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Germany Visa Requirements for South Africans

Germany requires a visa for South Africans

South African passport holders require a visa to enter Germany. Where you lodge the application, what it costs and how long it takes are set out below.
Entry requirement
Visa Required
Stay allowed
90 days in any 180-day period
Passport validity
Valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen Area, and issued within the last 10 years
Entry Requirement Visa Required
Max Stay 90 days in any 180-day period
Currency Euro

Applying for a Germany visa in South Africa

Where the application is decided
German Embassy Pretoria / Consulate General Cape Town
Where you lodge it
TLScontact
Application centres
Centurion, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Gqeberha
Visa fee (adult)
EUR 90
Visa fee (child 6–11)
EUR 45 (aged 6 to 11)
Processing time
Up to 15 days, and sometimes longer
Book your appointment
At least 4 weeks before you travel

TLScontact has not accepted cash since 1 September 2025, so bring another payment method. The application form is VIDEX, completed in English or German.

If your case is not straightforward

The application is the same for everyone. What differs is how you prove income and ties. These cover the situations that need building differently:

Source: southafrica.diplo.de. Checked 13 August 2026. If you spot something out of date, tell us at help@getvisa.co.za.

Information last reviewed: . Always verify with the relevant embassy before travelling.