Step by step: How to apply for a Schengen Visa

Our Readers Comments

1. Good day,
   Travelling to Poland.
   Do I apply at the embassy or any agency?

   Thanks in advance.
   Pamela

   Reply

   • Hi Pamela,

     Thanks for getting in touch.

     Step 1: Registration in the e-konsulate system: The submitting of visa application must be preceded by electronic registration of the visa application (Schengen or National) at : http://www.ekonsulat.gov.pl then from the menu “Visa” choose “Schengen or National Visa – Register form” and follow the guidelines. The application enables registration of the application and printing the visa forms.
     The printed visa form with a bar code and number on the front page has to be presented at the Embassy. The system will automatically give a date of appointment at the Embassy (date and time). There is no possibility to apply for a visa before the date given by the system.

     Step 2: At the Embassy: each Schengen visa applicant has to come in person to the Embassy. People over 70 years old and children below 12 years are exempted from submitting fingerprints. However, the decision concerning their physical presence at the Embassy will be taken individually.

2. My sister will be travelling to the UK for a conference and then to Belgium afterwards. Her flights will be to and from the UK.

   Do you no anything about the order of applying for the visas? UK first or Schengen? Does it matter.

   Reply

   • Hi Ruanne,

     Thanks for getting in touch.

     The UK visa processing time takes 3 weeks maybe longer. The Belgium Schengen visa you can apply up to 3 months prior to departure and takes approximately 5 to 10 working days to process. They do advise – Please ensure that visa applications reach the issuing authorities at least 2 weeks before departure date.

     Best to contact both Embassies or official visa handling agency to see what they advise.

3. Good Day

   I do have a few questions, please bear with me, this will be my first overseas trip.
   1. who do we submit our application forms to?
   2. do we submit our applications first then book an appointment?
   3. how do we book an appointment?

   my current situation is that I will be flying to the Netherlands on the 14th of june and returning to RSA on the 28th of june. I will then be going to spain on the 11th of July and returning on the 18th of July. (21st birthday gifts from myself, my sister and my mom)
   so my 4th question is do I have to send in an application and book an interview with both embassies?

   I apologize for any inconvenience but I sincerely thank you for your help
   best regards,
   Sherisha Sewpersadh

   Reply

   • Hi Sherisha,

     Thanks for contacting us.

     As you are travelling to Netherlands first you need to apply through VFS which is the official visa handling agency for this country.

     Please contact them direct, they will be able to advise where to submit your application form, the correct procedures to follow and how to book an appointment with them.

     I would suggest letting them know you have another trip planned to Europe a month later, and hopefully they will give you a multiple entry visa with sufficient days on that visa to cover you for both trips. Please keep in mind you would need to submit documents for that trip, showing you will be there (flight tickets, accommodation, sufficient funds and what ever other documents they require)

     VFS Global: Visa Application Centre
     Telephone No : 012 425 3005
     Email Address : Info.nlza@vfshelpline.com
     Website : http://www.vfsglobal.com/netherlands/southafrica/index.html
     Street Address (Pry) : 1st Floor, Cherry Lane Office Park 114 Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk Brooklyn, Pretoria
     Street Address (Jnb) : 1st Floor, Rivonia Village, Cnr. Rivonia Boulevard & Mutual Road, Sandton
     Street Address (Cpt) : 47 Strand Street, 5th Floor Office 504, Cape Town
     Street Address (Dur) : Unit 101A, 1st Floor , 91 – 123 Cowey Road, Essenwood
     Durban 4001

4. Hi there,
   I have a 1 year business visa for Spain. I would like to travel over the time that my visa expires. However, a lot of people have informed me that they have a 90 days grace period after visa expiry that you can still travel within the Schengen states.
   Is this valid for South African passport holders as well or will i have to apply for a tourist visa?
   Thank you in advance,
   Elana

   Reply

   • Hi Elana,

     To my knowledge once the visa has expired there is no grace period you could get stopped at immigration where they will keep your name on record for overstaying.

     I would advise contacting the Embassy direct, as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

5. Hi there

   Do I submit my visa application and required documentation prior to my visa appointment, as if so where do I submit it? Is there a website?

   Or do I take the application and documentation to the appointment?

   Thank you!

   Reply

   • Hi there,

     Correct you need to submit your documents when applying through the official visa handling agency online.

     Please contact them direct they will be able to advise where on their site you need to attached the documents and what documents they require from you.

6. Hi there,

   I have previously held a 3-year multiple-entry visa (issued by France) and which expired last year. I am now applying to Greece for a new Schengen visa for travel and would like to get another multiple-entry 3- or 5-year visa. I have only booked one trip for this year but plan on doing a lot of European travel in the years to come.

   Do you have any suggestions or advice on how best to prove my need for a long term multiple entry visa?

   Many thanks in advance!

   Reply

   • Hi Amanda,

     Thanks for getting in touch.

     I’m afraid not. This is up to the discretion of the officer / Embassy granting the visa.

     Hopefully if they see you have already been granted a 3 year multiple entry this could stand in your favour.

7. Hi there, thanks for all your useful tips. I really battle with the VFS Global website and when I call the help line I get cut off. Could I apply for my Shengen visa (first point of entry is The Netherlands) through the Dutch Consulate in Cape Town? We will be visiting Germany and Belgium for an equal amount of time and flying out from The Netherlands again.

   Thanks so much!

   Reply

   • Hi Kathy,

     Sorry to hear you struggling with VFS. You welcome to contact the Embassy direct, however only they will be able to advise if they would accept your application or if you need to apply through the official visa handling agency for the Netherlands.

