Jump to Section 

Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens require a visa to enter the Schengen territory, i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

At which Embassy/Consulate/ Visa Issuing Authority should you apply? Read More

– If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of that country.

– If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority that is your main destination (i.e. your longest stay).

– If you intend to visit several countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of the country of your first point of entry. 

VISA INFORMATION

Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority

Visa can be applied for in the following cities: Cape Town, Durban,  Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth,.  Application will be processed by Carpago

  • The Issuing Authority (Carpago) requires applicants to present themselves for biometrics
  • Applications shall be lodged no more than three months before the start of the intended visit
  • Both parents are required to appear at the interview for children below the age of 18 years or alternatively supply an affidavit as to why the parent cannot be in attendance.
  • Children under 12 don’t require biometrics

Johannesburg: Carpago

Inanda Greens Business Park,

Block A, 98 Albertyn Avenue,

Sandton 2196,

Johannesburg

Durban: Carpago

Pencarrow Office Park,

8 Pencarrow Crescent,

Armstrong Avenue,

La Lucia, 4319

Durban

Cape Town: Carpago

Ground Floor, Old Warehouse building,

Black River Park South,

2 Fir Street,

Observatory 7925

Cape Town

Port Elizabeth: Carpago

Office 108, 1st Floor, Harbour View Building,

Oakworth Road,

Humewood, 6070
Port Elizabeth

Monday to Friday
from 8:00am to 5:00pm

Tel: 087 231 0313

Email: infofrance-za@capago.eu

  • Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (after the return date of planned trip).
  • Passport must have a minimum of 3 blank pages
  • If not a SA citizen, a residence permit valid for a period of at least 3 months after the applicants last day of stay in the Schengen states.
  • Photocopy of BIOMETRIC PAGE of passport – preferably in colour
  • Photocopy of any previous SCHENGEN VISAS.
  • Photocopy of applicants ID Document
  • Duly completed (in capitals with black ink ) and signed “Harmonised Application For Schengen” form (the application form may be acquired free of charge at the consular departments of the foreign representatives or downloaded from the country’s website).
  • 2 x Identical Colour passport photographs  – must not be older than 30 days.
    • Size:  45mm x 35mm
    • No smiling, no head gear, no sunglasses etc
  • Photocopy of return flights clearly showing ​all ​flight sectors (​including to/from RSA).  Ensure trip(s) are no longer than 90 days in a 6 month period.  Passenger full name must be clear.
  • Proof of confirmed hotel accommodation for ​each night​ out of RSA.  ​Accommodation must state the traveller’s name, arrival date, departure date and the address of hotel.
  • If the applicant is staying with friends and family, the host must send a sworn affidavit invitation (that has been certified by the French National Police) confirming names, date and accommodation address.  Copy of hosts passport or ID.   Non-resident hosts must provide proof of ownership of property & a residence permit
  • Proof of residence is required by means of a Utility Bill showing residential address.
  • Travel/Health/Accident insurance: a one page document stating that the applicant is covered by a Schengen Travel Medical Insurance for the entire period of stay with a minimum medical coverage of the Rand equivalent of Euro 30 000 per person for all medical expenses including evacuation, repatriation dead or alive and emergency transportation as well as emergency on/out of hospital medical treatment occurring in any Schengen country. No quotations will be accepted
  • An original bank stamped, latest 3 months bank statements.
    • The statements cannot be older than 14 days from date of Visa Appointment.
    • Bank statements must reflect a monthly salary.
    • Bank Statements must be in English.
    • Approximate amount needs to be equivalent to a minimum of approximately ZAR 1100 per person per day.
    • All sponsorship letters must be certified.
    • Should your spouse/parent/partner be responsible for financial means, please supply a letter from spouse/parent/partner confirming responsibility and provide proof in the form of original bank stamped latest 3 months Bank Statements and a copy of their ID Document
    • Credit card statements or cash will not be accepted
    • Purchase of foreign currency will not be accepted
    • In case of an overdraft, an overdraft summary report from the bank must be submitted.
    • Please note that all foreign passport holders MUST supply 6 months recent bank statements
  • Letter of Employment
  • If employed:  the applicant needs to provide a signed original letter of employment stating salary/annual cost to company and date of employment inception and a certified copy of last three month payslips.
  • If self-employment (Directors, CEO, Board Members), the applicant needs to provide proof of company registration /commercial license and latest VAT certificate.
  • If pensioned or retired the applicant is required to provide proof of pensionership
  • If a student or scholar the applicant is required to provide a letter from the school/university confirming attendance (enrolment letter not accepted).

