CHINA- Message from the Embassy on the extension of the visa waiver
05/11/2025 00:00

The Chinese authorities have announced that the unilateral visa exemption for 45 countries (including Austria) will be extended until December 31, 2026. Holders of ordinary passports from these countries can enter China without a visa for business and tourism trips, academic and cultural exchanges as well as for visits and transit and stay for a maximum of 30 days.

For all others who do not meet the above-mentioned requirements, the visa requirement for entry into China remains in place.

From November 20, 2025, a digital entry card is also to be introduced to replace the current paper form. This is intended to speed up processing at airports and border stations.

Source: Notification on the extension of the unilateral visa waiver_Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Austria

Sri Lanka - Change as of October 15, 2025
14/10/2025 00:00

From October 15, travelers will NO longer be able to apply for a "Visa on Arrival" at the airport.

Instead, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) must be issued in advance.

The ÖVKG team will be happy to assist you with this.

Your ÖVKG team

Source:https://www.bmeia.gv.at/reise-services/reiseinformation/land/sri-lanka

Gradual commissioning of the Entry/Exit System (EES) from October 12, 2025 at the Schengen external borders
03/10/2025 00:00

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

From October 12, 2025, Member States will start the phased introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) over a period of 6 months. During this phase, border authorities will gradually record the data of entering and exiting third-country nationals in the EES.

At the end of the 6 months, from April 10, 2026, the EES will be fully applied at all border crossings at the Schengen external border. The gradual introduction is intended to support border authorities, carriers and travelers in the transition to the new border control processes.

The EES is an IT system that digitally records the entry and exit of non-EU citizens traveling to one of the 29 participating European countries for a short-term stay.

In the beginning, the introduction is planned at Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main and Munich airports and will be continuously expanded.

Further information can be found at:

https://www.bmi.gv.at/202/Fremdenpolizei_und_Grenzkontrolle/Entry_Exit_System/

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/de/ees/what-is-the-ees##

https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/pressemitteilungen/DE/2025/09/entry-exit-system.html

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best regards

Your ÖVKG team

INDIA - from 01.10.2025 e-Arrival Card on entry
29/09/2025 15:22

From 01.10.2025, all travelers must complete an e-Arrvial Card within 72 hours before entering India.

The e-Arrival Card must be completed before every entry.

Source:https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/

The ÖVKG will be happy to support you.

Your ÖVKG team

China- Closing days: October 1-3, 2025
24/09/2025 00:00

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

The Chinese Embassy as well as the consular provider will be closed from October 1 to 3, 2025.

Quelle:https://www.visaforchina.cn/VIE3_DE/tongzhigonggao/328455052761108480.html

Please allow for longer processing times during this period.

Best regards

Your ÖVKG team