France visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting France

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a French Visa.

  • A valid passport with at least 3 months validity before return date are required. The passport should have at least two blank pages.
  • Two recent passport photographs with a light background that follows the passport format of a France visa.
  • A copy of the return ticket.
  • Bank statement dating back at least 3 months to show that you can fend for yourself during your time in France.
  • Applicants should ensure they have a copy of the correctly filled and signed visa application form.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Letter of invitation from the sponsor.
  • Passport copy of the parent. A letter of consent is to be provided, otherwise National identity card.
  • A copy of the birth certificate.

France Visa for South Africans

Facts about France

France is a country rich in art and culture. The art and culture on display is the top pick for tourists who visit this country. The world-famous Eiffel tower attracts millions of visitors year-in-year-out. The country’s wide range of wine and cuisines can be best enjoyed on the various Mediterranean beaches available.
 
France is the most popular tourist destination in the world as the country receives over 85.7 million foreign tourists yearly.


Tourists should try to avoid traveling during french school holidays as hotel rooms are usually overbooked and traffic is unbearable.

Tourists should try to avoid traveling during French school holidays as hotel rooms are usually overbooked and traffic is unbearable.

Types of France Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90 days
Business visa 15 days 90 days
Medical visa 15 days 90 days
Official visa 15 days 90 days
Student visa 15 days 90 days
Transit visa 15 days 24 hours

General Requirements for France Visa

  • A valid passport with at least 3 months validity before return date are required. The passport should have at least two blank pages.
  • Two recent passport photographs with a light background that follows the passport format of a France visa.
  • A copy of the return ticket.
  • Bank statement dating back at least 3 months to show that you can fend for yourself during your time in France.
  • Applicants should ensure they have a copy of the correctly filled and signed visa application form.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Letter of invitation from the sponsor.
  • Passport copy of the parent. A letter of consent is to be provided, otherwise National identity card.
  • A copy of the birth certificate.
France Tourist visa France Business visa France Medical visa France Official visa France Student visa France Transit visa

France Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Holders of this kind of visa visit the country with the purpose of sightseeing, tourism and visiting friends and family.
  • The visa usually takes about 2 weeks to be processed and is valid for a period of 90 days.
  • It typically costs about €60 unless otherwise stated on the passport.
  • There is usually a need to present an invitation letter from friends or family member you are going to visit accompanied with a detailed address.
  • You are not allowed to work with this visa type.
  • Visitors are not allowed to attend one of the institutions of learning in the country with this visa.
  • Minors should have their application letters signed by their parents and should also have a copy of their birth certificate.
  • You cannot extend the stay of your visa after the time has elapsed.
  • It is a multiple entry visa.

France Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This type of visa is issued to those who visit the country to conduct businesses, attend business meetings and sign business contracts.
  • Whoever holds this visa is not allowed to take up work in the country.
  • A letter of invitation is needed. On the letter, either the employer or partner company must state coverage of applicant’s expenses during his stay in the country.
  • A certificate from your current employer approving your business travel.
  • You cannot visit tourist centers during your stay in the country.
  • The business visa costs about €60 to process.
  • You are expected to exit the country at the expiry date of your visa.
  • It takes a period of 15 days to be processed and it is valid for 90 days.
  • This visa type allows its holder multiple entry.

France Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This type of visa is issued to those whose health situation is not quite well and cannot get the required treatment in their home country.
  • A letter of invitation from the medical institution is mandatory.
  • Diagnosis from your local doctor is required. A letter stating the reason the treatment cannot be gotten in South Africa is also required.
  • Evidence of the covered medical treatment bill is also required.
  • Original copy of birth certificate should be tendered if applicant is a minor.
  • You cannot take up paid employment with this visa type.
  • The visa fee of this type of visa is €60.
  • The visa is processed for about 15 days and is valid for 3 months.

France Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa issued to government delegates from a foreign country.
  • The identity of the applicant should be submitted at the embassy.
  • As a diplomat, if the purpose of your visit is non-official, this passport will not be issued to you.
  • A letter from the South African government is needed. The letter should state the reason for your visit and the duration of stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay in the country is required.
  • You should promise to obey all the rules and regulations in the country.
  • You cannot take up any form of work while in the country.
  • It takes a period of 15 days for this visa to be processed.
  • It ceases to be valid after 90 days.
  • The visa processing fee is €60.

France Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is meant for those who seek to attend one of the country’s institutions of learning.
  • Applicants bank statement for the last three months is needed to prove financial sustenance.
  • Enrollment certificate which allows for attendance of courses is needed.
  • The visa can be extended after the 90-day validity period if the holder has not completed the course of study.
  • Minors should have their application forms signed by their parents. Also, original copy of birth certificate should be presented.
  • Holders of this visa type are not allowed to work with this visa type.
  • Proof of accommodation during your stay in the country.
  • This visa costs €60.
  • At the end of your study in the country, you are to leave the country.

France Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to people who need to stop at the airport to board a connecting flight.
  • Applicants of this visa may want to board a ship going to their destination country.
  • You are not allowed to work with this kind of visa.
  • Applicants may be refused entry into the country if they do not possess the flight ticket of their destination country.
  • You are required to have the visa of the destination country.
  • The holder is not allowed to visit any relative or friend.
  • Original copy of birth certificate of any person less than the age of 18.
  • It is a single-entry visa.
  • It is valid for only 24 hours.

France Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Medical visa

60.00 (EUR)

Official visa

60.00 (EUR)

Student visa

60.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

60.00 (EUR)

France Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

250 Melk St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa

https://za.ambafrance.org/

france@ambafrance-rsa.org

012 425 1600

Johannesburg

191 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa

+27 11 778 5600

Cape Town

78 Queen Victoria Street , Cape Town, 8000, Peninsula, South Africa,

+27 21 423 1575

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for France visa??
The requirement for France visa is stated above.
Can I travel to France with 1 month left on my passport??

No, your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months to travel to France.

How soon can I get a France visa??
Your France visa takes a period of 15 days to be processed.
Do I need a visa to go to Paris from South Africa??
Yes, you need a passport to visit Paris.
Which is the easiest country to get Schengen visa??
The easiest country to get a Schengen visa is Latvia followed by Iceland and Lithuania which have a 99.1% success rate.