How to apply for a Schengen visa from South Africa

If you are a South African citizen or resident who is considering traveling to the European Schengen area, you will almost certainly need a visa in order to enter the zone. South Africans who are looking to spend several months in the area should ideally apply for a Schengen visa, which enables holders to travel throughout the zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Applying for a short-stay Schengen visa from South Africa can be stressful for those who don’t know where to begin. Today’s blog will therefore walk you through the application process from beginning to end. Learn about the Schengen visa requirements for South Africa citizens and residents, as well as the Schengen visas and types for South Africa passport holders. Finally, you can find answers to commonly-asked questions, including “Where do you apply for Schengen visa?” And, “How much does a Schengen visa cost?” The answers to these questions—and many more—are available below. 

How to Apply

• 1. Determine when you want to travel 
  • The first step in applying for a short-stay Schengen visa from South Africa is knowing when you want to travel. While you don’t need to know your exact travel dates, you should have a general idea of when you need to leave, so that you give yourself enough time (two weeks) to apply, be approved for, and receive your Schengen visa. 
  • Please note that South Africans who attempt to submit their application more than six months before traveling will likely be prevented from doing so, on the grounds that most Schengen countries do not accept applications for visas for trips in advance of six months. 
• 2. Determine what “type” of Schengen visa you need 
  • There are multiple different Schengen visas and types for South Africa passport holders. The type of Schengen visa you apply for should reflect your main reason for traveling to the Schengen area. For example, if you are traveling to see a relative who lives in the zone, you would apply for a “Visiting Family and Friends” visa. Another example: if you are traveling to receive medical care at a hospital located in the zone, you would apply for a “Medical Schengen visa.” 
  • A complete list of Schengen visas can be found here.
• 3. Determine what kind of “entry category” you need 
  • The Schengen visa from South Africa is available in three different entry categories: single, double, or multiple. The category you choose will determine the number of times you can enter the Schengen area during your visa-validity period. 
  • For example, if you select a “single entry” you will only be able to enter the zone one time on your visa (if you leave the area after entering that first time, you will not be allowed back in). Double entry Schengens allow for a bit more flexibility (two entries to the zone) while holders of multiple-entry Schengens have zero limits on the number of times they can enter, exit, and return). 
• 4. Determine what country to apply to
  • You will apply for a Schengen visa from South Africa through the Schengen country that is your main destination in the zone. 
  • If you are only visiting one country, then it’s easy to determine your main destination in the zone. If you are visiting multiple European states, your primary destination will the one in which you are spending the most time. If you intend to stay the same amount of time in two or more countries, your primary destination will be the one that you enter first. For example, if you are spending 40 days in both France and Spain, but you are first entering the Schengen area through Paris, then you should apply for a French Schengen visa (instead of a Spanish Schengen visa).  
• 5. Determine where in South Africa you should apply
  • Now that you know how to decide what country to apply to, you may still be asking yourself, “Where do you apply for Schengen visa from within South Africa?”. 
  • South Africans who are applying from within their country should identify the embassy, consulate, or visa application center associated with their primary destination in the Schengen area; this is the entity they will apply through. 
  • Typically, major Schengen countries will have various diplomatic missions around major South African cities. Occasionally, a smaller Schengen country will have its consular interests represented by a larger Schengen country.  
  • For example, if you are applying for a French Schengen visa, you will apply for it via the Consulate General of France, (in either Cape Town or Johannesburg). 
• 6. Gather your required documents
  • Schengen visa requirements for South Africa citizens include the submission of multiple basic required documents, as well as supplemental materials. Basic required documents include all of the following:
    • South African passport (or other valid country passport) 
    • Passport photos (2) 
    • Basic Schengen application form
    • Evidence of accommodation 
    • Evidence that you can financially afford your trip (i.e. proof of subsidence) 
    • Evidence that you have obtained trave medical insurance 
    • Proof of travel plans in/out of the Schengen area 
  • Supplemental forms that you must submit include those related to the specific type of visa you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a “Visiting Family and Friends” visa, you will likely have to submit an invitation letter from the person who is inviting you to the zone. 
  • Please note that the above lists of required and supplemental forms are not exhaustive. Certain applicants, such as minors, are required to submit additional forms. For a complete list of required documents, click here.
• 7. Access your Schengen visa application form 
  • All Schengen visa applicants must submit a basic application form. Most applicants can download, print out, complete, and sign this form.
  • Depending on where you are applying from, you may be asked to apply through an online application vehicle, such as France’s Schengen visa portal.
  • Please note that even if you apply online through the above visa portal, you will likely be asked to print out a physical copy of your online application (which you will present at your in-person appointment). 
  • Most applicants will be asked to submit documents/forms in either English or the official language of the Schengen country they are applying to (or in another widely spoken European language). If you provide documents in another language, you will likely be asked to provide a translation into an accepted language. Contact the embassy/consulate you are applying through prior to submitting your documents, so that you are aware of the specific language rules surrounding document submission.
• 8. Make a Schengen visa appointment 
  • A key requirement of the Schengen visa for South Africa citizens and residents is the Schengen visa appointment, which most applicants will need to schedule in advance.
  •  If you are applying online (i.e. through a country-specific visa portal) you will probably be able to schedule your visa appointment when you apply. If you’re applying through the traditional form, you should contact your embassy/consulate directly to determine how to proceed with your appointment. 
• 9. Attend your Schengen visa appointment
  • The final stage of your visa application process involves showing up to your visa appointment and fulfilling all of the requirements for the Schengen visa from South Africa, including the following:
    • Submitting your complete application.
    • Submitting your biometric information (photos and fingerprints). 
    • Paying your Schengen visa fee. 
    • Attending a visa-interview. 
  • As mentioned above, another main application requirement for the Schengen visa for South Africa citizens and residents is the submission of one’s biometric information (photos and fingerprints) for security purposes. Once submitted, your information will be valid for use on future Schengen visa applications for the next five years. 
  • How much does a Schengen visa cost? Most South Africans will have to pay 80 EUR for their Schengen visas (a price not necessarily inclusive to other application fees). However, depending on what kind of applicant you are (student, minor, etc.), you may be exempt from the standard fees. For more information on visa fees, click here.
  • At their appointment, most Schengen visa applicants will be asked to provide information about their upcoming trip. This “interview” usually lasts between 10-20 minutes and consists of basic biographical and travel-related questions.
  • If you are someone who frequently applies for Schengen visas from South Africa, you may be able to avoid having to attend a Schengen visa appointment (assuming you have already submitted and paid for your visa online and your biometrics are still in the Schengen security system). However, almost all South Africans (even those who have regularly and successfully obtained Schengen visas in the past) are asked to attend an in-person visa appointment. 
• 10. Await your decision 
  • Once you officially apply for a Schengen visa from South Africa, you will have to wait around two weeks for your application to be processed. If it is accepted, you can pick up your passport and visa and be on your way to the Schengen area! 
  • South Africans who are not approved for a Schengen visa can appeal their rejection by following these steps.