South Africa has one of the lowest Schengen visa rejection rates in Africa — approximately 5.2%, compared to the African average of 30%+. A single Schengen C visa covers all 27 Schengen states. Apply through the country where you plan to spend the most nights, or your first port of entry if nights are equal.
South Africa holds one of the strongest Schengen visa profiles on the African continent — a ~5.2% rejection rate that is dramatically lower than most African passports. A single Schengen C visa (€90 / ZAR ~1,800 + service fees) gives access to all 27 European countries for up to 90 days.
Key Warnings
- Schengen travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage) is MANDATORY — your application will be rejected without it. Purchase before submitting your application.
- The fee increased to €90 in June 2024 (from €80). Children aged 6–11: €45. Children under 6: free. All fees non-refundable.
- Note the VAC provider for each country: Germany uses TLScontact, France uses CAPAGO, Italy uses VFS Global — do not go to the wrong centre.
Insider Tips
- South Africa's ~5% Schengen rejection rate means most well-prepared applications are approved. Focus on a clean, complete document set rather than worrying about which country to apply through.
- Italy via VFS Global has the lowest service fee (ZAR 249 vs ZAR 520–620 for Germany/France). If Italy is on your itinerary or you're indifferent, it's the most cost-effective choice.
- A Schengen visa for South Africans opens all of Europe — Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, and 19 more countries on a single stamp.
Best Country to Apply Through
Rule: Apply through the country where you will spend the most nights. If equal, apply through your first port of entry into Schengen.
✅ Easiest for First Application
Portugal and Poland have the lowest rejection rates and fastest processing for South African applicants. Italy via VFS Global also has the lowest service fee (ZAR 249 vs ZAR 520–620 for other countries).
⚠️ Hardest
Switzerland has the highest rejection rate and longest processing for South African applicants. Not recommended unless Switzerland is your sole destination.
All 27 Schengen Countries Compared
| Country |
Rejection |
Wait |
Proc. |
Difficulty |
Notes |
| 🇩🇪 Germany |
5% |
~2w |
15d |
3/5 Moderate |
TLScontact in JHB, CPT, Pretoria, Durban, PE, Bloemfontein. Good option for first application. |
| 🇫🇷 France |
5% |
~2w |
15d |
3/5 Moderate |
CAPAGO in JHB, CPT, Durban. All decisions made at French Consulate JHB since Sep 2024. |
| 🇮🇹 Italy |
4% |
~2w |
12d |
3/5 Moderate |
VFS Global in 7+ locations — JHB, CPT, Durban, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Polokwane. Cheapest service fee. |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
4% |
~2w |
15d |
3/5 Moderate |
Good option. Netherlands Embassy Pretoria processes. Short appointment waits for SA applicants. |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal |
3% |
~2w |
10d |
2/5 Easy |
Lowest rejection rate for SA applicants. Best choice for first Schengen application if itinerary is flexible. |
| 🇪🇸 Spain |
5% |
~3w |
15d |
3/5 Moderate |
BLS International in JHB and CPT. Good option if Spain is primary destination. |
| 🇬🇷 Greece |
4% |
~2w |
10d |
2/5 Easy |
Low rejection rate. Good summer destination. Apply if Greece is your primary destination. |
| 🇵🇱 Poland |
3% |
~1w |
7d |
2/5 Easy |
Fast processing, low rejection. Best for flexible itineraries or using Poland as gateway to Europe. |
| 🇦🇹 Austria |
5% |
~2w |
15d |
3/5 Moderate |
Good for Vienna or Austria-focused trips. Apply if Austria is your primary destination. |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland |
6% |
~3w |
20d |
3/5 Moderate |
Switzerland is not EU but is Schengen. Slightly higher rejection rate. Apply if Switzerland is primary destination. |
Required Documents (All Schengen Countries)
-
Valid South African passport
Minimum 3 months validity beyond your return date. Must have at least 2 blank pages. Include previous passports if they contain travel history.
-
Completed Schengen visa application form
Download from the specific country's embassy/consulate website. Sign before submission.
-
Two recent passport photos
35 × 45mm, white background, biometric ICAO standard, taken within 6 months.
-
Schengen travel insurance certificate
MANDATORY. Must cover all 27 Schengen states, minimum €30,000 medical coverage, for the full trip duration. Available from South African insurers.
-
Return flight itinerary
Confirmed return or onward booking showing entry and exit from Schengen. Does not need to be a paid ticket — a hold/reservation is accepted by most consulates.
-
Accommodation proof for full stay
Hotel bookings, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter from host with proof of their residency status.
-
Bank statements (last 3 months)
Must demonstrate sufficient funds. Guideline: minimum €100 per day of stay. Consistent income and savings are important.
-
Employment letter
Confirms position, salary, approved leave dates, and that your employment continues after return.
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are collected at the VAC (Visa Application Centre) and stored for 59 months. If you have submitted biometrics for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months, you do not need to re-submit — check with your VAC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Schengen visa rejection rate for South Africans?
South Africa has one of the lowest Schengen rejection rates in Africa — approximately 5.2%, compared to the African average of 30%+ and West African countries at 15–50%. This means well-prepared South African applications have a very high approval rate. Focus on complete documentation and strong ties-to-SA evidence.
Which Schengen country should South Africans apply through?
Apply through the country where you'll spend the most nights. If splitting time equally, apply through your first port of entry. For South Africans, Portugal (lowest rejection), Poland (fastest processing), and Italy via VFS Global (lowest service fee at ZAR 249) are the most convenient options if your itinerary is flexible.
How much does a Schengen visa cost for South Africans?
The standard Schengen C visa fee is €90 (~ZAR 1,800) — the same for all 27 countries. Service fees vary by VAC provider: TLScontact ZAR 520, CAPAGO ZAR 620, VFS Global ZAR 188–249. Total cost including travel insurance: approximately ZAR 2,400–2,800 depending on country.
Where do South Africans submit Schengen visa applications?
Different Schengen countries use different VAC providers in South Africa: Germany → TLScontact; France → CAPAGO; Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Greece → VFS Global; Spain → BLS International. Check the specific country's embassy website for your nearest centre. All major VAC providers have offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
What travel insurance do I need for a Schengen visa as a South African?
Schengen travel insurance is mandatory — your application will be rejected without it. Requirements: must cover all 27 Schengen countries, minimum €30,000 medical and repatriation coverage, valid for the full duration of your trip. Purchase from a South African insurer before submitting. Some credit cards include Schengen insurance — check your card benefits.