General Schengen Visa Information

 This information is intended as a guideline

MEMBER STATES

The 29 member states of the Schengen Agreement are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT HOLDERS

South African passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa to enter any European country in the Schengen Zone. South African passport holders do not require an airport transit visa.

WHERE TO APPLY

  • If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy or Consulate of that country.
  • If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
  • If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.

VISA PROCESSING TIME

At least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.

VISA TYPE

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period, for tourism or business visits. This may be single-entry or multiple-entry.
For long-stay visits, or if travelling to work, live, or study, a national visa must be applied for.

NOTE: Cruise passengers must apply for a multiple-entry visa. The number of days is calculated from when the ship docks in port, not from when you disembark the vessel.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

The below are the general visa requirements, but individual countries may request additional documents. Please check carefully with the relevant authority.

  • Visa application form: fully completed with correct information, printed and signed at the end.
  • One recent photo (taken within the last three months), according to the Schengen visa photo criteria.
  • Valid passport, with a minimum validity of 3 months beyond your planned stay in Schengen and 2 blank pages. Temporary passports are not accepted by several member states.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).
  • Roundtrip reservation or itinerary, specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area.
  • Travel Health Insurance: must cover medical emergencies and repatriation with a minimum of €30000, for your whole period of stay and for whole Schengen area.
  • Proof of accommodation in the form of a Hotel/hostel booking or rental agreement, with name, complete address, phone and e-mail, for the entire time you will be in the Schengen area.
  • Letter of tour organizer if you will be travelling with a tour agency.
  • Proof of financial means. in the form of a Bank account statement or sponsorship letter.
  • Evidence of employment/student status.
    If employed: Employment contract, Leave permission from the employer, Income Tax Return.
    If self-employed: A copy of your business license, Company’s bank statement of the latest 6 months, Income Tax Return.
    If a student: Proof of enrolment & No Objection Letter from University.
  • Travel Itinerary: description of your trip to Europe, purpose of travel, time frame.
  • Biometric data.
  • Payment of Visa Fee.
  • The embassy may request additional documents in addition to any of the above requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • For Minors: Either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced / death certificate of parent OR Letter of consent from parents, including passport copies of both parents/ legal guardian
  • For Visits (staying with friend/family): Invitation Letter from host. Letter must clearly identify the host and the invitee (name, address, birthdate, official identification number, occupation and permanent residence); the purpose of the visit; length of stay, and accommodation status (where will the invitee stay and who pays for it). Some embassies may ask you to submit a filled-out guarantee form.
  • Business: You need to submit a detailed letter of invitation from your host or the company you will be working with. The letter must include information about your inviter, including business details such as how long you have been working together, the purpose of the business trip, how long the trip will take, who will bear the financial responsibility, etc.
  • Cultural, Sports or Religious events:
    Event Information: I.e. invitation letters, entry tickets, enrolment conditions, detailed programme, and other documents that present relevant information about the event.
    Proof of previous performances: Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners certificates, proof of world/international ranking (sports).

BIOMETRICS

All applicants must submit biometric data for their Schengen visa. This includes a digital photograph and digital fingerprint scan.

  • You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted eyeglasses or head covering (unless for religious reasons)
  • Your fingertips must be free from injury and body decoration
  • Applicants aged 12-17 must have a parent / legal guardian present to give consent

Exemptions:

  • If you have applied for a Schengen visa in the last 5 years, you will not need to resubmit unless your old data cannot be retrieved
  • Applicants under the age of 12 do not need to submit biometrics

VISA FEES

Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free

Additional fees may be applicable when applying through a visa application centre.

Exemptions from visa fees

  • Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports travelling for official purposes
  • A family member of an EU/EEA national
  • Pupils, students, and accompanying teachers during a school trip
  • Researchers travelling to perform scientific research

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

  • 1 colour photo, sized 35x45mm with a light background (white or light grey)
  • Applicant must look directly at camera
  • Expression must be neutral
  • Head should take up 70-80% of photograph