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    Your Gateway to Europe: Hassle-Free Schengen Visa Solutions

    Unlock Europe: Expert Schengen Visa Assistance for South Africans

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    Schengen Visa from South Africa: Your Key to Travel Europe

    Expert Visa Assistance for South Africans

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    Free visa advice offered by a visa expert

    Unlock the gateway to the Schengen Area with expert assistance

    Let Our Experts Elevate Your Travel Experience!

Explore hassle-free solutions to obtain your Schengen Visa from South Africa, whether it's for a holiday or business

In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a Schengen Visa as a South African citizen, including visa requirements, necessary documents, visa fees and more

Information About The Schengen Visa From South Africa

Need Visa

Do I Need A Schengen Visa For Europe?

South Africans need a visa to travel to one or more of the Schengen countries in Europe.
A valid Schengen visa issued by any of the Schengen states will allow you to enter any other Schengen zone country with the same visa.

Criteria

What is the criteria for a Schengen Visa?

South African Citizens must meet the following criteria to get a Schengen Visa:

Possess a valid passport with at least one blank page
Provide evidence of financial means to cover your stay
Intend to stay in the Schengen countries less than 90 days in a 180 day period
Travel for purposes of tourism, visits, business, study, academic, event or medical

Process

What is the process to get a Schengen Visa?

Determine the type of visa you need
Gather the necessary documents
Complete the application form
Attend the biometrics appointment

Process Time

How long does it take to process a Schengen Visa?

The processing time for Schengen visa takes between 15 and 45 working days, and only starts once the application reaches the Consulate which could take up to six days from the Visa Application Centre.
You also have to book an appointment before lodging the application.

Fees

How much does a Schengen Visa cost?

The Schengen visa Fee is €80 (About R1307) for adults and €40 (About R653) and free for children aged 6-12. The Visa application center service charge is approximately R400.
Should you select to use the service of VisaRequest to assist with your application, and additional R900 is charged.

Members of Schengen

Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen zone refers to the area that encompasses the European states that are members of the Schengen Agreement and include the following 26 countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, 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

Comprehensive Schengen Visa information, covering everything you need to know about visa requirements, eligibility and application procedures for your journey to Europe

What is a Schengen Visa?

A valid Schengen visa issued by any Schengen state will allow you to enter any other Schengen zone country with the same visa.

A Schengen visa is a document allowing entry and travel within the Schengen Area, a zone comprising 29 European countries with open borders and shared visa policies.

Schengen visas are also referred to as “short-term visas” or “C visas”, and you can get a Schengen visa for tourism or visits, business, transit, study or medical reasons

Travelers can spend up to 90 days in a 180 days period in the Schengen area. The 90-day clock starts as soon as you enter any country within the Schengen area

Streamline the process of obtaining your Schengen Visa by completing the form and rest assured that our specialists will make the visa application a smooth experience. Our extensive network of experience has successfully handled over 65,000 applications, showcasing our expertise and experience. Access decades’ worth of knowledge and support at the click of a button.

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How to apply for a Schengen Visa and how much does it cost

A Schengen Visa application cannot be lodged before six months before the intended journey starts. The processing time for a Schengen visa takes between 15 and 45 working days and only starts once the application reaches the Consulate which could take up to six days from the Visa Application Centre. You also have to book an appointment before applying.

Start the Schengen visa application process by filling out an application form and gathering all the necessary documents before making an appointment to attend an interview at a visa application center or the Consulate.

  • Understand the type of visa you need and where to apply
  • Fill out the Schengen visa application form
  • Gather the required documents
  • Schedule a visa appointment and attend the interview
  • Pay the Schengen visa fee
  • Collect your passport once you have been notified

The Schengen visa Fee is 80€ (About R1307) for adults and 40€ (About R653) for children aged 6-12. The Visa application centre service charge is approximately R400 and the courier fee is R150-R250.

