Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Germany?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to Germany
Nationals of countries not on the Schengen visa-free list must apply for a Schengen visa from a German mission abroad before travelling. A Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Checked 19 September 2026
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Embassy Application Only
Germany does not offer online visa applications. You'll need to apply in person at the nearest Germany embassy or consulate. Contact the diplomatic mission for the current document checklist and appointment availability.
Official Germany government page →
Bavaria
The short answer
South African citizens need a visa arranged in advance to enter Germany for stays of up to 90 days. A visa has to be obtained before travelling to Germany. The fee is EUR 90 for a Schengen visa covering stays of up to 90 days, and EUR 75 for a national visa for longer stays, as published on 19 September 2026. Reductions and waivers apply to defined categories of applicant, including children under six and people travelling for study, training, or research. Conditions: what you apply for depends on the purpose of the trip and its length. Stays of up to 90 days use a Schengen visa, and longer stays use a national visa. Visas are issued by the embassies and consulates general of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the responsible mission is the one covering your ordinary place of residence. The Federal Foreign Office states that its headquarters is not involved in decisions on individual applications. This was last checked on 19 September 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Germany
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Fee
- EUR 90 for a Schengen visa covering stays of up to 90 days, and EUR 75 for a national visa for longer stays, as published on 19 September 2026. Reductions and waivers apply to defined categories of applicant, including children under six and people travelling for study, training, or research.
- Conditions
- What you apply for depends on the purpose of the trip and its length. Stays of up to 90 days use a Schengen visa, and longer stays use a national visa. Visas are issued by the embassies and consulates general of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the responsible mission is the one covering your ordinary place of residence. The Federal Foreign Office states that its headquarters is not involved in decisions on individual applications.
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Germany
Check whether your travel document carries a visa requirement, using the table of countries published on the official page.
Decide which visa fits the trip. Stays of up to 90 days use a Schengen visa, and longer stays use a national visa.
Apply through the mission responsible for your ordinary place of residence. Schengen visa applications cannot yet be submitted through the Consular Services Portal, so the route is an appointment at the mission or at its external service provider.
Attend the appointment in person to give biometric data, which is fingerprints and a photograph, to present any original documents specified, and to pay the fee.
Allow for a fee of EUR 90 for a Schengen visa or EUR 75 for a national visa, unless a published reduction or waiver applies.
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Practical Info
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Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Germany
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to Germany. This was last checked on 19 September 2026.
Up to 90 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Germany uses EUR. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 September 2026.
Full change history for this route →