Austria Gains Popularity as a Year-Round Destination for Pakistani Travelers
Austria has become a favorite holiday spot for Pakistani travelers throughout the year. Whether it’s engaging in sporting activities during the summer or winter, embarking on cultural city trips, or enjoying a relaxing vacation in the lap of nature, this European country offers a diverse range of options to cater to every taste and preference.
However, Pakistani nationals planning to visit Austria for tourism purposes must obtain a Schengen visa. This visa allows travelers from Pakistan to visit Austria and other Schengen countries for a maximum duration of 90 days. To apply for the visa, certain requirements must be met.
Firstly, Pakistani travelers need to provide a return flight ticket as proof of their intention to return to their home country. Additionally, they must possess travel medical insurance with coverage of at least Euros 30.000, valid for the entire duration of their stay in the Schengen territory.
Proof of accommodation for the entire period of travel is also required. This can be in the form of a booking confirmation, especially for internet bookings, which should be clear and legible.
Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate their financial ability to support their stay in Austria. This includes providing account statements for the past six months, which should contain the bank’s address and phone number. Proof of income for the last six months, tax returns for the previous three years, as well as evidence of pension payments or other regular sources of income, must also be submitted.
Apart from these general requirements, there are additional documents that may be necessary depending on the purpose of the visit. For instance, if the applicant is employed, a confirmation from the employer stating details such as position, duration of employment, salary, and contact information is needed. Similarly, self-employed individuals should provide relevant documents demonstrating their business activities. Students must produce confirmation from their educational institution, verifying the course duration, approval of absence, and contact details. In case of transit, proof of entry permit for the final destination country is required.
It is important to note that the visa fee for obtaining an Austria Schengen visit visa in Pakistan is Euro 80 per application, which amounted to approximately Rs24,600 as of November 15.
Upon submission of the visa application, it will be forwarded to the Embassy of Austria on the following working day. According to the Schengen Visa code, applications will be decided within 15 calendar days, but in some cases, the processing time may be extended to a maximum of 30 calendar days. This extension may occur if further scrutiny of the application is necessary or if the authorities of the represented Member state need to be consulted.
For Pakistani travelers planning to stay in Austria, it is important to ensure they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses. As of November 15, 2023, one Euro is equivalent to approximately Rs307.5. Therefore, individuals intending to stay in Austria for 30 days should have around Rs921,000 in their bank account.
With its diverse attractions and activities, Austria has quickly emerged as a popular year-round holiday destination for Pakistani travelers. By fulfilling the necessary visa requirements and ensuring financial stability, Pakistanis can explore the beautiful landscapes, cultural treasures, and exciting adventures that Austria has to offer.