Visas are issued free of charge for:

  • Children under age 6
  • School pupils or students accompanying teachers who undertake trips for educational training
  • Researchers traveling within the community to carry out scientific research
  • Representatives of non-profit organizations aged under 25 years participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events
  • Spouses of EU/EEA citizens and their children under the age 21

The Schengen Visa types and requirements

Select one of the following types of Schengen Visas

A single-entry visa allows the holder to enter the Schengen area once and a multiple-entry visa is granted for several visits to the Schengen area for as long as it is valid. A single-entry visa becomes invalid as soon as the holder exits the Schengen Area and if you want to travel again after some time, you need to apply again.

Tourist Schengen Visa – Traveling to Europe for leisure or recreational purposes.
Scenarios where you may be eligible to apply for a short-stay visa for tourism purposes:

  • Sightseeing and Touring: If you’re planning to tour cities, countryside, natural attractions, landmarks and cultural sites for leisure and recreational enjoyment
  • Participating in Events or Festivals: If you’re attending festivals, concerts or other cultural events as a tourist
  • Relaxation and Recreation: If you plan to engage in activities like spa retreats, beach vacations or recreational sports during your stay
  • Exploring Cuisine and Dining: If you’re interested in experiencing the local cuisine, dining at restaurants, and exploring culinary traditions
  • Shopping and Souvenirs: If you intend to indulge in shopping for souvenirs, local products, or luxury items during your visit

Visitor Schengen Visa – Traveling to Europe to visit family members, friends or relatives.
Scenarios where you may be eligible to apply for a short-stay visitor visa:

  • Visiting Family: Planning to visit relatives, such as parents, spouse, siblings or cousins
  • Visiting Friends: Intending to visit close friends who are residents of Schengen countries

Business Schengen Visa – Traveling to Europe for business purposes. It permits activities such as attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations, and other related engagements.
Scenarios where you may be eligible to apply for a short-stay business visa:

  • Attending Business Meetings or Conferences: If you need to attend trade fairs or negotiations related to your business
  • Exploring Business Opportunities: If you’re exploring potential business opportunities, partnerships, or investments
  • Negotiating Contracts: If you need to negotiate agreements with business partners, clients, or suppliers
  • Attending Training or Workshops: If you’re required to attend business-related training sessions or seminars
  • Visiting Branch Offices or Clients: If your company has branch offices or stakeholders you need to visit for business
  • Participating in Exhibitions or Trade Shows: If you’re participating in promotional events to showcase your products or services
  • Attending Business-related Activities: If you need to participate in product demonstrations or product launches

Student Schengen Visa – Traveling to Europe for study purposes. It permits short-term studies up to three months, like summer courses, language classes, or short-term exchange programs.

  • Students can freely travel within the Schengen Area, allowing them to visit various countries and experience diverse cultures.
  • This visa isn’t suitable for long-term academic pursuits which requires a national study visa specific to the country of study.

Cultural Schengen Visa – Traveling to Europe for Cultural, Sports, Religious Events and Film Crews. It permits cultural activities such as being a film crew member or other artistic performances.
Scenarios where you may be eligible to apply for a short-stay Cultural Visa:

  • Attending festivals
  • Participating in art shows
  • Joining cultural events
  • Attending religious or sports events
  • Being part of a filming crew

Medical Schengen Visa – Traveling to Europe to get medical treatment. It permits short-term stays based on the necessity and duration of the medical treatment.

  • Applicants must provide detailed documentation, including a medical letter, proof of financial means, and travel medical insurance to obtain the visa.
  • You can bring a family member or a companion who will stay with you while you receive treatment, but this person will need to provide proof of their relationship with you.
  • They need to clarify in their visa application the purpose of their visit, which is to accompany and support you during your medical treatment.

VisaRequest will guide you through your visa application step-by-step. Our services include completing your online application form, providing you with your tailor-made document requirement list, reviewing and approving the documents and forms before submission and booking your visa submission appointment at the Schengen country where you need to apply.

