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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 France.

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).

  • 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.

Contact Information

Consulate

Cape Town:

Johannesburg:

Embassy

French Embassy in Pretoria:

  • Address: 250 Melk Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181
  • Phone: +27 12 425 1600
  • Website: French Embassy

Capago Application Centre:

Johannesburg:

  • Address: 5th Floor, Fredman Towers, 13 Fredman Dr, Sandown, Sandton, 2196

Cape Town:

  • Address: Towers South, 19th floor, Hertzog Blvd, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001

Durban:

  • Address: 2 Ncondo Place Ridgeside, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, 4051

WEATHER

France’s climate ranges from oceanic in the west, continental in the east, to Mediterranean in the south. Winters can be cold in the north and mountains, while summers range from mild to hot.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring is a delightful time to visit France, with temperatures ranging from 10°C in early March to around 20°C in May. Blossoming gardens, mild sunshine, and fewer tourists make this season perfect for exploring cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. The countryside is especially picturesque, with vineyards and lavender fields beginning to bloom.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer in France is warm to hot, particularly in the south. Temperatures in cities like Nice and Marseille often reach 30°C or higher, while Paris averages between 25°C and 30°C. The French Riviera buzzes with activity, and beach towns are at their liveliest. It’s peak tourist season, so attractions can be crowded.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers a cooler, calmer experience, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. September is particularly pleasant, with lingering warmth and fewer crowds. The changing leaves create a beautiful backdrop for exploring rural France, wine regions, and historic towns.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, especially in the north and central parts of France, with temperatures often falling below 5°C. Paris and other cities can be chilly but charming, especially during the festive season. The French Alps attract skiers and snowboarders with snow-covered slopes and alpine villages.
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit for comfortable weather and fewer tourists. Summer is great for beach holidays and festivals, while winter is ideal for Christmas markets and mountain escapes.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: France
Capital City: Paris
International Airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle & Orly (Paris)
Nice Côte d’Azur (French Riviera and Monaco)
Lyon Saint Exupéry (Lyon & Alps Region)
Marseille Airport (Marseille & Provence region)
Bordeaux Airport (Bordeaux & Aquitaine region)
Area: 643 801 km²
Population: 66,548,530 (2024 est.)
Time Zone: GMT+1
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 are widely accepted in shops and restaurants
In rural areas, carrying some cash is recommended
ATM Accessibility: Easily accessible.
Dialling Code: +33

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: 220 V, with two pin plugs
Water: Tap water is safe to drink.
Business Hours: Shops: 09:00 – 18:30 or 19:00, Monday to Saturday, with late-night shopping in department stores
Museums and Monuments: 09:00 / 10:00 – 17:00 / 18:00, except Tuesdays (and occasionally on Mondays or weekends)
Banking Hours: Mon – Fri 09:00 – 16:30.
Photography Restrictions: None
Tipping: Common to round up drink bills with small change
Leave a couple of euros after a meal
Museum and tour guides: about 10%
Cab drivers: around 5-10%
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations required; consult your medical practitioner or travel clinic
Dress Code Restrictions: Casual dress acceptable in inexpensive restaurants.
Jacket and tie recommended in smart venues
Peculiar Customs to Observe: Do not bring wine to a dinner party; your host has selected the wine for the evening
Ask for ice as it is not commonly provided; the French prefer their drinks at room temperature or lightly chilled
April Fools’ Day is marked by “poisson d’avril” (April Fish), where children prank adults by attaching paper fish to their backs and shouting “poisson d’avril!”

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
  • Formula 1 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 Musique: 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