Austria Passport – A Complete Guide for Citizens and Applicants
The Austrian passport is an internationally recognized travel document issued to citizens of Austria. It grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries, ranking it among the most powerful passports in the world. Whether you’re applying for your first passport or renewing an old one, here’s everything you need to know.
What is an Austrian Passport?
An Austrian passport serves as both an identity document and a travel credential. It confirms the holder’s Austrian citizenship and is used for international travel, visa applications, and official identification abroad.
Types of Austrian Passports
Austria issues several types of passports based on the applicant’s situation:
- Regular Passport (Reisepass) – For Austrian citizens aged 12 and older.
- Child Passport (Kinderpass) – For children under 12 years of age.
- Emergency Passport (Notpass) – Issued in urgent situations when a regular passport is not available.
- Temporary Passport – Provided when immediate travel is necessary and standard issuance is not possible in time.
Austrian Passport Features
- Biometric chip with facial and fingerprint data
- Burgundy red EU-style cover with the Austrian coat of arms
- Validity:
- 10 years for adults
- 5 years for children under 12
- Multilingual information in German, English, and French
Eligibility
To apply for an Austrian passport, you must:
- Be an Austrian citizen
- Have proof of citizenship and identity
- Be registered in Austria or at an Austrian embassy/consulate abroad
Required Documents
When applying for or renewing a passport, you typically need:
- Previous passport (if applicable)
- Birth certificate
- Proof of Austrian citizenship (Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis)
- Proof of residence (Meldezettel)
- Passport photo (meeting biometric standards)
- Valid ID (such as a driver’s license or national ID)
- Parental consent (for minors)
Application Process
In Austria:
- Schedule an appointment at your local passport office (Passbehörde).
- Bring all required documents and your current passport or ID.
- Provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints).
- Pay the application fee.
Abroad:
- Visit an Austrian embassy or consulate.
- Submit your application in person with required documents.
- The processing time may be longer than inside Austria.
Fees (as of 2025)
- Adults: approx. €75.90
- Children under 12: approx. €30
- Express service or emergency passport: additional fees apply
Processing Time
- Standard processing: 5–10 working days
- Express passport: Available within 2–3 days (higher fee)
- Emergency passport: Issued on the spot in urgent situations
Dual Citizenship and the Austrian Passport
Austria generally does not allow dual citizenship, with exceptions for those who obtain another nationality by birth or under special permission. If you acquire another nationality voluntarily, you may lose your Austrian citizenship unless you received prior approval to retain it.
Passport Renewal
Austrian passports cannot be extended. You must apply for a new passport before it expires, especially if you plan international travel. It is advisable to renew your passport at least 6 months before the expiry date.
Final Thoughts
The Austrian passport is a valuable document offering access to global travel, identification, and protection abroad. Whether you’re renewing, replacing, or applying for the first time, make sure your documents are up to date and plan ahead to avoid delays.
For more information or to start your application, visit www.oesterreich.gv.at or contact your local passport authority.
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