Germany is a fantastic destination for tourists worldwide, and South African citizens are no exception. However, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa before you can pack your bags and explore all of Germany's offers. In this article, we'll guide you through the application process step by step.
Determine Your Visa Type
The first step in applying for a Schengen visa is to determine which type of visa you need. If planning a short-term trip (up to 90 days), you must apply for a Schengen visa. If planning a more extended trip (more than 90 days), you must apply for a National visa.
Choose the Correct Country Mission For Your Visa Application
According to the Visa Code, the German Missions in South Africa are only responsible for processing your application if your main destination is Germany.
Once you've determined which visa you need, you must choose the correct visa application centre to submit your application. In general, submit your application to the visa application centre of the country that is your primary destination. If you need help determining which country that is, contact the nearest consulate or mission of the land of your first entry into the Schengen Area.
Arrange Travel Insurance
It is vital to have travel insurance that meets the mandatory requirements for a Schengen visa application. Our Schengen Travel insurance provides an excellent option for South African citizens. It offers up to R 500,000 in emergency medical expenses in case of accident, sickness, illness or injury and includes up to R 1,000 in case of lost or stolen travel documents. Prices start from R 128 per person and can be purchased online for complete peace of mind. Don’t leave for your trip with it!
In a few clicks, you can get your Schengen travel insurance and receive by email the Certificate of Insurance required to apply for a Schengen visa.
Gather Your Required Documents
The next step is to gather all the required documents for your visa application. The required documents will vary depending on the purpose of your trip, but in general, you'll need to provide the following:
● A completed visa application form in either English or German
● Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area
● A recent passport-sized photograph
● Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight reservations
● Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations
● Evidence of financial means, such as bank statements
● Proof of travel health insurance (Certificate of Insurance)
Submit Your Application Method
After you have all your required documents, you must choose your application platform. You can complete your Schengen visa application online using Germany's VIDEX platform or submit a physical application at one of the Visa Application Centers of the external service provider TLScontact. However, it's always best to check with the German Missions or TLS contact to ensure you use the right platform for your visa application.
If you submit a physical application at a Visa Application Center, you'll need to schedule an appointment to submit your application. Make sure to schedule your appointment at least four weeks ahead of your planned departure date.
On the day of your appointment, bring all your required documents and submit your application to TLScontact. They will guide you through the application process, collect your biometrics, and answer any questions you may have. After you've submitted your application, the German Mission will review it and make a decision. This process can take up to 15 days, so be patient. If your visa is approved, you can collect your passport from TLScontact.
Check Your Visa Once It Arrives
Once you've received your passport, check the visa data for possible mistakes. Pay attention to the validity of the visa, the number of days of stay, the spelling of your name, and the number of entries granted. If you notice any mistakes, inform the external service provider and the visa section immediately.
Travel to Germany
Once you've received your passport, check the visa data for possible mistakes. Pay attention to the validity of the visa, the number of days of stay, the spelling of your name, and the number of entries granted. If you notice any mistakes, inform the external service provider and the visa section immediately.