Embassy
Embassy of Germany, Pretoria
Pretoria
201 Florence Ribeiro Avenue
Germany visa requirements for South African citizens
South African citizens need a visa for Germany, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
ZAF
South Africa
Going to
DEU
Germany
Visa needed
A visa for short holidays when you need one to enter Germany.
- Visa
- Required
- Fee
- €90
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Find Germany's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.
Get your Germany visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into Germany
Visit without a visa if eligible, or get a visitor visa.
Visa required For your passportTourist visitor visaA visa for short holidays when you need one to enter Germany.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- €90
- Processing
- 15–45 days
How to apply
- Check the German visa office for where you live.
- Fill in the form and gather the listed documents.
- Book an appointment.
- Submit documents, give fingerprints if needed, and pay.
- Check your visa dates, entries and allowed stay.
Documents required
- Passport and copies
- Signed form and passport photo
- Travel plans and bookings
- Proof of where you'll stay
- Bank statements or sponsor's proof
- Travel health insurance
- Proof of reasons to return
- Child's birth and consent papers
- 2 blank pages
- Hotel booking
- Fingerprints
- Stay within your visa dates and Schengen's 90-day limit in any 180 days.
- Insurance must cover all Schengen travel, with at least 30,000 EUR medical cover.
Visa not requiredUse existing Schengen documentsVisit with a Schengen visa or residence document that covers your trip.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Check your document covers Germany, your dates and entries.
- Carry it with your passport and travel papers.
Documents required
- Passport
- Qualifying visa or residence permit
- Return ticket
- Proof of enough money
- Follow your document's limits and Schengen's 90-day limit in any 180 days.
- This visitor route does not allow you to take a job.
Sources (37)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Federal Police: general information on border control
- Federal Foreign Office: visas for Germany
- Federal Foreign Office: visa requirements and exemptions by nationality
- Federal Foreign Office: visa and entry questions
- Federal Foreign Office: Consular Services Portal process
- Consular Services Portal: official online national visa application portal
- European Union: official ETIAS questions and operational status
- European Commission: applying for a Schengen visa
- German missions in the United States: short-stay visas
- German missions in the United States: Schengen checklist, April 2025
- German missions in the United States: airport transit
- German missions in the United Kingdom: visa information
- German missions in the United Kingdom: short-stay visas
- German missions in the United Kingdom: airport transit visas
- German missions in the United Kingdom: long-stay visas
- German missions in the United Kingdom: university studies
- German missions in the United Kingdom: employment routes
- German missions in the United Kingdom: general employment
- German missions in the United Kingdom: European Union Blue Card
- German missions in the United Kingdom: joining family
- German missions in the United Kingdom: joining a German spouse
- German missions in the United Kingdom: joining a third-country spouse
- German missions in the United Kingdom: joining a qualifying European spouse
- German missions in the United Kingdom: Opportunity Card
- German missions in the United Kingdom: Working Holiday and Youth Mobility
- German missions in the United Kingdom: organised school trips
- German missions in India: current Schengen visa guidance
- German missions in India: national visa guidance
- German missions in India: Schengen visa fees
- German missions in India: tourism checklist
- German missions in India: business checklist
- German missions in India: medical-treatment checklist
- German missions in India: study requirements
- German missions in India: academic employment and Blue Card requirements
- German missions in India: minor child joining parents
- German missions in India: parent joining a child
- German government portal: visa applications, free movement and privileged entry
Embassies for this trip
Book an appointment before you go.
Consulate general
Consulate General of Germany, Cape Town
Cape Town
Roeland Park, 4 Stirling Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town 7925
Trips to Germany
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Bavaria, Castles and Quiet Alpine DaysMunichHohenschwangauGarmisch-PartenkirchenFrom, per person~US$1,860
Heidelberg and Forest Days for TwoHeidelbergBaden-BadenBlack ForestFrankfurtFrom, per person~US$2,500
Germany Through Three Different CitiesBerlinDresdenMunichFrom, per person~US$2,710
Coming from South Africa
- Plugs C FAdapter for some
- MoneyEUR €
- Time−1h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageGerman
- Emergency110 police112 ambulance
Planning your Germany trip
- Rhine valleyThe railway lines through the valley offer particularly beautiful scenery.
- Bad HersfeldThe city has statues of dictionary author Konrad Duden and computer pioneer Konrad Zuse, who were both citizens.
- German countrysideRural areas and varied landscapes are major draws for visitors.
Scams to watch for in Germany
- Pickpocketing in crowds and on public transportThieves take belongings from pockets or bags in busy places. Crowds and rush-hour travel make it harder to notice a theft.
- High fees at independent ATMsThese machines usually charge high convenience fees for withdrawals. This is a fee risk rather than evidence that the machine is fraudulent.
- Poor ATM currency conversionAn ATM may offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. This service, called Dynamic Currency Conversion, may use a poor rate with an exchange markup.
About Germany
Germany is a federal parliamentary republic in Central Europe and the most populous EU state.
- Capital
- Berlin
- Money
- Euro (€)
- Languages
- German
- Time zone
- UTC+01:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +49
Other Africa passports
Going to Germany
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Germany with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do south african citizens need a visa for Germany?
South African citizens need a visa for Germany, from its embassy or consulate.
Where do I apply for a Germany visa?
At Germany's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help south african citizens enter Germany?
We have no record of Germany relaxing its rules for south african citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do german citizens need a visa for South Africa?
German citizens do not need a visa for South Africa. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to Germany?
Mauritius and Seychelles can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Germany are easier for south african citizens?
Kosovo, Russia, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, and 3 more let south african citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Germany?
Find Germany's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
What money is used in Germany?
Euro (€). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Germany?
German.
How strong is the South Africa passport?
It ranks #51 and reaches 91 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck