South Africa to France tourist visa
Complete France Schengen Visa requirements, fees, processing times, and approval tips for South African citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- France Schengen Visa
- Fee
- €90
- Processing time
- 15 days
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
- Schengen Visa Application Form — Complete the standard Schengen visa application form online or on paper
- Passport Photos — Two recent passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen specifications
- Travel Medical Insurance — Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies in the Schengen area
- Flight Reservation — Round-trip flight reservation showing entry to and exit from the Schengen area
- Proof of Accommodation — Hotel reservations or invitation letter for your entire stay in France
- Financial Evidence — Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip
- Employment Evidence — Documentation proving your employment status and income in South Africa
How to apply
- Genuine tourism purpose or other — Genuine tourism purpose or other permitted short-stay reason
- Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, — Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, daily expenses, and return travel
- Travel medical insurance with minimum — Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
- Intent to leave the Schengen — Intent to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires
- Valid travel document meeting Schengen — Valid travel document meeting Schengen specifications
- Entry and exit dates — Entry and exit dates
Common questions
- How long can I stay in France on a Schengen visa?
- A Schengen visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen area, not just France. You can split this time across multiple visits if you have a multiple-entry visa.
- Can I visit other European countries with a French Schengen visa?
- Yes, a French Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen member states including Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, and more. You must enter through France or spend the majority of your time there.
- Can I work in France on a Schengen tourist visa?
- No, the Schengen visa does not permit any form of employment. It is strictly for tourism, business visits (meetings, conferences), or visiting family. Working requires a long-stay visa with work authorization.
- How long does French visa processing take from South Africa?
- Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. During peak season (April-July), processing can extend to 30–45 days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned travel date.
- What is the Schengen visa fee for South Africans in 2025?
- The Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children ages 6–11. Children under 6 are free. Additional CAPAGO service fees of approximately R500 apply.
- Do I need confirmed flight bookings before applying?
- You need flight reservations showing your travel dates, but they do not need to be confirmed tickets. The French authorities advise not purchasing non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.