     We do hope you manage to come right and get assistance.

8. Hi there,

   My partner and I will be travelling from PE – JHB to Amsterdam where we will stay for 6 days and travel to Paris France where we will stay for 4 days. Which visa do I apply for and Where?

   Reply

   • Hi Cindy,

     Thanks for reaching out.

     You could need to apply for a visa at the official visa handling agency of the country you will be staying in the longest. In your case this would be Netherlands.

9. Hi Marcelle,

   Firstly thank you for addressing everyone’s queries and concerns – I’m sure you’ve been a great help to all.

   I got my multiple entry Schengen Visa in August 2018 and have since travelled to a few Schengen states on different trips – my visa validity is until July 2019 and my total days spent in each state has not exceeded more than 90 days (90/180 principle).

   My question is as follows:
   I plan to travel again this month – do I need to apply for a new Visa?
   Or can I still travel on the same one?

   Thank You

   Much appreciated,
   Max

   Reply

   • Hi Max,

     Thanks for reaching out.

     If your multiple entry visa is still valid and you have not exceeded your 90 days you should be able to still fly on this visa.

     However due to past experiences of customers visa information changes all the time. And we recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency to get the most up to date information.

10. Hey there! Which agency or consulate do I go to for a Spain Shengen Visa? Also do they have a fast track option? Wondering what’s the quickest amount of time I can get this Visa. Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Geenay,

      Thanks for reaching out.

      You would need to apply though BLS: Spain Visa Application, they are the official visa handling agency for Spain.

      They details are below when contacting them you can ask if they offer a fast track option.

      BLS: Spain Visa Application Centre (Cape Town)

      Telephone No : 012 007 0030
      Street Address : 1st Floor, Block B, North Park, Black River Park, 2 Fir Street, Observatory, Western Cape, Cape Town, 7925
      Email : info.cpt@blshelpline.com
      Website : https://sa.blsspainvisa.com/
      BLS: Spain Visa Application Centre (Pretoria)
      Telephone No : 012 007 0030
      Street Address : Regus Lakeview, Ground Floor, Lakeview Building 1277 Mike Crawford Avenue, Centurion, 0157 (Use entrance 10 at Mall)
      Email : info.pry@blshelpline.com
      Website : https://sa.blsspainvisa.com/

11. Hi,

    My family is travelling first to France, then Portugal and Spain.

    We are flying from South Africa to France and leaving France. We will spend the most days in France.

    What is the easiest option (where/ who do we go to) to apply for our VISAs?

    Thanks
    Ravesh

    Reply

    • Hi Ravesh,

      thanks for getting in touch.

      You will need to apply through Capago the official visa handling agency.

      Their contact details:

      Capago: Visa Application Centre
      Telephone No : 087 231 0313
      Email Address : infofrance-za@capago.eu
      Website : https://fr-za.capago.eu
      Street Address (Jnb) : Inanda Greens Business Park, Block A, 98 Albertyn Avenue, Cnr Katherine Street, Sandton, 2196
      Street Address (Dur) : Pencarrow Office Park, 8 Pencarrow Crescent,
      Armstrong Avenue, La Lucia, 4319
      Street Address (Cpt) : Ground Floor, Old Warehouse Building, Black River Park South,
      2 Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
      Street Address
      (PLZ) : 1st Floor, Harbour View Building, Oakworth Road, Humewood, Port Elizabeth (Please note: This service

      You welcome to read through our Blog: Get A Schengen Visa For France In 48 Hours
      http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/short-stay-visa-france-48-hours/

      or

      Step by step: How to apply for a Schengen Visa
      http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/how-to-apply-for-a-schengen-visa/

      Please keep in mind, all information on our blog pages were correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice.
      We do recommend you contact the official visa handling agency for the most up to date information.

12. I had my interview for my Shengen Visa today, I gave all my documents at the teller, she kept my passport and I did my biometrics. They handed me a paper and said they will contact me when I can collect my passport. Does that mean that my Visa has been approved?

    Reply

    • Hi Diasy,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      No it does not. They first need to do the relevant background checks before they decide if they grant the visa or not.

13. Hi There

    My girlfriend and I are hoping to travel to The Netherlands and Belgium (spending more days in Netherlands)

    I just wanted to make sure that we are not allowed to apply earlier than 12 weeks before we leave for our visa?
    Are we able to apply directly at the embassy or is there a specific agent which they use and is it necessary to make an appointment or can we walk in?

    Reply

    • Hi Len,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You can apply for a visa up to 90 days prior to departure.

      You will need to apply through the official visa handling agency VFS Global. Below I have provided their contact details. We have provided all the requirements you will need when applying for your visa, however I would suggest contact VFS before just in case, as visa requirements could change at anytime.

      VFS Global: Visa Application Centre
      Telephone No : 012 425 3005
      Email Address : Info.nlza@vfshelpline.com
      Website : http://www.vfsglobal.com/netherlands/southafrica/index.html
      Street Address (Pry) : 1st Floor, Cherry Lane Office Park 114 Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk Brooklyn, Pretoria
      Street Address (Jnb) : 1st Floor, Rivonia Village, Cnr. Rivonia Boulevard & Mutual Road, Sandton
      Street Address (Cpt) : 47 Strand Street, 5th Floor Office 504, Cape Town
      Street Address (Dur) : Unit 101A, 1st Floor , 91 – 123 Cowey Road, Essenwood
      Durban 4001

14. Hello

    I have a South African Passport. We are travelling from JHB to London with a connecting flight to Paris. Connecting flight is within 2 hours of us landing in Heathrow. Do I require a UK Transit Visa?

