Schengen Guide: How to Obtain a German Visa

[Updated October 2018]

Germany is a European destination boasting incredible attractions such as Berlin’s nightlife, Oktoberfest in Munich and of course the vast history that the streets of Germany have to tell. Find out how to apply for a German visa (Schengen visa) with this informative and concise guide. All that’s left to do is book your ticket and plan your itinerary.

South African passport holders do require a short-term tourist visa (German Schengen visa) to enter the country, but the visa application process is a relatively painless one! You will need to apply at the Intergate Visalink Visa Application Centre in Cape Town, Centurion, Bloemfontein or Port Elizabeth. You are advised to apply for your visa at least 90 days before you travel to allow for ample processing time and to avoid any application stress.

Please note this process is applicable to South African passport holders.

Types of Visas

Short-term visa: For visitors who want to go to Germany for a certain period of time.

• Single-entry visa: This visa allows you to enter Germany once. You are allowed to stay for up to 90 days within a period of six months. Once you leave Germany, you are not allowed to enter the country again.
• Double-entry visa: This visa allows you to enter the country twice. The total number of days spent in the country must not exceed 90 days.
• Multiple-entry visa: The multiple-entry visa affords you entry to the country as many times as you like. There are one, three and five-year multiple-entry visas available. Take note that each visit may not exceed 90 days!

German Visa Price

• Visa Fees for Adults: €60 (R1004)
• Visa Fees for Minors: €45 (R586)
• Application Service Fees Visalink: R380 per application

Note: The visa fee is according to the current exchange rate and it is subject to change.

Requirements for German visa for South Africans

The applicant should bring:

•  One completed visa application form, signed by the applicant (see next section for form)
• Passport – valid for at least three months from your date of return from your trip. Your passport must contain at least two empty visa pages for entry stamps.
• Two passport copies of the personal data page.
• One recent passport sized photo (not older than six months). Must follow the Schengen visa photo guidelines
•  Three months bank statement
• Letter from employer/academic institution confirming employment/enrollment and when you are due back. If self-employed, confirmation of VAT registration showing you as the owner
• Copy of confirmed and paid return flight ticket and documents showing further travel within the EU
• Proof of confirmed hotel reservation and €40 per day in forex or available on credit card  or a formal obligation document issued by the local municipality from the person who is hosting you in Germany, ie friend or family (must be an original document)
• Proof of previous trips to the Schengen Area (visas)
• Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for hospitalisation and repatriation
• For accompanying minors: full unabridged birth certificate, marriage certificate of the parents, guardians or parents’ declaration of consent.

To ensure you have all the necessary documents, see the Schengen tourist visa checklist.

The German visa application form must be filled out online.

Get a free quote with VisaBox – our go-to visa experts to assist you with your tourist visa application.

Application Process

All German visa applications must be done at an Intergate Visalink Visa Application Centre. Follow the process to ensure your visa application goes smoothly:

Step 1: Book an Appointment

Book an appointment at the visa application centre where you will submit your application and biometric information. Schedule an appointment online at least 3 weeks before your departure date.

Step 2: Payment

After your appointment has been scheduled, you will receive a provisional appointment confirmation via e-mail which will include the payment details. Once you have sent the proof of payment via e-mail, your appointment will be confirmed.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

You will be sent a confirmation email which includes a link to fill out your online application form and details regarding the documents you will have to submit.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You must visit the Visa Application Centre you selected (located in Cape Town, Centurion, Port Elizabeth or Bloemfontein). Arrive at least 15 minutes before your allocated appointment time. If you arrive late you will need to schedule another appointment.

Step 5: Track Your Application

After you have submitted your application you will be able to track the progress. Track your application online.

Step 6: Return of Your Application

Once a decision has been made to grant you the German visa (Schengen visa), you will be sent an email and an SMS to let you know when your documents and passport will be ready for collection.

Before leaving the visa application centre, check that it:

• has your correct personal details
• states the purpose for which you are travelling
• is valid for the date when you want to travel

Where to Apply for a German Visa

Cape Town

Address:	Intergate Visalink   80 Strand Street, Cape Town, 8001
Contact:	0861 00 22 45
Opening Hours:	Mondays to Fridays, 08:00-16:00 Wednesdays, 17:00-20:00 (by appointments only)

Taxis, buses, trains and cabs are readily available to the Visa Application Centre.  If you’re driving by car, there is parking on the adjacent roads, including Long Street, Loop Street and Bree Street.

Centurion

Address:	Intergate Visalink   1262 Lougardia Building Embankment Rd, Centurion
Contact:	012 663 3308 / 0861 00 22 45
Opening Hours:	Mondays to Friday, 08:00-16:00 Wednesdays, 17:00-20:00 (by appointments only)

There are several methods of transport available to the Visa Application Centre, including taxis, buses and cabs. If you’re driving by car, you can locate a parking lot behind the building.

Bloemfontein

Address:	Intergate Visalink   80 Pres Reitz Ave, Westdene, 9301
Contact:	0861 00 22 45
Opening Hours:	Mondays to Fridays, 08:00-16:00 Wednesdays, 17:00-20:00 (by appointments only)

You can take a taxi, bus, or cab to the Visa Application Centre. There is parking available in the building complex.

Port Elizabeth

Address:	Intergate Visalink   Fairview Office Park, 4th Floor, The Regus House
Contact:	0861 00 22 45
Opening Hours:	Mondays to Fridays, 08:00-16:00 Wednesdays, 17:00-20:00 (by appointments only)

There are several public transport options available for you to take, including taxis, buses, cabs and trains. There is parking available in the building’s parking lot.

Where to Print Documents and Photos

Cape Town

Postnet

Address:	Shop 8, No. 2 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre, 8001
Contact:	021 418 1630
Opening Hours:	Monda to Friday, 08:00-16:30 Saturday, 08:00-12:00

Centurion

PostNet Centurion

Address:	Shop 14 Southlake Centre, Lenchen Ave
Contact:	012 663 7976
Opening Hours:	Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00 Saturday, 09:00-13:00

Bloemfontein

Mi Office dot Net

Address:	12 2nd Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301
Contact:	051 447 9757
Opening Hours	Monday to Friday, 07:00-18:00 Saturday, 08:00-14:00 Sunday, 09:00-13:00

Port Elizabeth

PostNet Greenacres

Address:	Shop G14, The Bridge Mall, Ring Rd, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth, 6001
Contact:	041 363 3606
Opening Hours:	Monday to Friday, 08:30-05:30 Saturday, 09:00-16:00 Sunday, 09:00-13:00

With all this helpful information for your German visa application, you are ready for a fantastic adventure through Germany. With your German visa, you’ll be free to visit cities such as Cologne,  Hamburg and Frankfurt. Sign up to our newsletter and find out about great flight specials to this mesmerising European destination and many more.

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Have you applied for a German visa? Share your application experience with us in the comments below.

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