Prepare Your Documents 1. Complete and sign the Visa Application Form. 2. Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond departure, minimum 2 blank pages). 3. Passport-size photo (as per official standards). 4. Travel medical insurance. 5. Proof of reason for travel and accommodation. 6. Evidence of financial means.

Welcome to the official ETIAS website ETIAS is the new travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries. ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point.

A Schengen visa from South Africa costs the standard €90 (around R1750-R1900, subject to exchange rates) for adults, with reduced fees for children (6-11 years) at €45 (R900) and free for under-6s, plus a mandatory VFS/BLS service fee (approx. R300-R600) per application, always paid in ZAR. Fees are non-refundable, depend on the specific EU country and current exchange rates, and are paid at the application center.

Despite these positive steps, South African passport holders still require visas for most European destinations. The current imbalance underscores the need for further negotiations toward reciprocal visa-free agreements.

A Schengen visa from South Africa generally takes up to 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30 or even 45 days if extra checks (like consultations with other Schengen states) or more documents are needed, so applying at least 4 weeks before travel and ideally 6 months out is recommended. Processing times vary by country, but you'll get a reference number from VFS Global (https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enZA1151ZA1152&sca_esv=02d96f4dae5a5963&cs=1&sxsrf=ANbL-n6l5Qnqsl8ZL8w4MUzFvs6vHVnUNw:1769684816310&q=VFS+Global&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0ntvWzbCSAxUqV0EAHf1LCRsQxccNegQIMhAB)to track your application online after submitting it.

For a Schengen visa, you need to show sufficient funds for your stay, typically a daily amount (e.g., €45-€120+) multiplied by your trip duration, varying by country and accommodation, plus a minimum overall balance (like €1,065) is often cited, with recent 3-month bank statements showing consistent income/balance being crucial, not just a last-minute deposit. Always check the specific consulate's requirements for your destination country (e.g., France, Germany, Spain) as figures differ.