Requirements for a Schengen Visa

All applicants need to submit the following to apply for a Schengen Visa:

  • Passport: The passport’s expiry date should be at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area. Ensure that the passport has 2 blank pages to affix the visa
  • Previous Visas: Copies of all the prior issued visas to Schengen States and other countries
  • Application form: Completed and signed “Common Schengen Application Form”. Download and print the completed form, before you date and sign it.
  • Photo: Two recent passport-sized photographs in color with a white background
  • Medical insurance: Travel insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization and repatriation. A one-page document stating the name of the beneficiary covered for the requested stay and valid for all Schengen countries with a minimum coverage of € 30,000
  • Financial means: Bank statement of the past three months or additional accounts like savings or investment accounts as proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay. The minimum amount required is different for each country with an average of R1500 per person per day. If the travel is sponsored, a formal obligation letter obtained from the local office of your sponsor with proof of sufficient funds
  • Itinerary: Round trip reservation or itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Schengen. Specify the number of days in each country and the total number of days in the Schengen area. Include reservations for flight, train or ferry tickets booked or car hired for movement between the Schengen states
  • Accommodation: Hotel Reservations, Rental Agreement or Travel Agency Confirmation. For private accommodation in a house or apartment, the owner must provide a copy of his passport and proof of ownership or leasing. If staying with a relative or friend, an invitation letter from the host with a copy of the passport or ID. If a pre-paid tour, provide details of the tour with proof of payment
  • Willingness to return: Employment letter from the local company confirming monthly salary, duration of leave and continued employment after vacation. If self-employed, the company registration documents and bank statements. If unemployed or retired, a copy of the ID of the spouse with proof of financial assets, property ownership or pension benefits. For students, a letter from school, college or university confirming attendance

Specific requirements based on the type of Schengen Visa applying for:

  • For Visit: Invitation letter with the dates, names of the host, their address and signature with a copy of their passport or residence permit
  • For Business: Letter of invitation from the host company stating purpose, date and relation with the invited company and a letter from the employer stating purpose and date of visit. For conferences, proof of registration and payment and a trade fair ticket or invitation letter from an exhibitor.
  • For Student: Letter of acceptance from the educational institution, with proof of your academic achievements or dormitory registration. Evidence of scholarship, sponsorship agreement or proof of being supported by parents
  • For Cultural or Sport: Event information with invitation letters, entry tickets or proof of participation that shows you will be part of the event
  • For Film Crew: A letter from the film company that specifies the name of the film project, the general idea of it, and the shooting locations and a letter from the filmmaking institution or director in the Schengen country
  • For Medical: A letter from the local doctor stating the diagnosis and that the condition requires treatment abroad. A letter from the doctor or hospital in the Schengen country where you will be receiving treatment confirming your need for treatment, the time it requires, and the estimated costs. You need to show you have enough money to stay in the Schengen country in addition to being able to afford your treatment. If you are taking a companion with you, include documents that show proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate.

Other important information when applying for a Schengen Visa

  • Children under 18: Application form signed by both parents and an unabridged birth certificate if it is not displayed in the passport and certified copies of ID/passport of both parents. If the child is traveling alone or with one parent, a certified parental consent. If sole custody has been granted, a copy of the decree of the competent court and if a parent is deceased, a copy of their death certificate. Include a copy of the first page of the passport of the parents or legal guardian.
  • Non-South African citizens: Provide a valid residency or work permit that allows re-entering South Africa upon the end of the journey or a certified copy of Home Affairs document proving permanent residency
  • Married to EU Citizen: Copy of the spouse’s valid passport and an unabridged marriage certificate
  • 5-Year Visa: Letter to explain the reason for a 5-year visa with a Copy of Schengen visas granted the last three years

When you submit your application:

  • Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application. An interview with the applicant may be requested by the Consular office
  • The applicant´s passport has to remain with the Mission and cannot be withdrawn during the processing of the application

VisaRequest can help you

Choose an advisor who possesses in-depth knowledge of your specific case and understands your situation beyond the limitations of a Google search.

Our straightforward and transparent cost of R900 service fee empowers you to stay in control and to benefit from the guidance of a dedicated advisor throughout the entire process to increase your chances of success and prevent wasting months.

5year multiple-entry Schengen Visa

This visa permits unlimited entries into 27 European nations within five years, provided the 90/180-day limit is adhered to. Eligibility extends to individuals who have previously held and correctly used a multiple-entry visa for at least two years within the last three years.

The 5-year multiple-entry visa requirements are the same, but you need to submit documents to demonstrate a legitimate need for multiple entries into the Schengen Area in the upcoming years and that you’ve maintained a clean visa record, with no history of illegal work or overstaying previous Schengen visas.

The Schengen Visa fee for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa remains the same as a standard short-stay visa at €80.

You only need to provide proof of travel insurance for the initial trip into the Schengen Zone, but you’re required to have travel insurance for each trip.

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If your Schengen Visa gets denied

It is extremely frustrating when your visa is rejected, especially when your plans are on hold because of your visa. The Embassy or Consulate gets to decide on the granting of a Schengen Visa.
Common Reasons for a Rejected Schengen Visa Application includes:

  • You provided false information on your application form
  • You present counterfeit or forged travel documents or the documents do not meet the criteria
  • You have important documents missing from your application
  • Your purpose of the visit is unclear in your cover letter, travel itinerary or letter of invitation
  • You do not provide the correct document for the chosen purpose of the intended stay
  • You do not have enough financial means or proof of financial ability to support your trip
  • You provided an invalid travel insurance or not enough as per the entry requirements
  • You hide a criminal record or violate the Schengen security risks
  • You have an alert in the SIS for refusal of entry
  • You are considered a threat to public policy, internal security, or public health
  • The visa officer suspects that you may not return to your home country

There can be serious consequences if you exceed the allowed duration of your stay. Penalties and outcomes vary depending on the country and the length of the overstay and potential repercussions for overstaying include a fine, entry ban, deportation and harm to future visa applications.

The decision to refuse a Schengen visa and the reasons for the refusal are notified using a standard form that is handed out by the consulate that refused the visa. The notification of the refusal must include the reasons, on which the refusal was based, and the procedures and deadlines for submitting an appeal. If the embassy or consulate of the destination country you have applied to refuses your Schengen visa, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be conducted against the Schengen Member State that made the final decision on your visa application and by the national law of that country. You can appeal to the Schengen Member Country that rejected your visa but this will be useful only if you are sure that the decision was incorrect or you’re certain that you can fix the problem that contributed to your visa denial. In case of an appeal, you can request the visa officers to review your rejected application and identify the problem to fix it.

If your Schengen visa appeal has been rejected, then re-applying for a Schengen visa after getting the previous visa application rejected is the right course of action. If you plan to try applying for a Schengen visa again, wait for at least a month. You should consider the first refusal as a guideline of what not to do on the new visa application to avoid repeating the same mistakes. If you choose to reapply, you will be required to pay the visa fees once again. Go through your visa rejection reason and find out the exact reasons. One of the most common reasons is the inability to prove the purpose of visiting; you should provide a proper itinerary and, if needed, a letter of invitation. Ensure that the errors you made in your previous application are not repeated as they may increase the chances of it getting rejected.

The digitalization of the Schengen visa

Negotiations are taking place for a political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council allowing for the digitalisation of the Schengen visa procedure. The amendments to the visa regulations mean travelers to the Schengen area will be able to apply for their visas online. The portal will enable automatic determination of the country once an application is received on a common application platform. After this, the platform will also provide the latest entry requirements and updates on that country’s short-stay visa.

The Regulation will modernize two main aspects of the visa procedure: the digitalization of the visa sticker and the digitalization of the visa application, by setting up an EU online Visa application platform. The digital visa will replace the current sticker with a cryptographically signed barcode from the country signing certificate authority of the issuing member state and carry the facial image of the visa holder. It will make the visa cheaper, more secure and less vulnerable to fraud and theft. This is expected to be up and running in mid-2025.

First-time applicants or those with a new passport or changed biometric data may still need to attend an in-person appointment to collect biometric identifiers. It will allow third parties, authorized by the applicant, to apply on behalf of an applicant, provided that the identity of that third party is included on the application form.

This will not only make the process easier for applicants but will also significantly reduce the cost which is charged by the Visa Application Centers, including TLS and VFS-Global. Their mandatory charges in South Africa include an application fee, appointment fee, courier fee and notification fee, which could sometimes be double the visa fee. Applicants have no choice but to pay this, which brings the cost to obtain a visa for a family of four, to almost 800 Euro. This online Visa application platform will bring this down to the visa fee of 90 Euro, which makes it much more affordable for South Africans to travel to the Schengen area. The visa fees will be paid through an EU VAP-linked gateway, which transfers payments directly to the relevant member state.

The procedure is still in discussion by the Council as well as the Parliament, after which the member states can shift to the online platform in the next five years.

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ADDRESS
Belgium in Pretoria

625 Leyds Street
Muckleneuk, Pretoria

CONTACT
Belgian Embassy

Tel: 012 440 3201
E-mail: pretoria@diplobel.fed.be

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ADDRESS
Croatia in Pretoria

167 Lynwood Road
Brooklyn, Pretoria

CONTACT
Croatian Embassy

Tel: 012 342 1206
E-mail: croemb.pretoria@mvpei.hr

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ADDRESS
Czech Republic in Pretoria

936 Pretorius Street
Arcadia, Pretoria

CONTACT
Czechnia Embassy

Tel: 012 431 2380
Email: pretoria@embassy.mzv.cz
Website: www.mzv.cz/pretoria

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ADDRESS
Croatia in Pretoria

167 Lynwood Road
Brooklyn, Pretoria

CONTACT
Croatian Embassy

Tel: 012 342 1206
E-mail: croemb.pretoria@mvpei.hr

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ADDRESS
Denmark in Pretoria

Iparioli Office Park
Block, B2, Ground Floor
1166 Park Street
Hatfield, Pretoria

CONTACT
Danish Embassy

Tel: 012 430 9340
Fax: 012 342 7620
E-mail: pryamb@um.dk

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ADDRESS
France in Pretoria

250 Melk Street
Cnr Middle Street
New Muckleneuk, Pretoria

CONTACT
French Embassy

Tel: 012 425 1600
Fax: 012 425 1609
E-Mail: france@ambafrance-rsa.org

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ADDRESS
Germany in Pretoria

201 Florence Ribeiro Avenue
Groenkloof Ext 3, Pretoria

CONTACT
German Embassy

Tel: 012 427 8900
E-mail: info@pret.diplo.de
Website: www.southafrica.diplo.de

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ADDRESS
Greece in Pretoria

Brooklyn Gardens
235 Veale Street
Nieuw Muckleneuk
Pretoria

CONTACT
Greek Embassy

Tel: 012 348 2427
Fax: 012 348 2448
E-mail: gremb.pre@mfa.gr

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ADDRESS
Italy in Pretoria

796 George Avenue
Arcadia, Pretoria

CONTACT
Italian Embassy

Tel: 012 423 0000
Fax: 012 430 5547
E-mail: segreteria.pretoria@esteri.it

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ADDRESS
Netherlands in Pretoria

210 Queen Wilhelmina Avenue
Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria

CONTACT
Dutch Embassy

Tel: 012 425 4500
E-mail: pre@minbuza.nl
Website: www.netherlandsworldwide.nl

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ADDRESS
Norway in Pretoria

Ozmik House
165 Lynnwood Road
Brooklyn, Pretoria

CONTACT
Norwegian Embassy

Tel: 012 364 3700
Fax: 012 364 3799
Email: emb.pretoria@mfa.no

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ADDRESS
Poland in Pretoria

14 Amos Street
Colbyn, Pretoria

CONTACT
Polish Embassy

Tel: 012 430 2621
E-mail: konsulat.pretoria@msz.gov.pl
Website: https://pretoria.msz.gov.pl/en/

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ADDRESS
Portugal in Pretoria

599 Leyds Street
Muckleneuk, Pretoria

CONTACT
Portuguese Embassy

Tel: 012 341 2340
Fax: 012 440 1242
E-mail: portemb@global.co.za

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ADDRESS
Spain in Pretoria

Lord Charles Building
337 Brooklyn Road
Brooklyn, Pretoria

CONTACT
Spanish Embassy

Tel: 012 460 0123
Fax: 012 460 2290
E-mail: emb.pretoria@maec.es

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ADDRESS
Sweden in Pretoria

iParioli Complex
1166 Park Street
Hatfield, Pretoria

CONTACT
Swedish Embassy

Tel: 012 426 6400
E-mail: ambassaden.pretoria@foreign.ministry.se
Website: www.swedenabroad.com

