South African citizens require a Schengen visa to travel to any of the 27 Schengen member states. Holders of a South African passport must apply for a short-stay (Type C) visa before travelling to Europe for tourism, business or family visits.
The Schengen visa permits South Africans to move freely across all 27 member countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. VFS Global operates visa application centres in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and other South African cities on behalf of most European embassies.
Editorial Team — eVisa-Card.com
Last updated: March 2026. Always verify current requirements at the official embassy or consulate of your destination country before applying.
Key Facts — Schengen Visa for South African Citizens
| Schengen Visa Overview for South African Citizens | |
|---|---|
| Visa Required | Visa Required |
| Visa Type | Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C) |
| Fee | EUR 80 (adults) / EUR 40 (children 6–12) / Free (under 6) |
| Processing Time | Up to 15 calendar days (standard) |
| Validity | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Entries | Single entry, double entry or multiple entry |
| Territory | 27 Schengen member states |
Required Documents for South African Citizens
- Valid South African passport — at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages
- Two recent passport-size photographs — 35×45 mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Completed Schengen visa application form — signed and dated
- Travel medical insurance — minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid throughout the Schengen Area
- Proof of accommodation — hotel bookings, rental agreement or invitation letter from a host
- Return or onward flight reservation — a confirmed booking or reservation (not necessarily purchased)
- Proof of financial means — bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds for the trip
- Proof of employment or enrollment — employer letter with salary details, payslips, business registration, or student enrollment certificate
- Travel itinerary — day-by-day plan of your trip
- Invitation letter (if applicable) — from a host in the Schengen Area, including their residence permit or ID
Application Process — 5 Steps
- Step 1: Gather Documents — Collect all required documents listed above. Ensure your South African passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Obtain travel insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum cover.
- Step 2: Book an Appointment — Schedule an appointment at the embassy, consulate or authorised visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global) of your main destination country. Book early, as appointment slots fill quickly during peak seasons.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application — Attend your appointment in person. Submit all documents, the completed application form and the visa fee (EUR 80 for adults, EUR 40 for children 6–12).
- Step 4: Biometrics — Provide biometric data (10 fingerprints and a digital photograph) at the visa application centre. Biometrics are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and are valid for 59 months. If you provided biometrics within the last 59 months, you may be exempt.
- Step 5: Collect Your Passport — Wait for processing (up to 15 calendar days). Once a decision is made, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the application centre or have it delivered by courier.
The 27 Schengen Countries
South African citizens with a valid Schengen visa can travel freely to all of the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. South African passport holders must apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) before entering any Schengen state. Visa-free access is not available for South African citizens.
The standard fee is EUR 80 for adults and EUR 40 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 are exempt. VFS Global charges an additional service fee. Payments are typically converted to South African Rand at the current exchange rate.
Yes. Applicants with prior Schengen travel history may be granted a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 to 5 years. First-time applicants usually receive a single-entry visa matching their planned travel dates.
Apply at the embassy or consulate of the main destination country, or through VFS Global centres in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban or other cities depending on the destination embassy.