--- title: Austria visa for citizens of Botswana description: "Citizens of Botswana need a visa for Austria and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/austria/botswana lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Austria visa for citizens of Botswana Citizens of Botswana need a visa for Austria and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa · Tourist (Short Stay, up to 90 days) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Entries:** Single entry - **Processing time:** 15–45 days - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for the last 3 months showing sufficient balance ## How to apply 1. **Determine visa type and gather documents** — Identify that you need a Schengen visa (short stay tourist) and collect all required documents listed above. 2. **Complete the Schengen visa application form** — Fill out the official Schengen visa application form accurately, either online or as a printout. 3. **Book an appointment at the Austrian embassy or visa application centre** — Schedule an appointment via the embassy website or authorised visa centre (e.g., VFS Global) in Botswana. 4. **Pay the visa application fee** — Pay the non-refundable Schengen visa fee (currently €80 for adults, reduced for children) at the centre or embassy; exact amount may vary. 5. **Attend the in-person appointment** — Submit your application, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and present all original documents. 6. **Wait for processing** — Processing usually takes 15 calendar days but can extend up to 45 days in complex cases. 7. **Collect your passport** — Collect your passport with the visa decision from the visa centre or embassy, or receive it by courier if opted. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, at least 2 blank pages, valid at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen area)** (Travel): Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of application - **Completed and signed Schengen visa application form** (Supporting): Form available online or at the embassy/centre - **Two recent biometric passport photos (35x45mm, white background)** (Supporting): Must meet ICAO standards - **Proof of travel medical insurance (minimum coverage €30,000, valid throughout Schengen area)** (Financial): Coverage must include repatriation and emergency medical expenses - **Round-trip flight itinerary or confirmed booking** (Travel): Proof of onward and return travel - **Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation for entire stay** (Travel): If staying with friends/family, provide invitation letter plus host's residence proof - **Bank statements for the last 3 months** (Financial): Showing sufficient funds for the trip (approx. €100/day) - **Employment letter or proof of occupation / student certificate** (Employment): Letter must include salary, position, and approved leave dates - **Travel itinerary (day-by-day plan of activities)** (Travel, optional): May be requested to demonstrate purpose of visit - **Copy of previous Schengen visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Helps show travel history - **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): May be requested for family visits - **No-objection certificate from employer / school (if applicable)** (Employment, optional): May help demonstrate ties to home country ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Approx. €100 per day of stay (Bank statements should show sufficient funds) - Bank statements (last 3 months) - Traveller's cheques - Sponsorship letter with sponsor's bank statements - Credit card limit statement Proof of sufficient funds is required; amounts vary but generally €100 per day is recommended. ## Good to know - Apply well in advance – processing can take up to 45 days. - Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the application date. - Biometrics are mandatory; you must appear in person. - If you have been refused a Schengen visa before, declare it – omissions can lead to refusal. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient financial means to cover stay and return** — Provide clear bank statements showing adequate balance (≥€100/day) and, if sponsored, a notarised sponsorship letter. - **Weak ties to home country (fear of overstay)** — Submit strong evidence of employment, property, family ties, or studies in Botswana. - **Incomplete or incorrect documentation** — Double-check the checklist; ensure all forms are signed, photos meet standards, and insurance is valid. - **Previous visa violation or overstay in Schengen area** — Be honest; if past issues, include a cover letter explaining the circumstances. Apply well in advance. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Botswana need a visa for Austria? Citizens of Botswana need a visa for Austria and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa · Tourist (Short Stay, up to 90 days). ### How long can citizens of Botswana stay in Austria? Up to 90 days. ### How long does Austria visa processing take? Typically 15–45 days. ### What documents do citizens of Botswana need for Austria? Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, at least 2 blank pages, valid at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen area); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; Two recent biometric passport photos (35x45mm, white background); Proof of travel medical insurance (minimum coverage €30,000, valid throughout Schengen area); Round-trip flight itinerary or confirmed booking; Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation for entire stay; and 6 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for Austria? At least 6 months. ## Sources - austriavienna.com (austriavienna.com, third-party site) ## More - [Austria visa for every passport](/visa/austria) - [Every destination for Botswana passport holders](/visa/passport/botswana)