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ADDRESS
Switzerland in Pretoria

165 Lynwood Road
Ozmik House, South Wing
Brooklyn, Pretoria

CONTACT
Swiss Embassy

Tel: 012 366 9400
E-mail: pretoria@sdc.net
Website: www.sdc.org.za

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THE PROCEDURE

Three Simple Steps To Get Your Schengen Visa

Complete the Application Form
Collect the required documents and pay the visa fee
Schedule and attend the biometric data capturing

The VisaRequest Visa Processing Service Offers Several Benefits

The VisaRequest expert will assist with the application and keep you informed about the status throughout the visa application process

Professional assistance from start to finish
Verification and validation of information
Assistance with scheduling an interview
24/7 guidance and support via phone, zoom or live chat
Simplified application process and constant status updates
Various methods of payment

Complete for assistance with your Schengen Visa in South Africa

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    Get A Permit To Live Abroad

    VisaRequest assist with long-stay visas for South Africans who wants to live abroad for multiple years.
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    South African Passports

    Get Your Passport Renewed

    VisaRequest assist with the application or renewal of a South African Passport from the Department of Home Affairs.
    Simply forward a copy of your ID and we will schedule speedy appointments at your nearest bank or Home Affairs office.

    Schengen Visa Compliant

    Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance

    VisaRequest offer Trave Insurance at the best price, covering a wide range of incidents in most countries and underwritten by one of the biggest international insurance providers.
    The easy online facility offers a step-by-step quotation and purchase facility so you can be protected from unforeseen eventualities that can threaten your trip.

    Immigration Lawyers

    Get Legal Assistance

    VisaRequest is not a law firm, but is affiliated with a legal firm managed by registered attorneys with the right to appear in court.
    This partnership offers our clients legal services to assist with litigation and administrative appeals.

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    Get Assistance With The Documents You Need?

    VisaRequest provide assistance with the documents you need from Home Affairs, DIRCO, SA Police or the Embassy to submit with an application.
    We apply for civic affairs documentation, get documents legalized and authenticated and police clearance.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Your questions answered about Schengen Visa Applications in South Africa

    A visa which allows you to visit any of the Schengen States in Europe, within the validity of the visa

    You must lodge the application for a Schengen visa at the Consulate of the country you intend to visit and if you intend to visit more than one Schengen State, you should apply at the Consulate of the country where you will spend the longest period of time. If you intend to visit several Schengen States and the stays will be of equal length, you must apply at the Consulate of the first country you will visit

    No, out of 45 European countries, only 29 are in the Schengen Area

    The Schengen visa is a short stay visa for a maximum stay of 90 days in any 180 days period. The precise validity of the visa is indicated on the visa sticker under "Duration of visit". Under "Number of entries" you will find for a single-entry visa, you can enter only once while a multiple entry visa allows several entries during the validity of the visa

    As a general rule, once a Schengen visa application is submitted to the Consulate, a decision is taken within 15 calendar days but it can be extended up to 30 days or 60 days. You have to book an appointment before lodging the application, and the process only starts once the application reaches the Consulate which could take up to six days

    Applications cannot be lodged more than six months before the start of the intended trip and it cannot be lodge with less than 15 working days from the intended visit

    The Schengen visa Fee is €80 (About R1307) for adults and €40 (About R653) and free for children aged 6-12. The Visa application centre service charge is approximately R400. Should you select to use the service of VisaRequest to assist with your application, and additional R900 is charged

    With a single-entry visa you can enter the Schengen area only once but with a visa multiple entries you may enter several times different Schengen countries during the validity of the visa, as long as you’re not staying more than 90 days over a 180 day period

    The visa does not automatically entitle you to enter the Schengen area, and you may have to provide copies of the documents which you presented when you applied for the visa at the border control