    In my old passport I have a valid USA visa for another 3-4 years. On some sites they say that if you have a USA visa and you arent going through border control in the UK, you do not need a uk transit visa? I am also applying for a Schegen visa as we are only going to Paris. Again, some sites say if you have a valid Schengen visa you are not required to have a uk transit visa?

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      To my knowledge South African passport holders transiting through the UK en-route to another European city will need to apply for a UK transit visa. However I would recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information if you need to apply for a transit visa or if your US visa will cover you for this while in transit.

15. Hello.

    I am travelling to Portugal and possibly other countries with a friend who lives in Portugal. Will I still need to submit a full itinerary of the other countries even though we want to decide on a day to day basis where we will be going?

    Reply

    • Hi Carol,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      I would suggest submitting as much information as possible when applying for a visa.

      This does help in the visa application.

16. Good morning
    My daughter and i will be travelling from SA to London to Prague. We do have British passports so as far as i know we dont need Visa’s. What else do i need to enter Czech with her, she is 16.’ We are there as she will be representing South Africa in the Disco Worlds Championships.

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. For this please contact the Embassy direct they will advise if any further documents would be required or not.

17. Hi Marcelle
    I am travelling to Germany for 15 days and to Spain for 5 days
    Where do i apply for the visa, do i just apply to the one country

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You will need to apply at the official visa handling agency of the country you will be staying in the longest, which is Germany in your case.

      Intergate Visalink: Visa Application Centres
      Call Centre : 0861 00 22 45 (for appointments, tracking and general information)
      Email Address : info@intergate-visalink.com
      Website : http://www.visa-germany.co.za
      Street Address (Pta) : Lougardia Building, Cnr Hendrik Verwoerd Drive & Embankment Road, Centurion, Gauteng, 0157
      Street Address (Cpt) : 80 Strand Street, Cape Town, 8001
      Street Address (Plz) : Fairview Office Park, 4th Floor, Regus Centre, 8 Ring Road, Greenacres Port Elizabeth, 6001
      Street Address (Bfn) : 80 Prez Reitz Avenue, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301

18. We are a family of 4, kids and I have an SA passport and my husband Ethiopian passport. What are the requirements for Ethiopian passport holders? Our cruise includes Greece, Italy and Croatia, I noticed that Croatia is not included in Schengen visa?
    Thank you
    Eleanor

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise what visa to apply for, the correct procedures to follow, documentation needed when applying and the cost. They will be able to assist for SA and foreign passport holders, providing them with the most up to date information for visa queries.

19. Hi we doing a cruise from Barcelona, France & Italy and we live in Durban a family of 4. (please advise where can I go and do our Shengen Visa in Durban?)

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch. You will need to apply for a visa at the country you are staying the longest. Or if you are staying equal days in each country then the Embassy of the country which is your first point of entry into Europe.

20. We have a 2 year multiple entry seventeen visa issued by Sweden. Traveled last August last year and stayed Sweden and spain total 4 weeks. Visa stay is max 90 days per visit. Going cruise Barcelona in June 2019 one week and holiday second week. Can we travel with same visa. Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi William,

      I would recommend contacting the Embassy direct. They will be able to assist in answering any visa related queries. Visa info changes all the time, and to avoid disappointment when travelling we do recommend to call the Embassy or official visa handling agency.

21. Thank you for the information. would contact you for the travel.

    Reply

22. Morning – I was in Sweden for a month 2017 – now i`m going again in March – Do i need to do the application all over again for a visa – Thank you.

    Reply

    • Hi Karin,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      If your visa has expired and used up all travel days given on the visa you will need to apply for a new visa.

23. Hi there – I have a multiple entry Schengen visa for The netherlands and it is valid for a year. Can I book a trip to Portugal – that is – fly in and out of Lisbon – using this same visa? Or do I have to travel via the netherlands every time I want to visit a Schengen country? Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Anita,

      You can travel on that Schengen visa to any Schengen country. You don’t need to fly via the country who granted the visa.

      However you will need to see if the visa is still valid.

      The Schengen visa might be valid for 6 months or a year – multiple entry but only for a certain amount of days (example 14 days or 30 days)

      If you have already stayed those amount of days I think you would need to apply for a new visa. However I would recommend you contact the Embassy direct. As they grant the visa’s they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

24. Hi,

    I require a Schengen visa for a trip to Europe on the 17 Dec 2018 (visiting Austria, Hungary and Czech Rep). I’m applying through the Austrian embassy and they state that applications should be lodged at least 15 days before the trip. The problem is that the only available slot for VFS Johannesburg is on the 10th Dec 2018. Is there any way around this as this is quite frustrating to think that my trip is well within the acceptable time frame but I can’t get an appointment at VFS to submit my application. I would basically only have 5 working days after the appointment before my flight.

    Reply

    • Hi Leslie,

      I would suggest contacting he Embassy direct to see if maybe they can advise or assist in anyway or call VFS to see if there has been any cancellations.

25. Do I have to submit biometrics (fingerprints) for a second schegen visa witin a year, if it is for a different country?

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for contacting us.

      If you are applying for a new visa and this one of the requirements you would then need to do so.

26. Where and how do I get a Schengen visa when Hungary will be the major country I will be visiting?

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      There are 26 countries part of the Schengen State. Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

      If you are staying in Hungry for majority of your stay you will need to apply for a Schengen visa through the Hungarian Embassy or the official visa handling agency.

27. Am somalian lives in south Africa holds south African travel document can i apply Germany visa for tour if yes what’s the requirements

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa related queries for foreign passport holders. Please contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency. They will be able to advise if a visa or transit visa is required and if so what the cost would be, correct procedures to follow and what documentation will be required.

