South Africans need a visa to travel to one or more of the Schengen countries. You will start the Schengen visa application process by filling out an application form and gathering all the necessary documents. You then need to attend an interview at a visa application centre or at the consulate for the country you will be travelling to (or spending the most time in if you are going to several Schengen countries). Processing times are typically around 15 calendar days, but may take up to 45 calendar days depending on the embassy and individual application.
Please note this process is applicable to South African passport holders.
Types of Schengen Visas
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Multiple-entry Schengen Visa – Allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area during the visa’s validity period. You may stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, provided your visa remains valid.
Validity: Determined by the issuing embassy or consulate (can range from a few months to several years).
How to apply for a Schengen visa
The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your intended departure date. It is recommended to apply at least 4 – 6 weeks before your departure, especially during busy travel periods.
- Check if you need a Schengen visa.
- Confirm which Schengen visa you will need.
- Book your visa appointment at the embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre.
- Complete the Schengen visa application form.
- Gather all required supporting documents.
- Attend your visa appointment and provide biometrics, if required.
- Pay the Schengen visa fee.
- Collect your passport once you’ve been notified of the outcome.
We recommend checking the official embassy or visa application centre website for the latest visa application information, contact details and office hours. As these could change at anytime.
Schengen Visa Costs
Schengen visa
Cost of visa
Adults (12 years and older)
€90
Children 6-11 years old
€45
Children under 6 years – Free
Visa application centre
(fees vary from agency to agency)
Service charge
~ R400 – 500
Courier (Optional)
Varies by distance
Important notice: Some embassies/consulates/visa application centres do not accept cash payments.
Find out what form of payment is accepted before arriving for your interview.
Please note that prices are subject to exchange rates and may change without notice. Visa fees are set by the European Union and are payable in South African Rand using the exchange rate applied by the embassy or authorised visa application centre on the day of payment. Additional service fees may apply depending on the country you’re applying to and the visa application centre you use. Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful.
Schengen Visa Requirements
Application Centres
Additional Information
Where to apply
If you’re travelling to only one Schengen country, apply through the embassy, consulate or authorised visa application centre representing that country.
If you’re visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply through the country where you’ll spend the most time.
If you’ll spend an equal amount of time in each country, apply through the country you’ll enter first.
Visa application centres
Many Schengen countries use authorised visa application centres to process applications on behalf of their embassies or consulates. Depending on the country you’re applying to, this may include providers such as VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS International or Capago.
Most applicants must attend their appointment in person to submit their application and provide biometric data.
Schengen countries
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, 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.
Airport transit
If you’re transiting through the Schengen Area, the type of visa you need depends on your nationality and travel itinerary. Travellers who enter the Schengen Area during their connection—such as by changing airports, collecting and rechecking baggage, or leaving the airport—will generally need a short-stay Schengen visa, while some nationalities transiting through a single airport may instead require an Airport Transit Visa.
Travelling to countries outside the Schengen Area?
If your trip includes countries outside the Schengen Area, you may need a separate visa for each of those destinations, depending on your nationality and travel itinerary.
Check the entry requirements for every country you plan to visit before applying for your visas. In some cases, embassies may ask for proof that you can legally enter your next destination as part of your Schengen visa application.
Learn more about Schengen visas:
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en
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All information on this page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart is not affiliated with immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information.
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