Schengen VISA Application: All You Need to Know as a South African
Traveling to Europe? If your itinerary includes any of the Schengen member countries, you’ll need a guided Schengen visa application. This article provides a comprehensive guide for South Africans who want to embark on a European adventure.
How to get a Schengen visa from South Africa?
As of January 1, 2024, all applications for a Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days must be submitted to VFS Global. You can apply at any of their centers in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, or Pretoria.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Gather the required documents: This typically includes a valid passport, visa application form, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, flight itinerary, and proof of sufficient funds.
- Make an appointment: Book your appointment online or through the VFS Global call center.
- Attend your appointment: Be prepared to submit your documents and pay the visa fees. You may also be required to provide fingerprints and have a photograph taken.
- Wait for a decision: Processing times vary depending on the embassy or consulate.
How much does a Schengen visa cost South Africa?
The visa fee for a Schengen visa is currently €80 (approximately R1,400) for adults and €40 (approximately R700) for children aged 6-12. Additional service fees may be charged by VFS Global.
How long does it take for a Schengen visa to be approved?
Processing times for Schengen visa applications typically take 15 days. However, it can take longer depending on the embassy or consulate and the complexity of your application. It’s best to apply well in advance of your travel dates, ideally at least 45 days before your trip.
Which Schengen country has the highest visa approval rate 2023?
Based on data from 2023, the Schengen countries with the highest visa approval rates for South Africans are:
- Slovenia (98.4%)
- Estonia (98.3%)
- Lithuania (98.1%)
- Poland (97.9%)
- Czech Republic (97.8%)
Schengen visa application online:
While you cannot submit your entire application online, you can access visa application forms, fee information, and other helpful resources through the websites of the Schengen country embassies or consulates in South Africa. You can also use online services offered by VFS Global to book appointments and track your application status.
Schengen visa application form pdf:
You can download the Schengen visa application form in PDF format from the websites of the Schengen country embassies or consulates in South Africa. Alternatively, you can collect the form in person at the VFS Global application centers.
Additional Resources:
- VFS Global: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/nld
- Federal Foreign Office (Germany): https://southafrica.diplo.de/sa-en/sa-consular/sa-visa1
- Netherlands Worldwide (Netherlands): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/netherlands/southafrica/english/
- EDA (Switzerland): https://www.eda.admin.ch/pretoria
By following this guide and using the provided resources, you can streamline your Schengen visa application process and pave the way for an unforgettable European adventure.