Germany
About
| Germany has something interesting for everyone to see or do. Lots of cultural attractions, beautiful scenery, great cities and of course the world renowned Octoberfest to add a huge fun factor at that time of the year. Make sure to see the German Parliament (Reichstag), re-designed by British architect Norman Foster, and the Brandenburg Gate; both potent symbols of German unity. Stroll along part of the path of the Berlin Wall, clearly marked in the road, from the Brandenburg Gate to glitzy Potsdamer Platz, derelict during Germany's divided years, but now restored as a modern focal point for the city. Take the kids to Europa-Park, Germany's biggest theme park, at Rust, near Freiburg in the southwest. For the brave it features Europe's highest rollercoaster. Be pampered. Germany has over 300 spas and health resorts that offer a wide range of traditional and modern treatments. The most famous spa town is Baden-Baden, in the southwest. |
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| Capital: | Berlin (BER) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Language: | German. English is widely spoken and understood. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 49 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sun in March to last Sun in Oct: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best Time to Go: | Year Round. May – September is high season. |
| Best for: | Medieval Architecture, Museums, Oktoberfest |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style round two-pin plugs are in use |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. For English speakers in need of a doctor and unable to reach easily a surgery or pharmacy, call 01805 321 303 (www.calladoc.com). It costs more than an average phone call but you’ll be able to discuss your symptoms in English, and receive medical advice. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Do not address someone by their first name unless you have been invited to. When in a shop or other place of business, it is polite to say "guten tag" when entering and "auf wiedersehen" or "tschüss" when leaving. Casualwear is largely acceptable, but some restaurants, clubs and casinos may have a dress code. Punctuality is highly valued. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Visitors should carry a form of identification at all times. Smoking in prohibited in public places. |
| Duty Free: | Germany is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. There are no allowance restrictions on these tax-free items. If you are travelling from within the EU, there is no limit on the amount or value of goods you may import, providing your goods are for personal consumption. Büsingen and the Isle of Heligoland are treated as being outside of the EU for duty-free purposes. Goods imported for commercial purposes are subject to duty and the following guideline amounts are in place to determine whether this is the case: • 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 10L of spirits over 22%, 20L of alcoholic beverages less than 22%, 90L of wine (no more than 60L of sparkling wine) and 110L of beer. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Germany by travellers over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €175 for children under 15). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Unauthorised firearms and ammunition, unapproved fireworks, unconstitutional literature, pornography which is violent or involves children, any food considered a health hazard, narcotics, dangerous dogs, endangered species and counterfeit goods. |
Issuing Authorities
German Embassy, Pretoria
201 Florence Ribeiro Avenue, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 0181
Website: www.southafrica.diplo.de
German Consulate-General , Cape Town
Tel: 021 405 3000
4 Stirling Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town
Honorary Consuls are located in Durban and Port Elizabeth.
Only national visas may be applied for through the embassy. All contact regarding national visas / passports should be through the website contact form.
All Schengen visa applications and queries through TLS Contact.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18, 21; May 1, 29; June 9; Oct 3; Dec 25-26 (Individual states / provinces may observe additional holidays)
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 3, 6; May 1, 14, 25; Oct 3; Dec 25-26 (Individual states / provinces may observe additional holidays)
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African Passport Holders.
Germany is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Germany, you must apply at the Embassy of Germany.
- 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.
TLSContact
All visa applications must be submitted at TLSContact in person. If you are exempted from Biometric data, you may be able to submit via an authorised person.
In order to submit an application, you will need to create an account on the TLS website. You will need to print the notification of your appointment and present it on arrival.
Passport collection may be done in person, via a representative, or courier (see value-added services).
BFN: 101 Olympus Drive, Helicon Heights, Bloemfontein
CPT: The Pinnacle Building, 9th Floor, Corner Strand, Burg and Castle Street
JHB: West End Office Park Block C, 254 Hall St, Die Hoewes, Centurion
PLZ: Ground Floor Building 66, Fairview Office Park, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth
DBN: 430 Peter Mokaba Ridge, 3rd Floor, The Atrium, Durban
Tel: 010 001 9321,
Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00
Web: https://visas-de.tlscontact.com/
VISA REQUIREMENTS
See General Visa Requirements.
In addition to the general requirements:
- Application form (VIDEX) is to be completed online (https://videx.diplo.de/). Use the German or English version only. This must be completed IN CAPITALS, printed and signed by applicant. For minors, the form must be signed by both parents.
- Checklist (this will be filled in by TLSContact)
- Copy of the bio/data page of the passport.
- Any additional documents showing proof of purpose of travel (itinerary, tours booked, travel arrangements).
- If sponsored: Formal obligation letter (=Verpflichtungserklaerung to be obtained from the local German Foreigner´s Office) of your sponsor in Germany with proof of financial status and sufficient funds
- Proof of sufficient funds (EUR 45 per day): Personal bank statements with money movements of the past three months (in particular showing regular monthly income). Sufficient funds must be available on the existing balance and not overdrafts. Additional accounts e.g.saving accounts can be produced to prove your ability to finance the whole trip
- Itinerary, proof of accommodation and return flight reservation
NOTE: Please take careful note to supply all supporting documents at the time of your appointment, as you will not be able to submit missing documents after your appointment. Required documents differ depending on the purpose of visit.
Visa Processing Time
On average, 15 days. Applications may be made up to 6 months in advance.
Visa Validity
Visas valid strictly as per dates specified on application form.
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
TLSContact Service Fee: EUR 24.51 (ZAR 480).
The visa application fee is payable in rands, and will fluctuate according to exchange rates as set out by the German diplomatic missions.
The service fee is a set fee.
All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
SA Representative
SA Embassy
Tiergartenstr. 18, 10785 Berlin
Tel:+49 30 22073 0
E-mail: berlin.consular@dirco.gov.za
Web: www.suedafrika.org
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
