This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK visa from Austria in 2026, including the new ETA requirement for Austrian citizens, updated fees in Euros, and visa requirements for non-EU residents. Austria and Britain share deep historical ties through the Habsburg dynasty, with diplomatic relations spanning centuries from the Congress of Vienna to modern cooperation. Whether you're an Austrian citizen needing an ETA for a short visit or a non-EU national residing in Austria requiring a visa, this guide provides the latest requirements, application process, and expert tips to help you plan your UK journey.
The cultural connections between Austria and Britain run remarkably deep—Queen Victoria's mother was Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, closely linked to the Habsburg sphere. The Congress of Vienna (1814-1815), hosted by Austria, reshaped Europe with significant British involvement, establishing the post-Napoleonic order. Mozart performed for King George III in London as a child prodigy, while the Viennese waltz became a sensation in British ballrooms. Today, approximately 15,000 Austrian-born residents live in the UK, and Vienna remains one of the most popular European destinations for British tourists.
UK Visa from Austria: Overview & Requirements 2026
The UK visa requirements from Austria have changed significantly since Brexit. Austrian citizens no longer enjoy freedom of movement but remain visa-free for short visits of up to 6 months. However, from April 2, 2025, Austrian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Non-EU nationals residing in Austria, such as Indian or Pakistani passport holders, must apply for a Standard Visitor visa for any UK trip.
Do Austrian Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?
Austrian citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK (up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, or business meetings). However, from April 2, 2025, all Austrian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs €19, is valid for 2 years, and can be obtained via the UK ETA app or gov.uk website. For work, study, or stays longer than 6 months, Austrians must apply for the appropriate visa.
The UK introduced the ETA system to improve border security and streamline entry processes. Austrian citizens were among the European nationals included in the April 2025 rollout. According to the official UK government ETA guidance, applications opened on 5 March 2025, and the requirement became mandatory from 2 April 2025.
UK ETA Requirements for Austrian Citizens
- ETA Fee: €19 (£16) per person
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Multiple Entries: Yes, unlimited visits within validity period
- Processing Time: Usually within 3 working days (often minutes)
- Application: Via UK ETA app (recommended) or gov.uk website
- Requirement: Each traveller needs own ETA (including babies and children)
For more information about the ETA system and exemptions, see our comprehensive guide on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
UK Visa Fees from Austria 2026 (in Euros)
UK visa fees from Austria in 2026 start at €152 for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa. Austrian citizens only pay €19 for an ETA (not a visa). The UK visa fees have increased from 2024: the 6-month visitor visa rose from €138 to €152, and spouse visa fees increased from €2,218 to €2,323. All fees are paid in Euros and are non-refundable.
The UK visa fees are set by the Home Office and converted to Euros for applicants in Austria and other Eurozone countries. The fees below are current as of January 2026:
Visit Visa Fees from Austria
Work, Study & Family Visa Fees from Austria
UK Tourist Visa from Austria
Austrian citizens do not need a tourist visa—they only need an ETA (€19) for tourism visits up to 6 months. Non-EU residents in Austria (Indian, Pakistani, or other non-EU passport holders) need a Standard Visitor visa (€152) for any UK tourist visit. Both categories allow tourism, sightseeing, and visiting friends/family. Apply via the UK ETA app (Austrians) or VFS Global Vienna (non-EU).
The term "UK tourist visa from Austria" can mean different things depending on your nationality. Austrian passport holders visiting as tourists only need an ETA, while non-EU nationals residing in Austria must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
UK Visit Visa from Austria: Who Needs What?
For details on what you can and cannot do during a UK tourist visit, including business meetings and short courses, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors. If you plan multiple visits, consider a long-term visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years).
UK Visa from Austria for Non-EU Residents
Non-EU citizens residing in Austria pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. This applies regardless of nationality—whether you're an Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, or other non-EU passport holder living in Austria. The application must be made through VFS Global in Vienna, and typically takes 3 weeks to process.
Indian and Pakistani nationals residing in Austria represent significant communities who frequently travel to the UK. Unlike Austrian citizens, they must obtain a visa for any UK trip, regardless of the duration or purpose of their visit. Your Austrian residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) does not grant visa-free access to the UK.