    You do not need a transit visa if you do not leave the international transit area of the airport for your onward journey but you will not be allowed to enter the Schengen territory to stay at a hotel or to take an onwards flight. Transit visas are valid only for short stopovers while you are waiting for your onward flight in the airport's international transit area and you need to apply for a regular tourist visa if you need to stay overnight

    When applying for a visa extension, you must show that due to force majeure or for humanitarian reasons or for serious personal reasons it is not possible for you to leave before the expiry of your visa or the authorized period of stay. This can only be permitted if you have stayed less than 90 days in the Schengen area over the course of 180 days

    The sponsor needs to complete and sign a formal letter of obligation which needs to be submitted with your visa application, together with proof of their financial means. This can be obtained from the local Aliens Office or Police Station

    You need to submit your business registration as proof you are the owner and the latest three months bank statements of your business

    You can still apply for your Schengen visa if you are unemployed— provided you can prove you have enough financial resources to support yourself even without employment. In most cases, you need a sponsor, either a friend or family member, who can declare they will support you financially as you visit the Schengen area

    You need to submit an application with all the necessary documents, but if you attach a copy or certified copy of your marriage certificate with apostille, your visa will be free of charge

    You may use the visa in the old passport to travel to the Schengen area, but only if the new passport is attached to the old one and if the name is exactly the same for the two passports.

    You must demonstrate your multiple travel needs. For business trips, the necessity of multiple trips should be stated in the invitation letter and for private visits a note should be included in the invitation letter. You will also need to include proof of previous travels and you need to state clearly in your application your request. You only have to provide proof of travel insurance for your first trip. You have no right to get a multiple-entry multi-year visa, and this is usually issued to reliable, frequent travelers with several past visas, depending on the period of validity of the passport and evidence of the purpose of the journey, financing and willingness to return to their home country

    The UK is not a Schengen country because it has opted to maintain its own immigration and border control. If you are planning to travel to the UK, you will have to apply for a separate visa from the UK

    The difference is the purpose of the visit. You apply for a tourist visa for tourism or leisure purposes and visitor visa to visit a family member or a close friend who lives in the Schengen Area

    A Flight or Travel Itinerary for a Visa Application is not an actual air ticket you paid for without knowing whether your Schengen Visa will be issued, but a detailed plan of your flight or travel journey to the Schengen Area which reflects the flight timetable on the chosen flight airline, a flight name, your name, a valid flight reservation number or booking ID, arrival and departure date, and airport IATA codes, as well as the price of the flight ticket

    If you stay more than 90 within 180 days, you’ve effectively breached the 90/180 rule, and you will most likely either be deported, fined, or banned from entering the Schengen zone for several years

    Latest Visa Notice from Schengen Countries

    Schegan Insurance

    Visa processing time is now reduced to 5-7 working days after the date of your appointment

    by -

    Portugal

    Visa processing time is now reduced to 5-7 working days after the date of your appointment

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    Czech-republic

    Visa processing time is now reduced to 5-7 working days after the date of your appointment

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    Switzerland

    Visa processing time is now reduced to 5-7 working days after the date of your appointment

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    Spain

    Visa processing time is now reduced to 5-7 working days after the date of your appointment

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    Poland

    Visa processing time is now reduced to 5-7 working days after the date of your appointment

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    italy

    Visa processing time is now reduced to 5-7 working days after the date of your appointment

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    Germany

    Visa processing time is now reduced to 5-7 working days after the date of your appointment

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    France

    Visa processing time is now reduced to 5-7 working days after the date of your appointment

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    Greece

    Walk-in option is available at application centre at an additional fee

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    Netherlands

    You can now apply for your visa 6 months before your travel date

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    Popular Schengen Countries

    Select a country to read more about their Schengen Visa Application Process

    Visa for Belgium

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    Visa Czech Republic

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    Visa for Croatia

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    Visa for France

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    Visa for Denmark

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    Visa for Germany

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    Visa for Greece

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    Visa for Italy

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    Visa for Norway

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    Visa for Netherlands

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    Visa for Poland

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    Visa for Portugal

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    Visa for Spain

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    Visa for Sweden

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    Visa for Switzerland

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