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Visa Information
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General Info
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to travel to the Czech Republic.

VISA INFORMATION

  • A valid South African passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages).
  • Completed and signed visa application form (one per applicant).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (white background, 35×45 mm).
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter if applicable).
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Cover letter stating the purpose of travel and itinerary.
  • Proof of civil status (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
  • Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.
  • Copy of an ID document to confirm residence within the consular district of your application.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).

Tourist Visa

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire trip (hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a formal invitation from a host in the Schengen country).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: recommended amount is at least €60 per person per day of stay in the Schengen zone.

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Invitation letter from the business partner/company in the Schengen country, detailing the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who will bear the costs.
  • Cover letter from the South African employer, confirming employment, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
  • Proof of business relationship (e.g. previous correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation and travel itinerary.

  • Typically, 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment.
  • In some cases, processing may take up to 30 or 60 days depending on individual circumstances or additional documentation requests.

  • Can vary depending on the type of Visa, and the Visa application centre.
  • Adults: €90 (Average Cost).
  • Additional service fees apply if using a visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global).
  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

  • Usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The exact duration and number of entries (single, double, or multiple) will be specified on the visa sticker.
  • It does not guarantee entry; final permission is granted by the border control authorities upon arrival.

Embassy

Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria:

VFS Application Centre:

Johannesburg:

  •  Address: 1st Floor Rivonia Village Corner Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road Sandton, Johannesburg, 2128

Pretoria:

  • Address: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181

Cape Town:

  • Address: 8th Floor 2 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001

Durban:

Address: Unit 409, 4th Floor 91 -123 Cowey Road, Essenwood, Durban, 4000

WEATHER

The Czech Republic has a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Rainfall is moderate and mostly in summer months.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring in the Czech Republic is a lovely time, with temperatures gradually rising from around 5°C in March to 20°C in May. Flowers bloom in city parks and countryside meadows, making it perfect for strolling through Prague’s historic streets or exploring castles and gardens. Rain showers are occasional but not disruptive.
  • Summer (June to August): Summers are warm and lively, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It’s the peak tourist season, especially in cities like Prague and Český Krumlov. The long daylight hours are ideal for outdoor dining, river cruises, and festivals. Occasional thunderstorms can break the heat.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings crisp air and vibrant foliage, especially in late September and October. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C in September and drop closer to 0°C by November. It’s a quieter time to explore without the summer crowds, and wine festivals are a seasonal highlight.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, particularly in January, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snow is common, creating a festive atmosphere in towns and Christmas markets. Ski resorts in the Krkonoše Mountains attract winter sports enthusiasts.
  • Best Time to Travel: April to May and September to October offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery. Summer is best for festivals and long sightseeing days, while winter suits those looking for festive charm and snowy getaways.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Czech Republic
Capital City: Prague
International Airports: – Václav Havel Airport Prague
– Brno–Tuřany Airport
– Karlovy Vary Airport
– Pardubice Airport (mainly international charter flights)
– Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava
– Kunovice Airport
Area: 78 866 km²
Population: 10,56 million
Time Zone: GMT +1 Central European Time
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholics, however also have Czechoslovak Hussite Church, Czech Brethren, Protestants and Judaism. Although Judaism constitutes less than 0,7% of the population they a have a very strong heritage in Prague hosting the oldest Synagogue in Europe
Language: Czech; English, German and Russian commonly spoken
Currency: CZK (Czech Crown)
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: Credit Cards accepted especially in the big cities
ATM Accessibility: Readily available in the big cities
Dialling Code: +42

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: Power sockets are of type E. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Water: Tap water is safe for drinking.
Business Hours: 09:00 – 17:00, many shops in the city centre of Prague stay open much longer.
Banking Hours: Mon to Fri 08-09:00 – 16:00-17:00 dependent on the bank
Photography Restrictions: No restrictions
Tipping: Suggested 10% in restaurants
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations required, however always consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic.
Dress Code Restrictions: No restrictions
Peculiar Customs to Observe: Nothing in particular

FESTIVALS

  • Beltine Festival of Celtic Culture – 30 April – 1 May
  • Paleni Carodejnic  (Burning of the Witches) – 30 April
  • Velikanoc – Easter Monday
  • Prague Spring International Music Festival – mid-May to Early June
  • Summer Shakespeare Festival – June – September
  • United Islands of Prague Festival –  16 – 25 June
  • Highland Games – late August
  • Prague Autumn International Music Festival
  • Verdi Festival – September
  • Velvet Revolution –  17 November
  • Devil and Saint Nicholas (Cert a Mikulas) – 05 December

MAP

“The ancient splendour and beauty of Prague, a city beyond compare, left an impression on my imagination that will never fade”

– Richard Wagner