UK Visa for Austrian Residents (Non-EU Passport Holders)
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your UK stay
- Austrian Residence Permit: Proof of legal residence in Austria (Aufenthaltstitel)
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip
- Employment Proof: Letter from Austrian employer confirming employment and leave
- Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or sponsor's invitation letter
- Ties to Austria: Evidence you will return (employment, property, family)
For information about potential refusal reasons and how to avoid them, see our guide on UK visa refusal reasons. If your visa is refused, our guide on chances of getting a visa after refusal explains your options.
Work and Study Visas from Austria
Austrian citizens need a work visa to work in the UK since Brexit. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), requiring sponsorship from a UK employer and a minimum salary of £41,700 (from July 2025). Austrians can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit needed. Alternative routes include the Youth Mobility Scheme (ages 18-35) and Health and Care Worker visa (€364).
Since Brexit, Austrian citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The freedom of movement that previously allowed Austrians to live and work in the UK ended on 31 December 2020. However, Austrians benefit from being able to submit biometrics via smartphone app rather than visiting a Visa Application Centre.
Skilled Worker Visa from Austria
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for Austrian nationals seeking employment in the UK. You need a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
- Visa Fee: €922 (up to 3 years) or €1,821 (over 3 years)
- Minimum Salary: £41,700 per year (general threshold from July 2025)
- IHS: £1,035/year (exempt for Health and Care Worker visa)
- Sponsor Required: Yes, employer must have valid sponsor licence
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years
Student Visa from Austria
Austrian nationals who wish to study in the UK for longer than 6 months need a Student visa. Short courses of up to 6 months can be undertaken on an ETA without needing a visa.
- Visa Fee: €628
- CAS Required: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from licensed institution
- IHS: £776/year (discounted student rate)
- Work Rights: Up to 20 hours per week during term time
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Post-Study: Graduate visa allows 2 years work after completing degree
Spouse Visa from Austria
Austrian nationals can apply for a Spouse visa to join their British or settled partner in the UK. The financial requirement is £29,000 minimum annual income (with planned increases to £38,700).
- Visa Fee: €2,323
- Initial Grant: 33 months
- Financial Requirement: £29,000 minimum (planned increases to £38,700)
- IHS: £1,035/year
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years on spouse route
How to Apply for UK Visa from Austria
The UK visa application from Austria process differs depending on whether you're an Austrian citizen or a non-EU national residing in Austria.
For Austrian Citizens (ETA or Visa Applications)
For ETA: Simply download the UK ETA app and complete the application in minutes. No appointment needed.
For Work/Study/Family Visas: Austrian citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit biometrics from home—no Visa Application Centre visit required. Complete your online application at gov.uk, pay the fee, then use the app to scan your passport and take a selfie.
For Non-EU Nationals in Austria
UK visa applications from non-EU nationals in Austria are processed through VFS Global, which replaced TLS Contact as the official visa service provider in January 2025. You must complete the online application form, pay the fee, and then book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Vienna to provide your biometrics.
- Step 1: Complete online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee online (in Euros)
- Step 3 (Austrians): Use UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics
- Step 3 (Non-EU): Book biometrics at VFS Global Vienna
- Step 4: Submit supporting documents online or at VAC
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard, 5 days priority)
- Step 6: Receive eVisa or collect passport with vignette
UK Visa Application Vienna
The UK Visa Application Centre in Vienna is operated by VFS Global and located in the city centre. Non-EU nationals residing in Austria must attend in person for biometrics. Austrian citizens applying for work, study, or family visas can use the smartphone app instead. Book appointments through the VFS Global Austria website.
VFS Global operates the UK Visa Application Centre in Vienna for non-EU nationals. Book your appointment through the official website:
UK Visa Processing Time from Austria
Standard UK visa processing time from Austria is approximately 3 weeks for visitor visas and other non-settlement applications. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority (€1,199) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability.
