Last Updated: 16 September 2026
If France is the main stop on your trip, your Schengen visa application goes to France. The visa then covers the rest of the Schengen Area.
Paris in summer and the Christmas markets season are the busiest times for French appointments from South Africa.
Tell us your travel dates, purpose and number of applicants for a France visa.
Get Visa AssistanceDo South Africans Need a Visa for France?
Yes. South African ordinary passport holders need a Schengen visa for short visits to France. Apply to France if it is your main destination - the country where you spend the most nights - or your first point of entry when nights are equal.
France Visa Requirements for South Africans
Requirements vary according to visa type and applicant circumstances. France applies the common Schengen rules: a clear travel purpose, sufficient funds, accommodation, travel medical insurance of at least €30,000 and evidence you will return to South Africa. See Schengen Visa South Africa for the rules that apply to every member country.
Confirm the latest requirements on the embassy website before submitting your application.
Types of France Visas
| Visa or permission | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| Short-stay Schengen type C visa | Tourism, family visits, business - up to 90 days in 180 |
| National long-stay type D visa | Study, work, family reunification - national rules |
France Tourist Visa
Holidays in Paris, Provence or the Riviera use the short-stay type C visa. Show accommodation for every night in France and the rest of your Schengen route.
France Business Visa
Business trips to France use the type C visa with an invitation from the French company or trade fair and a letter from your South African employer.
How to Apply for a France Visa from South Africa
- Confirm France is your main destination.
- Complete the France-Visas online application.
- Book an appointment with France's external provider in South Africa (Capago at the time of writing).
- Pay the visa fee and service fee.
- Attend for biometrics and document submission.
- Collect your passport.
France Visa Cost in South Africa
| Cost item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa fee - adult | €90 (approx. R1,700) | Official visa fee, paid in Rand |
| Schengen visa fee - child 6 to 11 | €45 (approx. R850) | Official visa fee |
| Application centre service fee | Capago service fee - check current amount | Provider service fee |
| Travel medical insurance (€30,000+ cover) | Varies by trip length and age | Third-party cost |
| Visa assistance (form, booking, file review) | R1,200 - R3,500 per applicant | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Get the assistance fee for your actual France application rather than a range.
Compare Visa Assistance QuotesFrance Visa Processing Time
Schengen consulates normally decide within 15 calendar days of a complete application, extendable to 45 days.
Processing times are estimates and can change.
Where to Apply in South Africa
France uses the France-Visas online form and an external provider for appointments in South Africa - Capago at the time of writing. Confirm the provider on the French Embassy website before paying anyone.
Documents Needed
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| France-Visas form | Printed receipt |
| Passport | Issued within 10 years |
| Insurance | €30,000 minimum |
| Bank statements | Recent |
| Leave letter | From employer |
| Bookings | Hotels and flights |
| French translations | Only if requested |
Common Reasons Visa Applications Are Delayed
- Hotel bookings that do not cover the whole stay.
- Applying in France when most nights are elsewhere.
- Peak season appointment shortages.
Visa Application Assistance
Providers can complete France-Visas, book the appointment and check the file. See visa application assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for France?
Yes, a Schengen visa. Apply through France if it is your main destination.
Where do I apply for a French visa in South Africa?
Online through France-Visas, then at France's external provider (Capago at the time of writing).
Can I visit Italy on a French Schengen visa?
Yes, a Schengen visa covers the Schengen Area, as long as France was correctly your main destination.
What does a French Schengen visa cost?
€90 for adults (approx. R1,700) plus the provider service fee.
Compare assistance quotes for your France application through Visa Application - free and with no obligation.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
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