      If you hold a South African passport you welcome to read our blog:

      Step by step: How to apply for a Schengen Visa

      (Below is the link)

      http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/how-to-apply-for-a-schengen-visa/

      But we do recommend you contact the Embassy direct, as visa rules and regulation can change at anytime. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

28. Hi 🙂

    I am a South African working in the UK for the first 6 months in 2019, I would like to travel to the EU (First point of entry preferably Netherlands) and then travel in Europe for minimum 2 months after this. Please advise if a 1 year multiple-entry Schengen visa is possible and how to best go about it?

    Thanks so much.

    Reply

    • Hi Sarah,

      As we are not the ones granting the visa’s you would need to contact the Embassy you will be applying through to see if this is possible.

      Usually they only give for your exact length of stay, other times they might give for longer. However it is up to the discretion of the Embassy Official who is granting the visa.

29. Hi Marcelle
    My daughter and her friend will be travelling on a contiki tour next year to and through Italy. who is the best contact to make their Schengen visa application through?

    regards
    Mandy

    Reply

    • Hi Mandy,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      The country they will be travelling through / staying in the longest is the Embassy / official visa handling agency they will need to apply for their visa.

30. Hi

    We love going to Europe each year in Dec/Jan – is it possible to apply for a 5 or 10 year visa? We are currently applying for Jan next year and it will be super if we could get a longer visa for the next few years.

    Reply

    • Hi Anneke,

      I’m not sure if this is possible however you are welcome to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency who will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

31. Good morning
    I am going on a European Horizon Contiki tour in April next year. The tour starts in London so I need to apply for a UK visa and then a Schengen Visa. Our first stop is in Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Munich, Tyrol, Venice (one day in each place). Then we spend two days in Switzerland and 2 in France, do I apply for the visa via Amsterdam or Switzerland? Secondly, is there a company that does both UK and Schengen visa’s, if not, do I apply for UK visa first and then Schengen? Look forward to your reply

    Ashleigh

    Reply

    • Hi Ashleigh,

      Thanks for contacting us.

      When applying for a UK visa the official visa handling agency is: TLScontact (UK) Visa Application Centre
      We’ve also written a blog on: The UK Visa Application – A Guide for South Africans
      http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/uk-visa-application-process-south-africa/

      With regards to applying for a Schengen visa, you apply at the country you will be staying the longest in, you said 2 days Switzerland and 2 days France.

      The official visa handling agency for Switzerland is:
      VFS: Switzerland Visa Application Centre
      Telephone No : (012) 425 3017
      Email Address : info.swiss.sa@vfshelpline.com
      Website : http://www.vfsglobal.ch/Switzerland/Southafrica/
      Street Address (Pry) : 1st Floor, Cherry Lane Office Park 114 Fehrsen Street,
      Nieuw Muckleneuk Brooklyn, Pretoria Gauteng
      Street Address (Cpt) : Office 502, 5th Floor, 47 Strand Street, Cape Town, 8001
      Street Address(Dur) : Unit101A 1st Floor, 91-123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize Road), Essenwood, Durban, 4000

      France:
      Capago: Visa Application Centre
      Telephone No : 087 231 0313
      Email Address : infofrance-za@capago.eu
      Website : https://fr-za.capago.eu
      Street Address (Jnb) : Inanda Greens Business Park, Block A, 98 Albertyn Avenue, Cnr Katherine Street, Sandton, 2196
      Street Address (Dur) : Pencarrow Office Park, 8 Pencarrow Crescent,
      Armstrong Avenue, La Lucia, 4319
      Street Address (Cpt) : Ground Floor, Old Warehouse Building, Black River Park South,
      2 Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925

32. Can you help with any information on getting a spanish study visa to study spanish?

    How long could I get one for and what the requirements would be?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Thank you

    #ihatevisas

    Reply

    • Hi Steve,

      Thanks for contacting us.

      I’m afraid we do not specialise with student visa. For this you will need to contact the Embassy direct.

      They will be able to advise on the correct procedures to follow when applying for a student visa, what documents are required and the cost.

33. Hi

    I’m from South Africa currently on holiday (tourist visa) in the UK and I would like to visit France. Ive been in England for just over a month and before I left I applied at capago for a Schengen visa (they took photos and fingerprints) but ultimately I was refused since my previous Schengen visa for Italy was and still is valid until September. In this case when my Schengen visa issued by italy is expired would I be able to apply from England for a new one otherwise can a family member apply on my behalf in SA?

    Kind regards

    Reply

    • Hi Melissa,

      You would need to contact the French Embassy in the UK to see if it is possible to apply for a Schengen visa from that side. You might also need to have a gap period before you are able to apply for your next visa, however the Embassy will be able to advise on this too.

34. Hi,

    If somebody can please help me.

    I am a South African citizen and have applied for my Schengen Visa to Portugal via VFS in Maputo, Mozambique. I have applied here because of my work sitation. I am not in the country until a day before I travel to Portugal.

    I managed to secure the appointment with VFS Maputo, all went well and paid admin fees and visa fees. Passport was sent to the Consulate and they have come back, refused to issue the visa, citing I need to apply in my home country.

    I am calling the consulate on Monday 27 Aug 18, to ask them to review this decision. But have anyone encountered this problem? What works best in this situation?

    Reply

35. Good morning

    Could you please advise if there is a specific agent one should work through to get a visa entry into Potugal? Travelling first to UK to meet a friend then with friend to Portugal for a few days. Also would it be better to first apply for the UK visa and then the other one?

