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

  • Fill out the “Common Schengen Application Form” in capital letters and sign it.
  • Available for free download from consular websites or at consular offices.
  • Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your last day in the Schengen area.
  • Issued within the last 10 years.
  • Must have two blank pages for the visa.
  • Note: Temporary South African passports are generally not accepted by most Schengen states. Confirm their acceptability beforehand.
  • Provide two recent colour passport-sized photographs.
  • If not a South African citizen, provide a residence permit valid for at least 3 months after your last day in the Schengen area.
  • Obtain any required visa for your final country of destination before applying for a Schengen visa, if applicable.
  • Provide proof of payment for the visa fee.
  • Submit a round-trip reservation or itinerary showing entry and exit from the Schengen state, including dates and flight numbers.
  • Some consulates may require the original ticket upon visa collection (verify with the relevant consulate).
  • Show evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay (e.g., a bank statement from the past three months).
  • The required amount varies by country—confirm with the consulate. Cash is not accepted as proof.
  • Provide a one-page document confirming Schengen Travel Medical Insurance coverage with a minimum of Euro 30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation, valid in all Schengen countries.
  • Include a confirmed hotel reservation (hotel vouchers are not sufficient).
  • If staying with a relative or friend, provide an invitation letter from the host, a copy of their passport or ID, and possibly authentication by relevant authorities.
  • For prepaid tours, provide details and proof of payment to the tour operator.
  • Submit an official business letter from a company in the Schengen area and a letter from your employer stating the purpose of the visit.
  • For conferences, provide proof of registration and payment.
  • Provide an unabridged birth certificate.
  • If traveling alone, include certified parental consent from both parents.
  • If traveling with one parent, include notarized consent from the other parent.
  • If only one parent has guardianship, present relevant court documents.
  • Some consulates may require both parents to sign in their presence.
  • The consular office may request additional documents such as proof of employment or student status, or a personal interview.
  • Apply at least 15 calendar days before your intended visit but no earlier than 3 months before the start of your visit.
  • Short Stay Visa: Allows up to 90 days in a 6-month period.
  • Long Stay Visa: For stays exceeding 90 days, issued by member states based on national legislation.
  • All Visa Types (Transit and Short Stay): 60 Euros, payable in Rand.
  • Children Aged 6-12: 35 Euros, payable in Rand.
  • Note: Contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate for the current Euro/Rand exchange rate and payment methods.
  • Austria, France, Germany, and the Netherlands do not accept South African Temporary Passports.
  • TLS Contact:
    • Website: TLScontact Germany
  • Visa Application Centres:
    • Johannesburg:
      • Address: West End Office Park, Block C, 254 Hall Street, Die Hoewes, Centurion
      • Standard Appointment: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 16:00
      • Passport Return: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 15:30
    • Cape Town:
      • Address: Media Quarter, Upper Ground Floor, 2 De Smit Street, De Waterkant
      • Standard Appointment: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 15:30
    • Durban:
      • Address: 430 Peter Mokaba Ridge, 3rd Floor, The Atrium
      • Standard Appointment: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 14:30
      • Passport Return: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 14:30
  • Business Hours:
    • Monday to Friday: 08:30 – 16:30
  • Phone:
    • General Inquiries: +27 10 0019 321
  • Visa Fees:
    • Short Stay Schengen Visa (less than 90 days): EUR 90.00 / ZAR 1,780.00
  • Embassy Pretoria:
    • Address: 201 Florence Ribeiro Avenue, Groenkloof
    • Phone: +27 12 427 8900
  • Consulate Cape Town:
    • Address: e-tv Building, Roeland Park, 4 Stirling Street, District Six
    • Phone: +27 21 405 3000

WEATHER

Moderately continental. Germany experiences distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers.

Winter (December to February): Average daily temperatures hover around 0°C (32°F), though it can drop lower in northern and eastern regions. Snowfall is common in higher altitudes and southern parts. Winter can be ideal for those interested in skiing or experiencing festive Christmas markets.

Spring (March to May): Temperatures gradually warm from around 5°C (41°F) in March to 15°C (59°F) in May. Spring is marked by blooming flowers and increasingly pleasant weather. Late Spring (April to May) offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists compared to summer.

Summer (June to August): Peak temperatures reach about 22-24°C (72-75°F), with occasional higher spikes. This is the warmest season and one of the most popular times to visit. Summer is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the cities with warm, pleasant weather.

Autumn (September to November): Temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in September to around 5°C (41°F) in November. The season is characterized by falling leaves and a gradual cooling. Early autumn (September to October) is a great time for mild weather and beautiful fall foliage.

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is generally pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Germany
Capital City: Berlin
International Airports: Frankfurt (FRA)
Munich (MUC)
Düsseldorf (DUS)
Berlin (TXL)
Area: 357,386 km²
Population: 84,552,242 (2024 est.)
Time Zone: GMT+1 UTC+1 (CET)
Religion: Christianity is the predominant religion, with about 57% of the population.
The two largest denominations are the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), which includes both Lutheran and Reformed churches.
Language: German
Currency: Euro
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.
American Express and Diners Club are accepted in fewer locations.
Despite a high adoption of contactless and mobile payments, cash remains commonly used.
ATM Accessibility: Easily accessible.
Dialling Code: +49

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: Power plugs and sockets are of type F.
The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Water: Tap water is safe to drink.
Business Hours: Offices: Mon-Fri 09:00 – 18:00 (including a 1-hour lunch break).
Banking Hours: Typically, 10:00 – 16:00 or 10:00 – 18:00.
Photography Restrictions: Photography is generally accepted, but under Section 201a of the German Penal Code, distributing photos of individuals can lead to penalties if it harms their reputation.
Tipping: Service and VAT are included in prices.
It’s customary to round up the bill or add 5-10% as a tip.
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations required; consult a medical professional or travel clinic if in doubt.
Dress Code Restrictions: No specific restrictions.
Peculiar Customs to Observe
  • Punctuality is highly valued.
  • Avoid speaking with hands in pockets or chewing gum while speaking, especially in meetings.
  • The American A-Okay sign is considered offensive.
  • Blowing your nose in public is frowned upon; do so in private.
  • Clean and file fingernails in private.
  • Wait for the host to start drinking or make a toast; make eye contact during toasts.

FESTIVALS

  • Berlin International Film Festival: February
  • Bruchsal Asparagus Festival: Mid-May
  • Dresden Music Festival: May & June
  • River Rhine in Flames: May–September
  • Oberammergau Passion Play: Biannual, May–October
  • Rock am Ring and Rock in Park, Nuremberg: June
  • Kieler Woche (Kiel Week): June
  • Richard Wagner Festival (Bayreuth Festival): July–August
  • Museum Bank Festival (Museumsufer Fest): August
  • Oktoberfest: September–October
  • Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart: Late September to mid-October
  • Frankfurt Book Fair: October
  • Fasching (Karneval): November 11
  • Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte): Notable markets in Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Nuremberg, Lübeck, Münster, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg from late November to December

MAP

“Berlin, the greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine.”

– David Bowie

Image copyright: Wedgewood organised event