  • An official invitation letter by event organizer, reflecting full details and purpose of trip.
  • Enrolment/Entry tickets/Event program and an official letter of institution sending the applicant

  • An official letter from school confirming attendance.
  • Letter from parents, confirming that they support the student financially (see above) and proof of same Certified copies of parents ID or passport

  • An official letter from college/university confirming attendance or copy of student card.
  • Letter from parents, confirming that they support the student financially (see above) and proof of same Certified copies of parents ID or passport

New South African passports for minors under the age of 18 are being issued containing the details of the parents as a standard feature.  Children travelling on these new passports do not require any additional documentation when travelling abroad if accompanied by both parents.

If however the children are still travelling on the old passports then ​the following additional documents will be required for any minor travelling with a parent:

  • Copy of unabridged Birth Certificate
  • Copies of parents ID documents
  • Consent letter from each parent not accompanying the minor. ​
  • Both parents are required to appear at the interview for children below the age of 18 years or alternatively supply an affidavit as to why the parent cannot be in attendance.

  • An official business letter from a company in the Schengen state, as well as from the employer stating purpose and date of visit must be presented.
  • An official invitation letter from inviting company reflecting full details and purpose of trip.
    • Hotel reservation is required unless the invitation letter clearly states that accommodation is provided and details of same provided.
  • For conferences proof of registration and payment has to be submitted.

  • A letter of justification of the company and SA partner/branch explaining the purpose of the visit
  • A list of the participants

15 Working days

Visas will be issued for the period of intended stay only (ie. from date of arrival to date of departure)

Maximum 90 days per semester with multiple entries.

WEATHER

France’s climate is temperate, but divided into four distinct climatic areas. The oceanic climate of western France brings average rainfall spread over many days, and modest annual temperature variations (Brittany, Normandy, Atlantic Loire, Loire Valley). Central and eastern France’s continental climate harbours cold winters and hot summers (the Champagne region, Burgundy, Alsace). The Mediterranean climate of south-eastern France is responsible for hot, dry summers, with rainfall from October to April (when the weather is damp but mild) and ample sunshine all year round (Provence, Côte d’Azur and Corsica). Above 600-800m altitudes, France’s mountain climate brings heavy rainfall, and snow three to six months per year.

The best time to travel is from April to mid June and September to October.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: France
Capital City: Paris
International Airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle & Orly in Paris; Nice Côte d’Azur (French Riviera and Monaco); Lyon Saint Exupéry for Lyon & Alps Region; Marseille Airport for Marseille & Provence region; Bordeaux airport for Bordeaux & Aquitaine region
Area: 643 801 km²
Population: 67,2 million
Time Zone: One hour ahead of GMT; the UK and France change their clocks at the same time each year.
Religion: Secular Country
Language: French is the official Language, more and more often complemented with English in the principal tourist centres and in the hotels.
Currency: Euro (€)
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: MasterCard, American Express and Diner’s Club credit cards are widely accepted at shops and restaurants. Please make sure your credit card is accepted before making a purchase or a restaurant reservation.
ATM Accessibility: Easily accessible.
Dialling Code: +033

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: 220 V, with two pin plugs
Water: Tap water is safe to drink.
Business Hours: Shops are open continuously from 09:00 – 18:30 or 19:00 – Monday to Saturday with late night shopping in the department stores. Museums and monuments can be visited between 09:00 / 10:00 – 17:00 / 18:00 , except Tuesdays (or more rarely on Monday or week-ends)
Banking Hours: Mon – Fri 09:00 – 16:30.
Photography Restrictions: None
Tipping: It is customary to leave a tip.
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations required, however always consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic.
Dress Code Restrictions: Casual dress is acceptable in inexpensive restaurants, a jacket and tie is however recommended in all smart venues.
Peculiar Customs to Observe: N/A

FESTIVALS

  • Le Corso Fleuri – traditional flower parade – February
  • Nice Carnival -Mardi Gras, parades and fireworks – February / March
  • Lemon Festival – February / March
  • International garden festival – April – October
  • Cannes Film Festival – May
  • Great Roman Games – May
  • Night of Museums (museums stay open late and for free) – 18 May
  • Monaco Grand Prix – May
  • Joan of Arc Festival – May
  • D-day Festival – May / June
  • Nuits Sonores – May / June
  • Versailles Festival – May – July
  • Fête de la Musiqueay – 21 June
  • Bastille Day – 14 July
  • Festival d’Avignon – July
  • Tour De France – July
  • Paris Plages – July to August
  • Paris Quartier d’été – July / August
  • Rock en Seine – August
  • Les Chorégies d’Orange – August

MAP

“Paris is always a good idea.”

– Audrey Hepburn