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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: Pretoria, Cape Town.  Application will be processed by BLS International

  • The Issuing Authority (BLS) requires applicants to present themselves for biometrics
  • Applications shall be lodged no more than three months before the start of the intended visit
  • The appointment to lodge an application shall take place two weeks from the date when the appointment was requested. Unfortunately no exceptions will be made.
  • 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

Cape Town BLS Spain Visa Application Centre

Regus Office Block, 1st Floor, Block B, North Park,
Black River Park, 2 Fir Street, Observatory,
Cape Town, 7925 South Africa

Tel: +2721 003 8050

Email info.cpt@blshelpline.com

Pretoria: BLS Spain Visa Application Centre

Regus Lakeview, Ground Floor Lakeview Building 1277
Mike Crawford Avenue Centurion 0157 South Africa
(Use entrance 10 of the Centurion Mall, at Corner Embarkment & Lenchen Ave North)

Tel: +2712 007 0030

Email info.pry@blshelpline.com

Submission Time

09:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 15:00 hrs (Monday to Friday)

Passport Collection Time

12:30 to 16:00 Hrs (Monday to Friday)

  • 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 Spanish 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

There are three different climate zones in Spain, due to its large size. Visitors can generally expect a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The vast central plateau, or Meseta, has a more continental influenced climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters.

The best time to travel in Spain is spring and fall because that is when good weather occurs. The months of April, May, June,September, and October are very good for travel. Summer is quite hot, especially in inland cities like Seville, Cordoba, and Madrid.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Spain
Capital City: Madrid
International Airports: – Madrid-Barajas Airport
– Barcelona-El Prat Airport
– Palma de Mallorca Airport
– Malaga Airport
– Alicante-Elche Airport
– Gran Canaria Airport
– Tenerife Sur Airport
– Ibiza Airport
– Lanzarote Airport is also known as Arrecife Airport
– Valencia Airport
– Fuerteventura Airport
– Seville Airport
Area: 505 990 km²
Population: 46,57 million
Time Zone: Time zone in Madrid, Spain (GMT+1)
Religion: Roman Catholic is the most common religion
Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted than American Express and must be in your name, as it appears on your passport.
ATM Accessibility: Easily accessible
Dialling Code: +34

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Spain, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).
Water: Tap water is safe to drink
Business Hours: Mon – Fri – 08:30 / 9:00 – 13:30 &   16:30/17:00 – 20:00. The famous siesta, whilst declining in the larger cities, is still a major part of the working day in Spain.
Banking Hours: Mon -Fri – 08:30 – 14:00 / 14:30.
Photography Restrictions: In cathedrals and popular churches the use of cameras or video cameras is routinely prohibited. The Spanish value their privacy and taking pictures of strangers on the street is generally not acceptable. If you want to take a picture of someone on the street, you need to ask for permission.
Tipping: Leaving the small change behind to round up to the nearest Euro is the most common. Maybe an extra Euro or 2 if the service was very good and added value. In restaurants the usual is 10%.
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations required, however always consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic.
Dress Code Restrictions: No dress code restrictions
Peculiar Customs to Observe: None known.

FESTIVALS

  • Las Fallas De Valencia (Festival of Fire) – Valencia- March
  • Feria De Abril (April Fair Of Seville) – Seville – April
  • Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Seville, Malaga, and Castilla-Leon cities of Valladolid and Leon
  • Feria Del Caballo (Horse Fair) – Jerez – May
  • San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run) – Pamplona – July
    Benicassim Festival – Valencia – July
  • La Tomatina (Tomato Fight Festival) – Buñol – August
  • Feria De Málaga -Malaga – August
  • Festa Major De Gracia- Barcelona – August

MAP

“I have seen dawn and sunset on moors and windy hills coming in solemn beauty like slow old tunes of Spain.”

– John Edward Masefield