    Thanking you in advance .

    Reply

    • Hi Maria,

      The official visa handling agency for Portugal in South Africa is: VFS Global.

      Please find below their contact details

      VFS Global – Portugal Visa Application Centre
      Telephone No : (012) 425 3003
      Email Address : info.porza@vfshelpline.com
      Website : http://www.vfsglobal.com/portugal/southafrica
      Street Address (Jnb) : 1st Floor, Rivonia Village, Cnr Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Sandton
      Street Address (Dur) : Unit 101A, 1st Floor, 91-123 Cowey Road, Essenwood, Durban, 4001
      Street Address (Pry) : 1st Floor, Cherry Lane Office Park, 114 Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria
      Street Address (Cpt) : 47 Strand Street, 5th Floor, Cape Tow

36. Hello,

    We are going on a European tour booked through a tour company. On the Schengen application form, there is a question (32) regarding the details of the inviting company or organization, and the name and contact details of the contact person within this organization. Can this be left blank on the application, seeing as the touring company is not based in Europe?

    Reply

    • Hi Hannetjie,

      I would recommend putting the touring company’s name and the hotels address of your first night stay.

      Always best to provide as much information as possible. I would recommend you contact the Embassy of the country you will be applying through as they are the ones receiving the application and granting the visa. They will advise what would be best to put for that answer.

37. Good morning
    I had a visa to visit the Netherlands approved last year, which expires in October of this year.
    Sometime last year I read up that on applying for an additional visa for the 2nd time (I intend to visit Netherlands again in December of this year), and bio-metrics have been loaded, I need not attend an in-person interview, but can merely apply for the 2nd visa online for a period of 5 years. Is this true, or will I have to attend an in person interview again?
    I have tried looking this up on the internet, but cannot seem to find the information.
    Thank you kindly

    Reply

    • Hi Sian,

      Please contact the official visa handling agency: VFS Global: Visa Application Centre – Telephone No : 012 425 3005

      They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information and the correct procedures to follow.

38. How can i apply for a schengen visa if from outside my resident country as sum consular refuses to accept application unless you are a resident of that country.

    Reply

39. Please can you recommend an agency to apply for a Schengen Visa? I’ll be spending most of my time in Spain.

    Reply

    • Hi Elizna,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You need to apply through the official visa handling agency who deals with visa processes for that specific country you will be applying for a visa.

      Some Embassies will have a different official visa handling agency, please see below.

      Germany: Intergate Visalink: Visa Application Centres
      Call Centre : 0861 00 22 45 (for appointments, tracking and general information)
      Email Address : info@intergate-visalink.com
      Website : http://www.visa-germany.co.za

      GVC World: Greece Visa Application Centre
      Call Centre : +27 012 425 3018
      Email : info.zagr@gvc24assist.eu
      Web Address : http://za-gr.gvcworld.eu/
      Street Address (Jnb) : 2nd Floor, Harrow Court 1, 11 Boundary Road, Houghton
      Street Address (Cpt) : 5th Floor, 47 Strand Street, Cape Town, 8001
      Stree Address (Dur) : 91 – 123 Cowey Road, Unit 101A, 1st Floor, Essenwood, Durban, 4001

      France

      Capago: Visa Application Centre
      Telephone No : 087 231 0313
      Email Address : infofrance-za@capago.eu
      Website : https://fr-za.capago.eu
      Street Address (Jnb) : Inanda Greens Business Park, Block A, 98 Albertyn Avenue, Cnr Katherine Street, Sandton, 2196
      Street Address (Dur) : Pencarrow Office Park, 8 Pencarrow Crescent,
      Armstrong Avenue, La Lucia, 4319
      Street Address (Cpt) : Ground Floor, Old Warehouse Building, Black River Park South,
      2 Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925

    • Please can you provide the official visa handling agency for SPAIN?

    • Hi Liz,

      Please find below contact details for the official visa handling agency for Spain.

      BLS: Spain Visa Application Centre (Cape Town)

      Telephone No : 021 003 8050
      Street Address : 1st Floor, Block B, North Park, Black River Park, 2 Fir Street, Observatory, Western Cape, Cape Town, 7925
      Email : info.cpt@blshelpline.com
      Website : https://sa.blsspainvisa.com/
      BLS: Spain Visa Application Centre (Pretoria)
      Telephone No : 012 007 0030
      Street Address : Regus Lakeview, Ground Floor, Lakeview Building 1277 Mike Crawford Avenue, Centurion, 0157
      Email : info.pry@blshelpline.com
      Website : https://sa.blsspainvisa.com/

40. Hi

    Please can you advise me. My daughter lives in the UK and has a SA passport and an ancestral visa. She has a Type C, multiple entry schengen visa which she got from the Dutch embassy and which is valid 14/09/2020.

    In August she is flying to Nice to meet me for four days. Can she get into France on her Dutch visa?

    Reply

    • Hi Wendy,

      If her Schengen visa is valid for when she is travelling it will cover her for any Schengen State, France being one of them.

      However, please check if it is multiple entry and that she has not used up all her days given on the visa (this is if she has travelled on it before)

      I would recommend you contact the Embassy just to double check.

41. Hallo guys!

    Where can I find the Embassy for France & Belgium to apply for a visa? I’m from Cape Town 🙂 no idea how this works.

    Many thanks for your help!

    Kind Regards
    Megan

    Reply

    • Hi Megan,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      Visa applicants for Belgium can apply for their visa using the services of TLScontact in Johannesburg and Cape Town. TLScontact is the official visa handling agents.

