Austria Visa RequirementsFor Somalia passport holders
Somali passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter Austria, applied for at the Austrian embassy or a designated Schengen embassy in an accessible third country.
Somalia passport holders require a visa to enter Austria.
Apply through the Austrian embassy in Nairobi (Kenya) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), or through another Schengen state's embassy that handles Austrian applications in your region. Appointments are required and should be booked weeks in advance. The visa fee is approximately EUR 80 (around USD 98). Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can be longer for Somali applicants.
Austria is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Somalia to Austria: What You Need to Know
Austria is a Schengen Area member, meaning a Schengen short-stay visa (type C) grants access to all 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For Somali passport holders, this visa requires a formal application with complete supporting documentation and is subject to strict scrutiny given Somalia's geopolitical situation.
There is no Austrian embassy in Mogadishu. Somali applicants typically apply through the Austrian embassy in Nairobi or Addis Ababa, or through another Schengen country's embassy that represents Austria's Schengen interests in those cities. It is important to apply through the embassy of the country that is the main destination or first point of entry.
Austria has a Somali diaspora community, and family visits are one of the more common reasons for visa applications. Applicants with family ties in Austria should include invitation letters and the host's proof of residence to support their application.
Practical Tips
Book your embassy appointment as early as possible, as slots fill quickly in Nairobi and Addis Ababa. Bring all original documents including bank statements, hotel reservations, flight itinerary, travel insurance covering at least EUR 30,000, and a cover letter explaining the purpose of travel. If visiting family, include an invitation letter and copy of the host's residence permit or citizenship document. Dress formally for the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Somali citizens need a visa to enter Austria?
Yes. A Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) is required. It allows up to 90 days in the Schengen Area within any 180-day period.
Where do Somali passport holders apply for an Austrian Schengen visa?
There is no Austrian embassy in Mogadishu. Applications are typically submitted at the Austrian embassy in Nairobi or Addis Ababa, or at another Schengen embassy representing Austria in those cities.
How much does a Schengen visa cost for Somali citizens?
The standard Schengen visa fee is EUR 80 (approximately USD 98). Service fees at visa application centers may add to this cost.
What travel insurance is required for a Schengen visa?
You must have travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, valid for the entire Schengen Area for the duration of your stay.