Schengen Visas

Schengen Visas

South African travelers are required to acquire a Schengen Visa to explore or work in Europe. Whilst you apply via a specific country, when applying you will also need to specify which countries you are visiting when you apply for the Schengen visa so you, theoretically speaking, can’t roam around the Schengen Area as you please.

Are you visiting one of these countries:

• 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
• Switzerland

Which Country to Apply to

• If you are visiting only one Schengen country, then naturally you’ll apply for your Schengen visa via that country.
• If the main reason for your travels are to conduct business in a specific Schengen country, then you should apply for your visa via that country.
• If you are travelling to more than one Schengen country, then you’ll apply for your Schengen Visa at at the embassy of the country you’ll be staying in the longest (if you’re visiting the Schengen countries for equivalent lengths of time, you apply at the embassy of the Schengen country you’re entering first).

When you apply via a specific country, when applying you will also need to specify which countries you are visiting when you apply for the visa so you, theoretically speaking, can’t roam around the Schengen Area as you please.

Many travelers enter the Schengen Area in a different country to the one with whom they applied for the visa, because airlines use international hub airports. For example, if you’re flying KLM from Johannesburg to Frankfurt you’ll enter at Amsterdam.

When to Apply for a Schengen Visa

Applications must take place not more than 3 months and not less than 15 days before your intended visit.

Documentation Required for a Schengen Visa

Since the 6th June 2013 fingerprints are required, meaning that you need to appear in person at the embassy or consulate.

To apply for a Schengen visa you need to submit the following documents:

• Completed application form.
• A South African Passport, not older than 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages and valid for at least 3 months after the date you leave all Schengen countries. Temporary passports are not recognised by many Schengen countries.
• Two colour photos which meet the Schengen Requirements
• If you are travelling elsewhere before returning to South Africa, you’ll need to get the visas of the country which you’re leaving the Schengen countries for, before you apply for the Schengen visa (e.g., if you’re going to the UK after visiting the Schengen countries).
• Proof that you paid the visa fee.
• Copy of round-trip airline tickets & itinerary, specifying when you’re entering & when you’re leaving the Schengen area.
• Bank statements for the last 3 months, to prove sufficient funds (the amount required varies by country). Provide proof of travelers’ cheques, tax receipts for any forex bought and credit card statements or an original letter from the bank showing proving the credit amount.
• Proof that you have the minimum Schengen Travel Medical Insurance.
• Proof of your hotel bookings. If staying with a friend/family, an invitation letter with a copy of the host’s passport/ID.
• If travelling on business, a letter from your employer stating why you’re visiting as well as a letter from the company in the Schengen country you’re going to. If you’re going to a conference, then send proof of payment and registration.