France Schengen Visa
Short-Stay Visa (Type C) · For South Africa citizens
Planning a trip to France as a South African citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Schengen Visa application: required documents, current fees of €90, processing times of 15 days, and strategies to improve your chances. A French Schengen visa grants you access to all 29 Schengen states across Europe.
France Schengen Visa for South African Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For South Africa citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
Complete the standard Schengen visa application form online or on paper
Two recent passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen specifications
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies in the Schengen area
Round-trip flight reservation showing entry to and exit from the Schengen area
Hotel reservations or invitation letter for your entire stay in France
Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and income in South Africa
Recommended (Optional)
Personal letter explaining your travel purpose and itinerary
Application Process
All applications must be submitted through CAPAGO, the official visa application service provider for France in South Africa.13 The process involves:
1. Check Requirements
Use the visa wizard at france-visas.gouv.fr to confirm you need a visa and see the required documents for your situation.1
2. Complete Online Application
Fill out the Schengen visa application form online through France-Visas.1 Create an account to save your progress and track your application.
3. Book Appointment
Schedule an appointment at a CAPAGO Visa Application Centre in Johannesburg or Cape Town.3 Durban centre accepts biometrics only.
4. Submit Documents
Attend your appointment with all required documents, including passport, photos, application form, travel insurance, flight reservation, accommodation proof, bank statements, and employment letter.1 Pay the €90 visa fee plus service charge.
5. Provide Biometrics
First-time Schengen applicants must provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.1 Biometrics are stored for 5 years.
6. Wait for Decision
Processing takes approximately 15 days.1 Track your application online. Collect your passport from CAPAGO or arrange courier delivery.
Fees
| Category | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12+) | €90 | Standard Schengen fee |
| Children (6-11) | €45 | Reduced fee |
| Children (under 6) | Free | No charge |
| CAPAGO Service Fee | ~R500 | Per application |
| SMS Updates | ~R50 | Optional |
| Courier Return | ~R250 | Optional passport delivery |
Payment is accepted in South African Rand at the current exchange rate.3
What You Need to Prove
According to Schengen visa requirements, you must demonstrate:4
- Genuine tourism purpose or other permitted short-stay reason
- Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, daily expenses, and return travel
- Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
- Intent to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires
- Valid travel document meeting Schengen specifications
Schengen Area Access
A French Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen member states:4
Western Europe: France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein Southern Europe: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Malta Northern Europe: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland Central Europe: Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Newest Members: Bulgaria, Romania
You can travel freely between these countries during your 90-day allowance.
Processing Times
Standard processing for Schengen visa applications from South Africa takes 15 calendar days.1
| Season | Expected Time |
|---|---|
| Standard | 15 days |
| Peak (Apr-Jul) | 30-45 days |
Submit your application at least 15 days before travel, but no more than 6 months in advance.1 During peak European summer season, apply 4-6 weeks early.
After Your Visa is Approved
Your visa sticker will be placed in your passport. Check carefully:
- Entry and exit dates
- Number of entries (single or multiple)
- Duration of stay allowed
- Countries covered (should say “ETATS SCHENGEN”)
At the French border, be prepared to show:
- Return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance certificate
- Evidence of sufficient funds
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a letter stating the reason based on standardized categories.1 You can:
- Reapply addressing the specific issues mentioned
- Appeal the decision through formal administrative channels
- Seek legal advice for complex situations
Common reasons for refusal include insufficient funds, weak ties to home country, and incomplete documentation. Address these specifically in any new application.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds to cover the trip, or show suspicious patterns like recent large deposits.
How to avoid: Show 3 months of statements with stable balance. Budget €100+ per day plus accommodation and transport. Avoid large deposits close to application.
Weak Ties to South Africa
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to South Africa after the visit.
How to avoid: Provide employment letter with tenure details, property ownership documents, family certificates showing dependents, or business registration.
Incomplete or Inadequate Documentation
Missing required documents, poor quality copies, or documents not meeting specifications.
How to avoid: Use the checklist on france-visas.gouv.fr. Ensure all documents are clear, complete, and properly translated if needed.
Inadequate Travel Insurance
Insurance does not meet minimum €30,000 coverage, does not cover all Schengen states, or validity dates do not match travel dates.
How to avoid: Purchase Schengen-specific travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage. Ensure it covers your entire trip duration plus a few extra days.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or immigration violations in Europe or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Provide explanation letter and evidence of changed circumstances since the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in France on a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen area, not just France. You can split this time across multiple visits if you have a multiple-entry visa.
Can I visit other European countries with a French Schengen visa?
Yes, a French Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen member states including Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, and more. You must enter through France or spend the majority of your time there.
Can I work in France on a Schengen tourist visa?
No, the Schengen visa does not permit any form of employment. It is strictly for tourism, business visits (meetings, conferences), or visiting family. Working requires a long-stay visa with work authorization.
How long does French visa processing take from South Africa?
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. During peak season (April-July), processing can extend to 30-45 days. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned travel date.
What is the Schengen visa fee for South Africans in 2025?
The Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children ages 6-11. Children under 6 are free. Additional CAPAGO service fees of approximately R500 apply.
Do I need confirmed flight bookings before applying?
You need flight reservations showing your travel dates, but they do not need to be confirmed tickets. The French authorities advise not purchasing non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Where do I apply for a French Schengen visa in South Africa?
Applications are submitted at CAPAGO Visa Application Centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban (biometrics only). Book your appointment online through fr-za.capago.eu.
What if I plan to visit multiple Schengen countries?
Apply to the country where you'll spend the most time, or if equal time, apply to your first point of entry. If France is your main destination, apply for a French Schengen visa.