US Visa Application - New system for U.S. Visa Services as of October 26, 2024
16/10/2024 00:00
Dear Sir or Madam,
We would like to inform you that the American Embassy is getting a new appointment booking system.
Please note the following:
- no appointments can be booked between 23.10.2024 and 25.10.2024
- there may be delays in the delivery of passes
- the call center will not be available from 23.10.2024 -25.10.2024
- The Pack&Weg parcel station in Kettenbrückengasse in 1050 Vienna will be replaced by DHL in future. The new DHL pick-up station, from October 28, 2024, is located at Operngasse 3/corner of Elisabethstraße in 1010 Vienna
Your ÖVKG team
Introduction of the EES and ETIAS systems
16/10/2024 00:00
Good afternoon,
The European Union will introduce the EES and ETIAS systems. Below you will find an explanation and further information:
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) - launch date in 2025 not yet defined:
- Purpose:
- ETIAS serves to pre-authorize travel to the Schengen area for citizens of countries that currently do not require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). It is a system for security screening travelers before they even enter the Schengen area.
- Function:
- Travelers from visa-free countries must apply online for an ETIAS authorization before entering the country. The system checks the traveler's information in various databases (e.g. Interpol, Europol, EES, etc.) to identify potential security risks, such as criminal activity or terrorism. The authorization is usually granted within a few minutes and remains valid for three years or until the passport expires.
- Target group:
- Citizens from visa-free third countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia) who wish to travel to the Schengen area.
- Next steps:
- An ETIAS application is submitted before the trip.
- The DVKG will provide a tangibly simple application process in good time.
EES (Entry-Exit System) - introduction currently planned for Nov. 10, 24:
- Purpose:
- The EES records and stores information on the entry and exit of third-country nationals in the Schengen area. It replaces the manual stamping of passports at border crossings with an electronic system that stores both entry and exit data.
- Function:
- The EES registers biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition) and stores the length of stay in the Schengen area. It is intended to help prevent overstaying (usually 90 days within 180 days) and improve the tracing of illegal entries. It also supports the border authorities in better controlling and managing the external borders.
- Target group:
- All third-country nationals entering the Schengen area, both those who require a visa and those from visa-free countries.
- Next steps:
- No further preparatory steps necessary for the traveler.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best regards
Your ÖVKG team
China: Visa exemption for further countries
10/10/2024 13:33
According to the latest communication, the current 15-day visa-free entry option to the People's Republic of China for nationals until the end of 2025
- of the French Republic,
- the Federal Republic of Germany,
- the Italian Republic,
- the Kingdom of the Netherlands,
- the Kingdom of Spain
- of Malaysia
- of Austria,
- of Switzerland,
- of Ireland,
- from Hungary,
- of Belgium and
- of Luxembourg
- of Poland
- from Australia and
- from New Zealand
from October 15, 2024 (initially until the end of 2025) also for citizens
- of Portugal
- of Greece
- of Cyprus
- of Slovenia
is planned. The exemption from the visa requirement is to be valid exclusively for the following purposes and provisions:
- Tourist - single entry - maximum stay of up to 15 days
- Business - single entry - maximum stay of up to 15 days
- Family visits - single entry - maximum stay of up to 15 days
- Transit
The exemption shall NOT apply for the following purposes:
- A stay of more than 15 days
- Multiple entries
- Holders of Austrian service passports
- All other categories not mentioned above (e.g. work visa, conference visa, etc.)
As soon as we have more detailed information, we will of course inform you again.
If you have any questions, the ÖVKG consular advisors are available at any time.
Your ÖVKG team
China- Closing days
23/09/2024 00:00
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
The Chinese Consulate informs you that the Embassy will be closed due to public holidays from 30.9.2024 to 2.10.2024.
Please therefore expect longer processing times.
Your ÖVKG team
China- Submission of fingerprints
19/09/2024 00:00
In order to further facilitate visa applications, ALL applicants applying for a short-term visa for a single or double entry (stay within 180 days) will be exempt from the obligation to provide fingerprints from now until December 31, 2025. This also applies to crew visas, conference visas (F) and work visas (Z).