For detailed information on UK visa processing times after biometrics, including what happens if there are delays, see our comprehensive guide. If your application is taking longer than expected, our guide on UK visa delays explains your options including priority visa services.
Austria-UK Tourism Statistics
Austria and the UK enjoy strong tourism ties, with significant visitor flows in both directions. According to VisitBritain data for 2024:
- Total Visits: Record 352,000 Austrian visits to the UK in 2024
- Tourism Spend: £286.7 million total expenditure
- Average Spend: £814 per visitor
- Holiday Visitors: 50% of Austrian visits for holidays (vs 41% market average)
- Young Travellers: 42% aged 16-34 (vs 33% market average)
- Repeat Visitors: 63% of holiday visitors have visited UK before
- Satisfaction: 93% likely to recommend UK visit
- Transport: 95% arrive by plane, primarily Vienna-London routes
- Austrian citizens need an ETA (€19) — apply via UK ETA app, strictly enforced from 25 February 2026
- Austrians can use UK Immigration: ID Check app for visa biometrics — no VAC visit needed
- Non-EU residents in Austria pay €152 for 6-month Standard Visitor visa
- Work visas require sponsorship; minimum salary £41,700 (from July 2025)
- IHS of £1,035/year required for visas over 6 months (students pay £776)
- VFS Global Vienna handles applications for non-EU nationals
For the latest official information on UK entry requirements, visit the gov.uk visa checker or the Standard Visitor visa guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrian citizens need a visa to visit the UK in 2026?
Austrian citizens do not need a visa for short visits up to 6 months. However, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, which costs €19 and is valid for 2 years. Apply using the UK ETA app on your smartphone. The ETA requirement has been in effect since 2 April 2025, and is strictly enforced from 25 February 2026—without an approved ETA, Austrian citizens cannot board transport to the UK.
How much is the UK visa fee from Austria in 2026?
Austrian citizens only pay €19 for an ETA. For non-EU residents in Austria, the Standard Visitor visa (6 months) costs €152. Long-term visitor visas cost €569 (2 years), €1,017 (5 years), or €1,269 (10 years). Work visas range from €364 (Health and Care) to €1,821 (Skilled Worker over 3 years). Spouse visas cost €2,323. All fees are non-refundable.
How long can Austrian citizens stay in the UK?
Austrian citizens with an ETA can stay up to 6 months (180 days) per visit for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. There is no annual limit on the number of visits, but frequent or lengthy stays may raise questions about genuine visitor status. For work, study, or settlement, Austrians must apply for the appropriate visa with its own validity periods.
Can Austrian citizens work in the UK without a visa?
No, since Brexit, Austrian citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), which requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid licence and meeting the £41,700 minimum salary threshold (from July 2025). Austrians aged 18-35 may also qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme. Austrians can attend business meetings on an ETA but cannot undertake paid employment.
Do I need a UK visa if I have an Austrian residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)?
Yes, if you are a non-EU national with an Austrian residence permit, you still need a UK visa to visit the UK. Your Austrian Aufenthaltstitel does not grant visa-free access to the UK. However, having Austrian residence can strengthen your visa application by demonstrating strong ties outside the UK and a clear reason to return after your visit.
Can Austrian citizens use the UK Immigration: ID Check app?
Yes, Austrian citizens (and other EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) applying for UK work, study, or family visas can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit their biometrics from home. This means no visit to a Visa Application Centre is required. Simply scan your passport chip using your smartphone's NFC capability and take a selfie to complete the identity verification process.
How long does UK visa processing take from Austria?
Standard UK visa processing from Austria takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor and other non-settlement visas. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599 extra) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority service (€1,199 extra) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability. ETAs are typically processed within 3 working days, often within minutes.
Where is the UK Visa Application Centre in Vienna?
The UK Visa Application Centre in Vienna is operated by VFS Global and located at Landstraßer Hauptstraße 2, 1030 Vienna, Austria. This is where non-EU nationals residing in Austria must attend for biometrics appointments. Austrian citizens applying for visas can use the smartphone app instead and do not need to visit the VAC. Book appointments through the VFS Global Austria website.