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For Austrian visa applications, it is advisable to check the list of approved Russian insurance companies provided on the website of the Austrian Embassy in Moscow. Not all Russian travel insurance policies may be accepted, so verifying compliance beforehand is recommended to avoid issues during the application process.

For Schengen visa applications, while minimum insurance coverage is required, consider the financial responsibility. If the insurance coverage proves insufficient in an emergency, the inviting party (who provided the invitation) may be held responsible for the remaining costs. It is advisable to secure sufficient but not necessarily excessive coverage, relying on this understanding of liability.

In 2025, the visa refusal rate for Austria dropped significantly from 22.8% to 9.8%. However, for multi-entry tourist visas, Italy (53% issuance rate) or France are currently considered more favorable options compared to Austria.

After a Schengen visa refusal, two options are available: filing an appeal or submitting a new application. An appeal requires proving the initial refusal was erroneous by providing new arguments, supporting documents (e.g., payment receipts, friend's visa), and explanations for the refusal. The process for appeals varies by country. Spain allows simple, free appeals via visa centers or consulates. Greece and Italy often require a local lawyer for appeals, making a new application after correcting refusal reasons more practical. Appeals are sometimes successful, but repeat refusals are also possible if new arguments are not presented. It is not necessary to wait for a prolonged period after a refusal. A new application can be submitted immediately after addressing the reasons for refusal or providing logical explanations for the trip's purpose. Always verify specific country procedures with the consulate or visa center.

For an urgent Schengen visa application to Austria, especially with a university invitation, processing times typically range from 15 to 45 days, though sometimes as quickly as two weeks. The primary challenge is securing an appointment slot. Applicants are advised to: 1) Monitor available slots in various cities (e.g., Moscow/St. Petersburg if applicable). 2) Consider using premium visa services, which may offer more frequent slot availability. 3) While applying via another Schengen country (e.g., Spain) might offer more slots, it is generally recommended to apply through the country of main destination (Austria) when an official invitation (e.g., for university entrance exams) is present, to avoid potential refusal or complications.

Austrian visa processing times are highly volatile, ranging from 14 to 40 days. Consular policy is currently inconsistent; multi-entry visas are rarely issued to applicants without a previous history of Austrian Schengen visas in their passport. Statistical data regarding visa approval rates is often unreliable due to frequent policy shifts and small sample sizes.

For Schengen visa applications, applicants only need to visit the visa center once for the submission of documents and biometrics. To avoid a second visit, request courier delivery of the passport during the submission process.

It is possible to apply for a Schengen visa with an internal passport that is valid at the time of submission, even if it is replaced during the visa processing period. However, it is essential to keep a copy of the old internal passport. The foreign passport (travel document) must remain valid throughout the entire process and travel period.