What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is an official document mandatory for some non-Europeans to travel to all the 27 countries that are part of the Schengen area. Once granted, this visa allows the traveler to cross the borders of the other member-states without going through identity checks at the border.
There are several types of Schengen visas but the most common (the short-stay visa) allows one to travel/stay for 90 days maximum over a 6-month period starting from the entry date stated on the visa.
Where Can I Apply For A Schengen Visa In South Africa?
To apply for a Schengen visa in South Africa go to the VFS Global application centre in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, or Pretoria. You can submit an application there if you live in one of the following places:
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Lesotho
- Réunion
If you live somewhere else, go to the page Applying for a Schengen visa and select the country where you live to find out where to submit your application. If you still want to submit your application in South Africa, first check if that’s possible.
How quickly can I get a Schengen visa in South Africa?
2 days to 3 weeks
Processing time for a Schengen visa application can be anything from 2 days to 3 weeks, depending on the embassy. Please note this process is applicable to South African passport holders.
Can South Africans apply for Schengen visas online?
The good news is that South African passport holders don’t have to schedule an appointment at the embassy/consulate general or any other consular services for Schengen visa applications. Instead, you can do the entire process online from the comfort of your home.2
How much does a Schengen visa cost in South Africa?
80,00
Fees as of 1 September 2023
| PASSPORT AND IDENTITY CARD | EUR | ZAR |
|---|---|---|
| Passport adult (18 and over) | 148,50 | 2.985,00 |
| Passport minor (under 18) | 129,45 | 2.600,00 |
| Business passport | 148,50 | 2.985,00 |
| Business passpoort minor (under 18) | 129,45 | 2.600,00 |
| Identity card adult (18 and over) | 147,30 | 2.960,00 |
| Identity card minor (under 18) | 113,10 | 2.275,00 |
| Laissez-passer or emergency document | 52,95 | 1.065,00 |
| Laissez-passer for a corpse | 60,00 | 1.205,00 |
| Surcharge for a passport or ID card application submitted at a different location* | 23,60 | 470,00 |
| * Application submitted at a location that does not normally accept passport or ID card applications. The surcharge applies to all applicants. | ||
What is the first point of entry for a Schengen visa?
The First Point of Entry for a Schengen visa refers to the first country you intend to enter upon arrival in the Schengen area.
This is the country where you will first cross the external borders of the Schengen area and will be subject to border control by the authorities of that country.