Visa - short term (Schengen)
According to the so-called Schengen agreement, a Schengen Visa entitles the holder to an accumulated stay of up to 90 days within a period of 6 months for 26 European Countries.
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Schengen countries
(© German Embassy Pretoria)
Please submit your application for a Schengen Visa to the representative of the country which is your main destination - considering length and purpose of your intended stay. If no such main destination can be ascertained, please contact the representative of the country of your first entry into the Schengen Area.
To facilitate your travel arrangements, the German Missions have summarized all relevant information and attached the necessary requirements for visa applications for the Federal Republic of Germany. Please make certain to review the requirements carefully and adhere to them, as this will save you valuable time and effort throughout the visa application process. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. In this respect, please pay particular attention to the photo chart as photos for visa application forms must meet specific criteria.
You are meeting a supplier, a client or you are attending a trade fair in Germany? Please apply for a business visa.
Business Visa
To visit friends or family or simply to tour Germany please apply for a visitor's visa. This category also applies, if you accompany your spouse, who is on a business trip.
Visitor's Visa
If a minor travels to Germany, be it in company of the parents, as part of a youth tour or as individual, special requirements will have to be met.
Special Requirements for Minors
Are you travelling to Germany in order to undergo medical treatment, please adhere to these requirements.
Medical Treatment Visa
Holders of South African official passports on official trip upon invitation by a German Government Agency do require a visa. PLEASE NOTE: also Holders of South African official passports on official trip entering the Schengen area through a German airport do require a visa, regardless whether the Schengen country of your main destination excempts holders of South African official passports from visa requirements.
Official Travel Visa upon invitation
If you transit through an international airport in Germany with your final destination being a country outside the Schengen area, you may need an airport transit visa. PLEASE NOTE, that entering the Schengen area through an airport in Germany just to continue your trip into another Schengen area is NOT considered to be a transit. You will have to apply for a visa at the Embassy representing the Schengen country of your main destination.
Transit Visa
The fee for a Schengen Visa is 60.00 Euro, payable in South African Rand in cash or by credit card (Master and Visa cards only - NO debit cards accepted) at the current exchange rate. Exemptions from the visa fee are possible for certain types of visas.
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