      For all information regarding your visa application, appointments to lodge your application and biometrics…please click here dedicated TLS website. https://be.tlscontact.com/za/splash.php

      Belgian Consulate General (Cape Town)
      Telephone No : (021) 419-4690 (from 13h00 – 15h00)

      TLScontact: Belgian Visa Application Centre
      Telephone No : (012) 472 3801
      Email : contact.cpt2be@tlscontact.com

      Address (Cpt) : Media Quarter, Upper Ground Floor, 2 De Smit Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8005
      Website Address : https://be.tlscontact.com/za/splash.php

      French Embassy

      French Consulate (Cape Town)
      Telephone No : (021) 423 1575

      And the official visa handling agency for France is Capago:

      Capago: Visa Application Centre
      Telephone No : 087 231 0313
      Email Address : infofrance-za@capago.eu
      Website : https://fr-za.capago.eu
      Street Address (Cpt) : Ground Floor, Old Warehouse Building, Black River Park South,
      2 Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925

42. Thank you for this information, much appreciated !

    Reply

43. Hi there.
    My daughter is travelling to Netherlands for Hockey in September, we live in Port Elizabeth.
    She is aged 14. Do both parents have to be present at the consulate appointment when we apply ? We’re just trying to figure out travel arrangements, and trying to assess if both of us need to be there.

    Reply

    • Hi Ilze,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      I’ve done a search on Travelinfo, the only information they have provided relating to children under 18 applying for a Schengen visa is the following:

      Additional documents for Minors (Children under 18): Unabridged birth certificate and certified copy of parents’ passport of Identity document. If the child is travelling alone: Permission minor child consent form signed by both parents with a copy of their passport or driver’s license. If the child travels with only one parent, the other parent must sign the permission minor child consent form with a copy of their passport or driver’s license. If only one parent has guardianship of the minor, court documents stating so must be presented.

      No where does it mention both parents need to be present. I suggest you contact VFS Global, the official visa handling agency and they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

      012 425 3005

44. Advice needed, with which Embassy do we apply if we do 5 Schengen countries? We are entering in Switzerland (5 nights); France (4 nights); Germany (6 nights); Austria (3 nights); Spain (3 nights). So do we apply for German Visa as we will be most nights there?

    Reply

    • Hi Natalie,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      That is correct you apply at the Embassy of the country you will be staying the longest.

45. I am applying for a schengen visa for sweden where I will be staying the longest and have a letter of invitation I will then be going on to Norway and Spain doI need letters of invitations from those countries aswell

    Reply

    • Hi Hazel,

      That is correct. They need to see proof of accommodation for your entire stay as they will be giving you a visa for your entire trip.

      So they need to see that you have all the relevant documents, papers, funds etc for your full stay.

46. hi there. I am waiting for my UK visa to be approved, however, I wasnt aware that i had an option to keep my passport. because i also need to apply for my schengen for spain visa. i am applying for my EU spousal visa, which has less requirements when applying, how long do you think that will take? UK is 15 days, which leaves me about 4 days to get my schengen.

    i am worried its going to be too late. is there a way to speed up my schengen application to make that priority?

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      When one applies for any visa they would need to hand their passport over to the Embassy they are applying at or the official visa handling agency.

      The Embassy of Spain minimum processing time is 15 Calendar days (It may delay depending on case to case), which could take from 15-30 days.

      You welcome to contact them direct on:

      The Spanish Embassy – Pretoria
      Telephone No : 012 460 0123

      As they would be able to provide you with the most up to date information.

47. Is it essential to book flights prior to your embassy application visit?

    The reason for the question is because flight ticket prices could be inconveniently high at the time when you need to make your visa application.

    Does Travelstart have any solutions/suggestions in this regard? Many thanks.

    Reply

    • Hi Daniel,

      Every Embassy has different rules and regulations. If one of their requirements is they need tickets at the time of doing your application you would need to then book your tickets and submit this with the rest of your documents.

48. Hi ,
    For my Shengen Visa Application submitted via VFS GLOBAL
    My appointment at the Dutch consulate in C T came through today for 29May .
    As I am travelling on 16 June is this enough time to get the Single entry Shengen visa ?
    Is the visa granted at the appointment meeting or does it get granted later .
    Does anyone have a phone number for the Dutch Consulate in Cape Town ??
    many thanks for any help .

    Patrick

    Reply

    • Hi Patrick,

      Applications for a Schengen visa should be lodged at the VFS Global Visa Service centre, at least 15 working days (3 weeks) before the intended departure date. Applications can be logged 3 months before intended departure date.

      It could take a bit quicker however, they go with the average time it takes for visa’s to be processed.

49. Hi there

    I am applying for a Spanish visa in Cape Town. I am partially being financially supported by a family member. I am therefore bringing a letter by them stating that they are supporting me, a copy of their ID and three months bank statements.

    Is this sufficient?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Ann,

      This is up to the Embassy as they are granting the visa.

      I suggest contacting them direct to see what they advise.

50. Good day. Can you please assist. I’m trying to apply through VFS Global for my Schengen Visa, but struggle to get an appointment, also on their answering machine, is a message, that says they are closed, but today is not a public holiday?

    Reply

    • Hi Douw,

      Sorry to hear you are struggling to get through to them.

      Maybe contact the Embassy of the country you are applying for a visa for and hopefully they could assist or see if anyone else has experienced the same problem as you and give you more info on the correct procedures to follow.

51. I am going to multiple places in the schengen area. Does this mean I must complete the Schengen application for each country I go to?

    Reply

    • Hi Stephanie,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You will apply at the Embassy of the Schengen country you will be staying in the longest. You tick the box for multiple entries.

