EUROPEAN SCHENGEN VISA
This is a single tourist visa used to visit a multitude of European countries without needing to use separate visas for each, having a Schengen Visa means that you can travel freely between countries that have a Schengen agreement for up to 90 days in a six month time period.
The European Union Visa Information System (VIS) requires applicants to appear in person for visa applications to enable the collection of biometric data. The process will apply to all South African passport holders requesting short-stay visas (up to three months) for relevant Schengen states.
Short Stay
1-90 days, single or multiple entries
Long Stay
For visits exceeding 90 days – they are national visas, and are issued by member states in accordance with national legislation.
Multiple Entry
A multiple entry Schengen visa will allow the holder several entries into the Schengen area, allowing you to return to a country and / or re-enter the Schengen area at a later date. Not all embassies issue multiple entry visas, some prefer to only issue a single entry visa to cover for the specific trip you are going on.
Children & Government Officials
Children under the age of 12 and persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible, as well as heads of state and members of national government when travelling for official purposes, may be exempted from the provision of fingerprints.
Biometrics Previously Collected
If you have already obtained a previous Schengen visa and your biometric data (i.e. digital photograph and fingerprints) was previously collected, you can be exempted from giving your biometric data again on condition that:
- You have a copy of your previous Schengen visa, on which the VIS mark appears;
- Your biometric data was collected within the last 5 years (to be more precise within the past 59 months).
Except for: Austria, Czech Republic, Netherlands and Sweden.
If the above conditions apply to you, then you do not need to appear in person in order to submit your application for a new visa. SA Travelbug may submit your application on your behalf. The Consulate reserves the right to request a new biometric data collection if the biometric data, collected in the previous application is not re-usable.
When you apply for a Schengen Visa you must apply at the Visa Office of the Country you will be visiting for the longest.
| Austria | France | Latvia | Norway | Sweden |
| Belgium | Germany | Liechtenstein | Poland | Switzerland |
| Czech Republic | Greece | Lithuania | Portugal | |
| Denmark | Hungary | Luxemborg | Slovakia | |
| Estonia | Iceland | Malta | Slovenia | |
| Finland | Italy | Netherlands | Spain | |
Travel Insurance including medical cover is required when travelling. It must cover the duration of the requested visa. Request Travel Insurance here.
Administrative costs for processing of a Schengen Visa
All types of visas (transit and short stay) 80 Euro, (paid in rands)
(relevant Consulate has to be contacted regarding the cost in Rand)
Children between 6 and 12 40 Euro, (paid in rands)
(relevant Consulate has to be contacted regarding the cost in Rand)
National Long stay visas 99 Euro, (paid in rands)
(relevant Consulate has to be contacted regarding the cost in Rand)
Visas will be issued free of charge for:
- Children under age 6
- School pupils, students, post graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose of study or educational training
- Students under 18 years who participate in sport or cultural events
- Applicant invited by the UN/EU
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Spouses of EU/EEA citizens and their children, under the age of 21 only if travelling with or joining the EU/EEA citizen
- Researchers from third countries travelling with the community for the purpose of carrying out specific research
The majority of Schengen Embassies require you to appear in person and/or outsourced visa centre. Exemptions from this with certain Schengen States are if you previously have had two Schengen visas issued in the last three years and/or you reside outside a certain proximity from the Embassy.
- A thorough and detailed information gathering process ensuring you are provided with the latest current information.
- Guidance as to the best submission process and submission centre regarding such applications.
- Counselling throughout the preparation process, providing you with checklists and templates for the supporting documents required for your application.
- Completing and submitting your online application.
- Arranging the couriering of your documents.
- Assisting in liaising and obtaining where possible supporting documentation and accreditation from the required 3rd parties. Noting that in some instances the time frame of such documentation is beyond the control of SA Travelbug.
- Arranging for the translation of required supporting documents.
- Preparation of a complete application dossier for presentation to Immigration Authorities, as required.
- If required we will also arrange your Consular appointment.
- To maintain the confidentiality of the client’s information and documents and to only release these details to the noted Government officials and those required by law or in order to expedite the application, unless the Applicant provides the authority to release information or documents to any other party.pplicant provides the authority to release information or documents to any other party.
