your travel plans, including your flight reservations, accommodation details, and any planned activities. This shows the embassy that you have a clear plan and purpose for your visit.
Show ties to your home country: You will need to prove that you have strong ties to your home country and that you have reasons to return after your trip. This can include things like a job, a family, or property ownership.
Be honest and straightforward: Always be honest and straightforward in your application and during your interview. Embassies and consulates are trained to detect inconsistencies and may refuse your visa if they suspect that you are not being truthful.
Dress appropriately for your interview: Your appearance and behavior during your visa interview can also impact the decision. Dress appropriately and professionally, and be polite and respectful to the interviewer.
Need more assistance with your Austria Schengen Visa application?
Our mission is to ensure a seamless visa application experience for you. We are committed to guiding you through the process and providing the support you need along the way.
Our dedicated customer support team is readily available to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. Simply contact us via online chat or email us at [email protected], and we'll be more than happy to assist.