Apply for Your Europe Tourist or Business Visa with Visas Abroad
Europe
At Visas Abroad, we make Europe visa applications simple and reliable. Whether you’re applying for a tourist, business, or artist/performer visa, we guide you through the process, ensuring your documentation is correct and up-to-date for a smooth, stress-free experience.
Document / Requirement | Details & Description |
Complete the Online Application | Fill out the Travel Visa application form on the website, providing all required personal details, travel plans, and the purpose of your visit. |
Submit Required Documents | Collect the following: • Valid Passport: Must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. • Recent Photograph: Must strictly meet the EU's visa photo standards. • Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings and accommodation details (hotel reservations or invitation letters). • Proof of Financial Means: Recent bank statements or other financial documents showing you can financially support your stay. • Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage that includes medical emergencies, as required for many European countries. |
Visa Fee Payment Receipt | Proof of payment for the visa application fee. |
Receive Your Visa | Once approved, your visa confirmation will be sent to your email. |
How to get a European visa in South Africa?
Prepare Your Documents
Complete and sign the Visa Application Form.
Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond departure, minimum 2 blank pages).
Passport-size photo (as per official standards).
Travel medical insurance.
Proof of reason for travel and accommodation.
Evidence of financial means.
When in 2025 will ETIAS start?
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.
How much is a Schengen visa for South Africa?
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.
Do South Africans need a visa for Europe?
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.
How long does a Schengen visa take in SA?
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 to track your application online after submitting it.
How much bank balance is required for a Schengen visa?
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.