Schengen visa from South Africa
South African passport holders need a Schengen visa for short stays in 29 European countries. You apply at the embassy or visa centre of your main destination — the country where you'll spend the most nights.
Start my Schengen visaFees and timelines are indicative and change with embassy policy and exchange rates — we confirm current figures in writing before you apply. Our service fee: From ZAR 950 per applicant.
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond your return date, with two blank pages
- Completed Schengen application form, signed
- Two recent passport photos to Schengen biometric spec
- Confirmed return flight itinerary (not a paid ticket)
- Accommodation booking for every night of the trip
- Travel medical insurance covering EUR 30,000 across the Schengen Area
- Three months of stamped bank statements
- Proof of employment, business registration or study enrolment
- Cover letter explaining your itinerary and ties to South Africa
Insider tips
- Book flights as a reservation, not a paid ticket — embassies accept holds.
- Bank statements must be stamped by the bank; printed PDFs are frequently rejected.
- Apply no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 working days before travel.
- A previous Schengen or UK/US visa in your passport materially strengthens the application.
How the application works
- 1Pick the right embassy
Apply to the country where you spend the most nights, or your first point of entry if nights are equal.
- 2Secure an appointment
Slots for France, Italy and Spain go quickly in summer — we monitor and book them on your behalf.
- 3Build the file
We review every document against the current checklist before biometrics day, which is where most refusals start.
- 4Attend biometrics
Fingerprints and photo at the visa centre — usually 20 minutes if your file is complete.
- 5Collect and travel
Passport returns to the centre or by courier. We confirm the visa dates match your itinerary before you fly.
Schengen visa FAQs
How long does a Schengen visa take from South Africa?
Officially 15 working days from your biometrics appointment. In the December–March and June–August peaks, allow 4 to 6 weeks including appointment waiting time.
Which Schengen country should I apply to?
The one where you'll spend the most nights. If nights are equal across countries, apply to your first point of entry.
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
The embassy fee is EUR 90 per adult (EUR 45 for children 6–11, free under 6), plus the visa-centre service fee. Our handling fee starts at ZAR 950 per applicant.
Can you guarantee approval?
No agent can — only the consulate decides. What we guarantee is a complete, correctly evidenced file, which is where most South African refusals are lost.
Let us handle the paperwork
Document review, appointment booking and embassy follow-ups — plus flights, accommodation and transfers in the same quote.