How Long Does It Take To Get A Schengen Visa In South Africa
What is Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short stay visa allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen area. The Schengen area covers 26 countries (“Schengen States”) without border controls between them.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Schengen Visa In South Africa
You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance. In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. However, it can sometimes take up to 45 days, for example if extra documents are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can South Africans get a Schengen visa at the moment?
South Africans need a visa to travel to one or more of the Schengen countries. You will start the Schengen visa application process by filling out an application form and gathering all the necessary documents.
How long does it take for Schengen visa to arrive?
However, Schengen visa processing time may vary in some specific situations. In individual cases, the visa processing time may be extended to 30 days after the interview, or in some very specific situations to 60 days.
Does Schengen visa get rejected?
The average rejection rate for all Schengen states in 2021 was 13.4% of the total 2,926,104 applications filed from across the world. Against this, Sweden had the highest rejection rate, declining 30.6% of the 22,260 visa applications. Norway came second with 26.2% of 9,895 visa applications rejected.
Where can I apply for a Schengen visa in South Africa?
The Consulate General in Cape Town continues to be responsible for the South African provinces of the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape. All Visa applications are handled by the Regional Consular Center Southern Africa in Pretoria.
How do you know if Schengen visa is approved?
Check whether this service is available at the Schengen Visa Application Centre you are visiting. You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Schengen Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.
How long does it take to get a visa in South Africa?
When you submit your application abroad, you’ll wait approximately 4 to 8 weeks on an outcome. This waiting time increases to 8 to 12 weeks if you submit your application in South Africa.
Is bank statement enough for Schengen visa?
The only recognized way to prove your financial sufficiency are recent bank account statements during the last three months. Attention, bank statements must show the name and address of the owner. The embassies cannot accept Travel Money Cards or cash as proof of sufficient funds.
Can I get Schengen visa without bank statement?
For those on company travel / spouses / children / dependents who do not have their personal bank statements, he / she sponsoring the trip must submit their original bank statements along with a letter stating the same.
Do visa officers check bank statements?
Originally Answered: Do visa officers actually call my bank to verify the status of my bank statement, especially for US visa applications? Nope, they don’t have any right to call a bank and ask for a customer details, as it prohibited. All you have to do is to show them your statement if they ask for it.
Does Schengen visa need interview?
If you are applying for a Schengen visa, you may have to attend an in-person interview. Please note that in-person interviews for Schengen visa applications have been severely restricted or even cancelled around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Why would a Schengen visa be rejected?
Occasionally, an applicant can be prone to illegal and/or dishonest behavior. Furthermore, some information that the applicant provides may not be per the rules and procedures of the visa application or the country the applicant wishes to visit. This can lead to a visa refusal.
What is the penalty for overstaying in South Africa?
If the overstayed duration is Less than 30 days, then a person will ban for 12 months. If the overstayed duration is more than 30 days, then a person will face the penalty ban, not less than 5 years
How soon can I apply for Schengen visa?
While so far Schengen visa applicants could file an application ad early as three months in advance of their trip to the borderless Schengen area, now this rule has changed. The updated code makes it possible for travelers to apply six months before their trip.
Is there a fast track Schengen visa?
Unfortunately, there’s no way of speeding up the process beyond the 15-day Schengen Visa processing time. However, you may be able to avoid delays by ensuring your visa application is clearly filled in, concise, and easily explainable alongside your supporting documents.