This guide explores everything you need to know—from fees and service charges to required documents, processing times, and practical tips to make your application smooth.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel within the 27 Schengen Area countries in Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, family visits, or short studies, this visa opens the door to popular destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, all under a single visa sticker.
For South Africans, the Schengen visa is a mandatory requirement unless you hold dual citizenship with a country that is visa-exempt.
Schengen Visa Cost in South Africa
As of June 2024, the European Commission increased the official Schengen visa fee. Here’s the updated structure for South African applicants:
-
Adults (18+): €90 (≈ ZAR 1,800–1,900)
-
Children (6–12 years): €45 (≈ ZAR 900–950)
-
Children under 6 years: Free
In addition to the visa fee, most applicants will need to apply through a service provider such as VFS Global or TLScontact, depending on the embassy handling the visa. These centres charge an extra service fee of around ZAR 400–510, which is non-refundable.
Example of Total Costs:
-
Adult applicant: ZAR 2,200–2,400 (visa + service charge)
-
Child (6–12 years): ZAR 1,350–1,450
-
Child under 6: ZAR 400–500 (only service fee if applicable)
It’s important to note that exchange rates can cause slight differences between embassies. Always check the official website of the specific consulate or application centre for the most accurate Rand amount.
Who Needs to Pay the Fee?
Most applicants must pay the Schengen visa fee. However, some categories qualify for reduced or waived fees, such as:
-
Children under 6 years old
-
Students and teachers travelling for educational purposes
-
Researchers travelling for academic projects
-
Certain cultural, sporting, or non-profit participants
-
Spouses and close family members of EU/EEA citizens
If you fall under one of these categories, check with the relevant embassy to confirm whether you qualify for a reduced fee.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Schengen Visa in South Africa
Applying for a Schengen visa might feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps makes it more manageable:
1. Determine Which Embassy to Apply To
You must apply at the embassy or consulate of the country:
-
Where you will spend the most time during your trip, or
-
Where you first enter if staying an equal number of days in multiple countries.
2. Book an Appointment
Applications are handled through official partners like VFS Global or TLScontact. You’ll need to create an account, complete your visa form online, and schedule an appointment.
3. Gather the Required Documents
Prepare all necessary paperwork before your appointment (see detailed list below).
4. Attend Your Appointment
At your scheduled appointment, you’ll:
-
Submit your documents
-
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
-
Pay the visa and service fees
5. Wait for Processing
After submission, your application will be processed by the relevant embassy.
6. Collect Your Passport
Once your application is approved, you’ll collect your passport with the visa sticker. If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for rejection.
Required Documents for Schengen Visa in South Africa
To apply successfully, South Africans must provide a comprehensive set of documents, usually including:
-
Completed visa application form
-
Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond your return date, with 2 blank pages)
-
Recent passport photos (biometric standards)
-
Proof of travel itinerary (flight reservations or bookings)
-
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental agreement)
-
Travel medical insurance (minimum coverage €30,000, valid across Schengen)
-
Proof of financial means (bank statements from the last 3 months, payslips, or sponsor letter)
-
Employment documents (employment letter, leave approval, or proof of self-employment)
-
Visa fee payment receipt
-
Additional documents depending on purpose (e.g., business invitation, conference details, student enrollment letter, etc.)
Make sure all documents are accurate, up-to-date, and consistent—small errors can lead to refusal.
Processing Times for Schengen Visas in South Africa
The processing time depends on the embassy and season. Generally, it takes:
-
15 calendar days for most applications
-
30–60 days in complex cases or peak travel periods
It is strongly recommended to apply at least 6–8 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Why the Schengen Visa Fee Increased
In 2024, the European Commission raised the visa fee from €80 to €90 for adults. The increase reflects rising administrative costs, biometric system maintenance, and improved security screening across the Schengen Area. While this may seem like a small difference in euros, the impact is more noticeable in Rand given currency fluctuations.
Extra Costs Beyond the Visa Fee
When budgeting, keep in mind that the Schengen visa cost in South Africa is not just the application fee. Additional expenses may include:
-
Service charges (ZAR 400–510)
-
Travel insurance (from ZAR 300 upwards, depending on coverage and provider)
-
Document printing & passport photos (ZAR 100–200)
-
Courier fees if you opt for home delivery of your passport
Altogether, most applicants spend between ZAR 2,600–3,000 when factoring in all associated costs.
Tips to Save Money on Your Schengen Visa Application
-
Apply early to avoid rush courier fees.
-
Use package deals for travel insurance that meet Schengen requirements.
-
Double-check documents to avoid refusal (which means paying again for a new application).
-
Book refundable flights and hotels—some embassies only need proof of booking, not paid tickets.
-
Check exemptions—students, researchers, and EU/EEA family members may qualify for reduced or waived fees.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Despite paying the fee, applications can still be denied. Common reasons include:
-
Insufficient proof of financial means
-
Invalid or insufficient travel insurance
-
Unclear travel itinerary
-
Missing or inconsistent documents
-
Past overstays or visa violations
If rejected, the fee is non-refundable, but you can reapply after correcting the issues.
FAQs About Schengen Visa Cost in South Africa
1. Can I pay the Schengen visa fee in Rand?
Yes, but the fee is pegged to euros. The Rand amount changes depending on the exchange rate at the time of your application.
2. Are service fees included in the visa price?
No. Service providers like VFS Global and TLScontact add separate handling charges.
3. Do I get my money back if my visa is refused?
No. The Schengen visa fee is strictly non-refundable.
4. Can I pay online?
Most centres require payment at the application centre (cash or card), but some allow online pre-payment.
5. Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. Without valid Schengen-compliant insurance, your application will be rejected.
Conclusion
Applying for a Schengen visa in South Africa involves both preparation and budgeting. The current cost stands at €90 (≈ ZAR 1,800–1,900) for adults and €45 (≈ ZAR 900–950) for children aged 6–12, with additional service charges pushing the total to around ZAR 2,200–2,400 per applicant.
By carefully preparing your documents, applying early, and budgeting for extras like insurance and service fees, you can ensure a smoother process and avoid costly mistakes.
If Europe is on your travel bucket list, understanding the Schengen visa cost in South Africa is the first step toward making your dream trip a reality