      That Schengen visa will cover you for all Schengen Countries but it must we a multiple entry visa and your validity dates on the visa need to cover your stays within the Schengen area.

52. I will be travelling to The Netherlands with my 11 year old son. Will we both have to apply for a Schengen Visa, or will he go onto my visa?

    Reply

    • Hi Jacqui,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You will both have to apply for a Schengen Visa. He will be travelling on his own passport so he will need to apply for his own Schengen Visa.

53. Hi there
    currently living in Cape Town with a south african passport and will be travelling for 4 days to Poland for a wedding. I have contacted their consulate as cannot find a place in Cape Town to apply for a schengen visa to enter there. They have stated I have to apply in person IN PRETORIA???? is this correct? Surely they can’t expect people to add the expense of a flight from cape town to pretoria for this schengen visa???
    thanks in advance

    Reply

    • Hi Belinda,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      I’ve just checked on Travel Info and they advise the following:

      “ALL VISA APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IN PERSON. Applications sent by mail, e-mail or fax will not be processed. Couriers may be arranged only for the collection of the passports.”

      I can imagine this is quite costly having to go up to Pretoria now. You welcome to contact the Embassy direct to see what other information they could provide.

      Embassy of the Republic of Poland (Pretoria)
      Telephone No : +27 (0) 12 430 2631/2
      Emergency No : +27 (0) 12 430 9621 16h15 – 20h15

54. Hi, I am going on a European cruise starting in Spain, then to France and Italy, and ending in Spain. Do I need a single or multiple entry visa – I am a South African citizen.

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      As you are entering Europe once and visiting all the following Schengen states you would only need a single entry for that trip.

      If you were going to Spain, then to the UK after and then to Italy then you would need to apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa and the UK is not part of the Schengen states.

      However please check with the Embassy you will be applying through to get the most up to date information as they are the ones granting the visa’s.

55. Hi I am travelling to the UK at the beginning of May until 1 October 2018 and would then like to go to Holland. However, I am not able to apply in South Africa now for travel in October as it is beyond the required 90 days. Am I able to apply for a Schengen visa in the UK or is there any other way to overcome this? Thank you

    Reply

    • Hi Emma,

      This should be possible. However please contact the VFS the official visa handling agency, they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information if you would be able to apply in the UK for a Dutch visa.

      Their contact details are:

      VFS Global: Visa Application Centre
      Telephone No : 012 425 3005

56. Hi there,

    We are planning a trip for our highly independent, 77yr old mum who is a government pensioner. We(her kids) are funding the entire trip as a gift. She does not have oodles of money in her bank account, in fact it is basically zero every month as she is dependent on us.
    She will be travelling on her own. She is very healthy, does not take a single tablet and has only been to hospital to give birth.
    In connection with the: Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip (i.e. Three months bank statements or proof of purchased foreign exchange), do we need to show a copy of our bank statements? We are going to give her a travel card loaded with money and pay for accommodation seperately.

    Do you have advice on this?

    Reply

    • Hi Ruth,

      If you are funding your mothers trip the Embassy you will be applying through would probably also been needing a copy of your bank statement.

      Best to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct, as the Embassy is the one granting the visa they will be able to provide you with all the relevant information you need for your mom’s visa application. On what they require, the correct procedures for you to follow and what the cost would be.

57. Hi. My mother and I will be going on a MediterraneanCruine soon. I want to know what can I give as a proof of sufficient funds? Credit Card Statement etc? Should my mother also give her proof of funds or only the one of us? Do I have to show a specific amount into my account for the three months or how does this work?

    Reply

    • Hi Ian,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You welcome to read our Step by step: How to apply for a Schengen visa – Blog.

      Under: Schengen Visa Requirements we give all the relevant information needed when applying for a visa.

      We do however recommend you contact the Embassy direct for this most up to date information as this info could change at anytime.

58. Hi!

    I’m going on a river boat cruise in Switzerland and also visiting Holland and Germany. Which visas do I require? I was told I would need a specific one for Switzerland and one for the other two countries; is correct? Many thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Christiaan,

      All 3 of these countries fall under the Schengen State, so only one visa is required.

      You need to apply at the Embassy or official visa handling agency at the country you will be staying at the longest or the country which is your first point of entry.

59. Hi, I am a South African with a valid passport, but I live in Costa Rica and want to go to Spain in September, how do I go about getting a visa from Costa Rica to Spain?
    Regards Amaure.
    Why cant I post this!

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      If you are living is Costa Rica and have a valid visa for living there, you should be able to apply at the Spanish Embassy for your Schengen visa.

      However as we are not the ones granting the visa’s you would need to contact the Spanish Embassy in Costa Rica. They will advise you on the correct procedures to follow, what documents are required and the cost.

60. Hi,

    I require a schengen visa and I visit Netherlands -France – Italy. Netherlands is the first point of entry and I’m unsure as to where I need to submit my application. I read that BLS has overtaken VFS Global and just need a little help going forward.

    If I have to apply directly with the Dutch Consulate, do I have to phone and make an appointment?

    Thanks in advance

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      I’ve checked on Travelinfo and it shows that VFS is still the official visa handling agency. You welcome to contact them direct, they will be able to advise on the correct procedures to follow. What documents are required and cost involved.

