Last Updated: 16 September 2026
A Schengen visa lets South Africans visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. One visa covers travel across all member countries.
You apply to the country that is your main destination, usually through that country's external visa application centre in South Africa.
Tell us your travel dates, purpose and number of applicants for a Schengen visa.
Get Visa AssistanceDo South Africans Need a Visa for Schengen Countries?
Yes. South African ordinary passport holders need a short-stay Schengen (type C) visa for tourism, family visits and business trips to Schengen countries.
Ireland is not in Schengen and needs a separate Ireland visa.
Schengen Visa Requirements for South Africans
Requirements vary according to visa type and applicant circumstances. Consulates generally look for a clear travel purpose, enough funds, accommodation, and evidence that you will return to South Africa.
Travel medical insurance with cover of at least €30,000, valid across the Schengen Area, is a standard requirement. Passports are generally expected to be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen Area and to have been issued within the last 10 years.
Types of Schengen Visas
| Visa or permission | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| Short-stay type C visa | Tourism, family visits, business, conferences - up to 90 days in 180 |
| Airport transit (type A) | Some itineraries, depending on nationality and route |
| National long-stay type D visa | Study, work and stays over 90 days - set by each country |
Schengen Tourist Visa
Holidays use the short-stay type C visa. Apply to the country where you spend the most nights, or your first entry country if nights are equal. More: Schengen Tourist Visa South Africa.
Schengen Business Visa
Business trips also use the type C visa, usually with an invitation letter from the host company and a letter from your employer. More: Schengen Business Visa South Africa.
Schengen Visa Guides
Schengen Country Visa Pages
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from South Africa
- Confirm your main destination country.
- Check that country's embassy website for its visa application centre in South Africa.
- Complete the application form and gather documents.
- Book an appointment, pay the visa fee and service fee.
- Attend the appointment for biometrics (fingerprints are valid for 59 months).
- Track the application and collect your passport.
Schengen 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 |
| Schengen visa fee - child under 6 | Free | Official visa fee |
| Visa application centre service fee | Roughly R200 - R650, depends on provider | Provider service fee |
| Travel medical insurance (€30,000+ cover) | Varies by trip length and age | Third-party cost |
| Visa assistance (form, bookings, 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 Schengen application rather than a range.
Compare Visa Assistance QuotesSchengen Visa Processing Time
Consulates normally decide within 15 calendar days of a complete application. This can extend to 45 days where further checks are needed.
You can usually apply up to 6 months before travel and no later than 15 days before. Processing times are estimates and can change.
Where to Apply in South Africa
Each Schengen country uses its own external provider in South Africa, such as VFS Global, TLScontact, Capago or BLS International. Centres are mainly in Johannesburg or Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. Always book through the provider listed on the embassy website.
Documents Needed
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application form | Completed and signed |
| Passport | Issued in the last 10 years, with blank pages |
| Photos | Schengen photo specification |
| Travel insurance | Minimum €30,000 medical cover |
| Bank statements | Usually the last 3 months |
| Employment proof | Employer letter with leave approval |
| Accommodation and itinerary | Bookings covering the stay |
| Minor documents | Birth certificate and parental consent where applicable |
Common Reasons Visa Applications Are Delayed
- Applying to the wrong country for your itinerary.
- Insurance that does not meet the €30,000 minimum.
- Late bookings in the European summer peak.
- Unstamped or incomplete bank statements.
- Documents not in an accepted language (see visa translation).
Visa Application Assistance
A provider can confirm the right country to apply to, complete the form, book the appointment and review your pack. See visa application assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a Schengen visa?
Yes, for short stays in Schengen countries South African ordinary passport holders need a type C visa.
How much is a Schengen visa from South Africa?
The visa fee is €90 for adults (approx. R1,700), €45 for children aged 6 to 11 and free under 6, plus the application centre service fee.
Which country do I apply to?
The country where you will spend the most nights. If nights are equal, the country you enter first.
Is travel insurance required for a Schengen visa?
Yes. Travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover valid in all Schengen countries is a standard requirement.
How long does a Schengen visa take?
Usually up to 15 calendar days after a complete application, sometimes up to 45 days.
Does a Schengen visa cover Ireland or the UK?
No. Ireland and the UK need their own visas.
Visa Application connects South African travellers with independent providers who prepare Schengen applications.
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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