VISA INFORMATION FOR GERMANY (SCHENGEN ZONE):
South African residents need a valid visa to enter Germany, unless they have a UK or other European passport. The fee for a Schengen Visa is 60.00 Euro. The visa fees need to be paid cash only in Rands. The exact amount will vary according to the exchange rate. The visa process is normally finalised within three to four working days upon submission of your complete visa application. In some cases, however, the embassy might need more time due to the necessary involvement of German and/or Schengen authorities. It is recommended therefore to apply for your visa at least three weeks prior to your intended date of departure.
VISA APPLICATION: Step 1: Download visa application form on-line: http://www.auswaertigesamt.de/cae/servlet/contentblob/480874/publicationFile/5164/VisumantragEngl.pdf Step 2: Complete all documents required (as per visa requirements below). Requests for visa invitation letters are coordinated for the whole of South Africa by AOL’s Durban office. Contact person: Amrika Brijrajh, tel: 031 409 1442, e-mail:
[email protected]. Note: Those that are registering on-line for AOL courses in Berlin will get their invitation letters emailed to them together with their tickets upon registration and payment. So only those that are not registering for AOL courses will have to contact Amrika to request their visa invitation letter. Step 3: Make Appointment Note: If people can prove that they have during the last two years had either a Schengen visa of 1 year validity, or at least 2 Schengen visas of shorter validity in their passports, one of which must have been issued through the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, then they don’t have to come in person. All others need to come in person.
Submit your application directly at the visa section of the German Embassy in Pretoria or the German Consulate in Cape Town on the confirmed day of your appointment you booked using our online booking. This appointment is at an additional service fee of 75 Rand. Payable directly to the Service provider INTERGATE VISALINK CC, the official partner of the German Embassy in Pretoria and the German Consulate in Cape Town to facilitate efficient processing of visa applications. The Website address to book your appointment on is : www.visa-germany.co.za Or, you can also arrange for your appointment via telephone: +27 (0) 861 – 00 22 45 Travellers from Durban / KZN can submit their visa application to the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Durban. Making an appointment is not necessary, but people with appointments are given preference (appointments also through Intergate Visalink CC – see above). First come, first serve applicants, however, welcome daily between 8.30am and 12pm. For directions to Honorary Consul in Durban, please check this link: http://www.germanconsulatekzn.co.za/directions.jpg
VISA REQUIREMENTS: This link will allow you to download form with all visa requirements: http://www.pretoria.diplo.de/contentblob/2157790/Daten/536278/DDatei_RK_visa_vi sitors_tourists.pdf For your convenience and information we have listed the requirements below (but please verify for yourself, AOL does not warrant accuracy). Note: Only completed applications are accepted. Submit the documents in original. If the applicant requires an original to be returned, a copy of said document needs to be submitted as well. Unfortunately the Embassy cannot provide copies. • A duly completed Schengen Visa Application form (please ensure that you sign the form). • A valid passport with at least two blank pages & valid for at least three months longer than intended stay (please ensure that your passport is signed). • One recent passport photograph according to biometric specifications (specifications available on-line, http://www.pretoria.diplo.de).
• Declaration on True and Complete Information in accordance with §55 Residence Act, signed and dated. (specifications available on-line, http://www.pretoria.diplo.de). Documents validating the applicant's social and economic ties to South Africa: • Bank account statements covering the latest three months, term deposit statement or tax papers. • Employees/Students: Letter by your employer confirming your employment relationship/work contract i.e. proof of study as well as confirmation of leave. (specifications available on-line, http://www.pretoria.diplo.de). • If you are Self-employed please submit official documents confirming your own business (e.g. Copy of the CK1 registration/VAT registration including name and proof of business activities) . • Proof of Flight reservation – Roundtrip (including details of the first border of entry into the Schengen Sates and, if applicable, also documents indicating further travel within the Schengen Area).
Tourists • Hotel booking(s) i.e. reservations. In the case of round trips confirmation of payment has to be included. • Proof of previous trips to the Schengen Area (i.e. visas in present or previous passports). • Travel Medical Insurance valid in all the Schengen States for the entire duration of the intended stay (Minimum cover of 30.000,-€).