      Please see contact details below:

      VFS Global: Visa Application Centre
      Telephone No : 012 425 3005
      Email Address : Info.nlza@vfshelpline.com
      Website : http://www.vfsglobal.com/netherlands/southafrica/index.html

      Office Hours

      VFS: 08h00-12h30 and 13h30 to 15h00 Mon-Fri (Submission)
      10h00 to 16h00 Mon-Fri (Passport Collection)

      Days Closed:
      2018:
      VFS: 01 Jan / 21, 30 Mar / 01, 02, 27, 30 Apr / 01, 05, 10, 11, 20, 21 May / 16 Jun / 09 Aug / 24 Sep / 16, 25, 26 Dec

61. Hello
    I need a visa for Nicaragua. Does anyone know who I can contact for that?
    I can’t seem to find any help at all.

    Reply

    • HI Pauline,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      Need assistance with your tourist or business visas? Please use the link below and complete the form to get a quick and free assessment and quote from our expert partners at Visa Box!

      https://www.travelstart.co.za/lp/free-visa-quote

62. Good day,

    We are SA citizens going on a msc boat cruise embarking Barcelona Spain, visiting Portugal, France, Italy and Morroco back to Barcelona.

    What travel documents do we need?

    Reply

    • Hi Yvette,

      Thanks for contacting us.

      If you are applying for a Schengen visa for the Schengen countries you are travelling too (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy) you will need to contact the Embassy of that country you are applying through or the official visa handling agency. They will advise you on what documents are required, the correct procedures to follow and the cost involved.

      Morocco is not part of the Schengen states so you would need to contact them separately to get the required info.

63. Is it possible for a South African resident to apply for a schengen visa from outside the country. My son is currently in America working on a cruise liner. He would like to go from there to Greece without coming back to apply for the visa from here. He will be spending some time in Freeport in the Bahamas, but otherwise is mostly onboard. An help would be appreciated.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Hi Bryony,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      If your son has a work visa for the USA to work on the ships (visa issued by USA government), that means he is a current resident in the USA, and he will be able to apply through the Greek Embassy or Consulate in the USA for a Greek Schengen Visa.
      IF he was there only as a normal tourist (not resident in the USA) he would need to apply back home in South Africa.

      However we do advise to contact the Embassy direct to get the most up to date information on their rules, as this could change at anytime.

64. I have been issued with a 5 year schengen. On the schengen in the right hand top corner is typed 90 days.May I stay in schengen required countries for 90 days per year or 90 days in 5 total in 5 years?
    Please
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Hi Johanna,

      If you have a multiple-entry visa, it allows the holder to go in and out of the Schengen Area as pleased. However, this visa allows its holder to stay in a Schengen Zone for maximum 90 days within half the year, starting from the day one crosses the border between a Schengen member country and the non-Schengen member country.

      You would need to contact the Embassy who granted the visa. They will be able to advise after how many months you can return on that same visa to stay another 90 days.

65. Hi Marcelle
    My husband and I plan to cruise around the world on our own yacht, starting at the end of this year.
    From the Caribbean, we plan to sail to the Mediterranean and spend at least two – four years there.
    We would obviously not know our exact arrival date, but the time to sail from the Caribbean to the Med normally starts around May, so we would need it from around May 2019.
    How do we go about getting a long stay Schengen visa?
    Also, we would need to apply for this before we leave at the end of this year.
    Any advice would be appreciated.
    Many thanks

    Reply

66. My wife and me ill be visiting Venice and do the Greek Islands and also three days in Slovinia. We need Schengen Visas. We are leaving South Africa on the 23/06/20018.
    What do wee need and where are your offices in Cape Town

    Reply

67. please can we have a step by step for UK visa, this infor is really useful – thanks

    Reply

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      We did write the following Blog: “The UK Visa Application – A Guide for South Africans” – see link below.

      http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/uk-visa-application-process-south-africa/

      Here we provide as much info as possible. However visa info can change at any time and we recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency for the most up to date info as they specialise in this area.

68. Would be need a Schengen visa for 10 days in Croatia, if I have a valid Portuguese Temporary Residency Card?

    Reply

    • HI there,

      Thanks for the interesting question.

      I am not able to say as we do not specialise in this area. I recommend you contact the Embassy direct they will be able to provide you with the most up to date info.

69. I need a Spain visa. Are there any consulates in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth?

    Reply

    • Hi Susan,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      They have two consulates and two visa application centers.

      Please find contact details and address below:

      The Spanish Embassy – Pretoria
      Telephone No : 012 460 0123
      Fax No : 012 460 2207
      Postal Address : P.O. Box 1633, Pretoria, 0001
      Street Address : 337 Brooklyn Rd., (Lord Charles Building, Brooklyn Rd corner Charles St) Menlo Park, Pretoria 0181
      Email : emb.pretoria.vis@maec.es
      Consulate-General of Spain (Cape Town)
      Telephone No : 021 422 2415
      Fax No : 021 422 2328
      Street Address : 37 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town, 8001
      Email : visacapetown@maec.es
      Website : http://www.exteriores.gob.es/consulados/ciudaddelcabo
      Spanish Tourist Office : http://www.tourspain.es
      All long term, immigration and residence visas must be submitted at the
      Consulate in Cape Town

      BLS: Spain Visa Application Centre (Cape Town)

      Telephone No : 021 003 8050
      Street Address : 1st Floor, Block B, North Park, Black River Park, 2 Fir Street, Observatory, Western Cape, Cape Town, 7925
      Email : info.cpt@blshelpline.com
      Website : https://sa.blsspainvisa.com/
      BLS: Spain Visa Application Centre (Pretoria)
      Telephone No : 012 683 8793
      Street Address : Regus Lakeview, Ground Floor, Lakeview Building 1277 Mike Crawford Avenue, Centurion, 0157
      Email : info.pry@blshelpline.com
      Website : https://sa.blsspainvisa.com/