South African citizens need a visa to visit most European countries in the Schengen Area This guide explains the fee, documents, processing time and steps to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa.
Note: Fees and rules can change The details below were checked in October 2026. Always confirm with the embassy or visa centre of your destination country before you apply.
Do South Africans need a Schengen visa?
Yes. South Africa is not on the visa-exempt list, so you need a Schengen Type C visa for tourism, business visits or family visits ETIAS, the new travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, does not apply to South Africans The UK and Ireland are separate and need their own visas.
How long can you stay?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined Travellers with a clean travel history may get a multiple-entry visa.
Visa fee
- Adults: €90 (about R1,700-R1,800)
- Children aged 6-11: €45
- Children under 6: free
- A service fee is paid to the visa centre (for example, about €20 at the Finland centre)
Processing time
Officially up to 15 days, but it can take 30 or even 45 days if more checks are needed Apply at least three weeks before you travel. You can apply up to six months before your trip.
Documents you will need
- Passport valid for at least 3 months after you leave Europe, with 2 blank pages
- Completed application form
- Recent passport photos
- Return flight itinerary
- Proof of accommodation or an invitation letter
- Travel insurance of at least €30,000 covering the whole Schengen Area
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- Cover letter explaining your trip
- Extra documents for your purpose (invitation letter, proof of enrolment, etc.)
How to apply
- Choose the country where you will spend the most days If your stays are equal, choose your first point of entry.
- Book an appointment through VFS Global or TLScontact.
- Attend the appointment and give your fingerprints.
- Pay the visa fee and service fee.
- Wait for your passport to be returned with the decision.
Changes to watch in 2026-2027
Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) started in October 2025 and records entries and exits by biometric scan, so overstays are tracked automatically The EU is also moving visa applications online, but first-time applicants will still need to attend in person.