If you Dubai resident you may be obligated to obtain Austria Visa from Dubai before boarding flight to Australia. The application process is not complex but how long does it truly take to get an Austrian Schengen visa from Dubai?
The process is meant to take 15 calendar days, though it takes somewhat longer or shorter and depending on several factors like number of application being processed.
There are travelers who receive visas in two weeks, while other travelers there are delays stretching beyond a month.
In this article we breakdown to how long it takes to get Austrian Schengen Visa from Dubai processed and what factors affect the processing time.
How Long Truly Take to Get processing Austria Schengen Visa from Dubai Take?
According to the official timeline the processing of Austria Schengen Visa from Dubai takes 15 calendar days after submitting your application to the embassy.
However occasionally for several reasons the processing time may take longer up to 30-45 days or longer due to several reasons. Below are some of the factors which can affect Australia visa processing take longer that standard time.
Factors which determine how long it takes to get an Austrian Schengen Visa from Dubai
Understanding the factors that can either fast-track or delay your visa process is key to your travel planning.
- Season and Time of Year
Visa processing times depend on the travel season. There are more visa application during peak tourist season compared to low tourist season. Also during holidays there visa processing may be delayed.
The Austrian Embassy and visa application centers process a large number of applications during peak travel seasons:
- Summer holidays (June–August)
- Winter holidays (December–January)
- Eid holidays, long weekends in UAE
Applications are processed in an average of 15 calendar days, but in peak times (30–45 days or more). You should apply for your visa during peak tourist’s season at least 3–6 months in advance of the trip.
- Appointment Availability
You can’t even get your visa processed without an appointment to submit your documents. Before you get the appointment there may be delays.
When there are many applications the appointment slots may be booked solid for weeks. Failure to book appointment early can result in a late or rushed booking that puts your travel arrangements in jeopardy.
Track the appointment availability constantly and book the earliest one you can secure no matter how far in advance your travel dates are.
- Completeness and Accuracy of Your Documentation
Ensure you submit all required documents and according to the set standards. That way your visa will be processed in a timely manner and does not have additional delays.
Your application can (and frequently does) be rejected or there may be delay when you don’t attach in your application all required documents.
Small mistakes like wrong dates, invalid insurance or non-uniformity in travel so on, can lead to processing delays.
- Applicant Nationality
While all Schengen applications are governed under a common legal framework, the time the processing may depend on your nationality.
For some passport holders or passport holders from high risk, politically sensitive countries the embassy would perform additional security clearance or the embassy would coordinate with other Schengen countries.
This inter-consular referral can add a processing delay of an additional 7-14 days, and more. If you hold a passport from a nation that has faced disproportionate scrutiny, know your visa processing will take longer.
- Purpose and Type of Visa
The category of the visa you are applying for and the purpose of your trip also affect the time it takes to get your visa processed:
- Tourist visas (Type C) are commonly issued faster as long as the documentation is in order.
- Visitor’s visas may need proof of invitation, and if all is not clear it might slow things down.
- For student, family reunion and work visas (Type D), often takes weeks to months to process because they require more extensive background checks and, in some cases, approval from immigration authorities in Austria.
- Requests for Additional Documents or Interviews
The Austrian Embassy may request for more documents or interview after reviewing your application. They may request for additional documents like:
- Recent bank statements
- Invitation letters
- Proof of connection to the UAE (e.g. ownership title, works contract)
- In-person interview
If you take your sweet time responding, every request could add days, if not weeks onto your application.
Submit an application that addresses questions even before they may potentially arise indicate how you plan to finance your trip, where and when you plan to visit and for what reason.
- Internal Processing Delays at the Embassy
There are certain delays which are completely out of your control and actually take place at the embassy. These can include:
- Staff shortages or backlogs
- Technical system outages
- Holiday festivities (UAE and Austrian Holiday festivities)
- Security concerns or diplomatic events
Even with a flawless application, these internal factors can prolong the processing timeline more than the stated 15 days.
So always check the holidays of the embassy and never apply the days before long weekends and/or public holidays.
- Mode of Application
The application mode will determine when you could receive your visa. If you will personally bring it to the embassy with your own hands or you will assign it to visa application agencies?
If the embassy picks up the application from your hands the processing starts immediately so you can cut this time to even a few weeks. If you have to engage visa agents, it will prolong the process when the agency fails to submit the application on time on your behalf.
- The volume of Applications
Another factor which determines how long it truly takes to get an Austrian Schengen Visa from Dubai is how many applications the embassy is processing at the time you apply. Given this insanity of raw applications, it will be a while before you are able to get your visa. During the summer months, you’ll see some spikes, and why not, many people love a good trip.
Various items can prolong the time it would take before you finally get your visa, so it is best to start the application as soon as possible.
