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How do you apply for a visa for France if you live in South Africa?

You apply through Capago in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. The government fee is EUR 90. Official processing time: Normally 15 days. It may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination or additional documents are needed.

Key facts

FactWhat it is
Government feeEUR 90Checked 14 November 2026 against European Commission, DG Migration and Home Affairs
Where you applyCapago: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port ElizabethChecked 14 November 2026 against Capago (contracted operator), visa application centre for France in South Africa
Official processing timeNormally 15 days. It may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination or additional documents are needed.Checked 14 November 2026 against European Commission, DG Migration and Home Affairs
Refusal rate8.5% (2025)Checked 14 November 2026 against European Commission, DG Migration and Home Affairs
Recent rule changeThe Entry/Exit System (EES), which collects data on non-EU travellers when they arrive at the border, starts progressively from 12 October 2025. ETIAS is not yet in operation and is expected to start at the end of 2026. (from 12 October 2025)Checked 14 November 2026 against Embassy of France in South Africa and Consulates General in Johannesburg and Cape Town
How to book an appointmentComplete all the steps on France-Visas first, then book and prepay your appointment on the Capago site. The service fee prepayment confirms the appointment and is non-refundable. You can change the date up to two times, at least 3 days before the appointment, and one traveller may hold only one appointment at a time.Checked 14 November 2026 against Capago (contracted operator), visa application centre for France in South Africa
Visa centre service chargeEUR 32: Capago service fee per application, paid online when booking to confirm the appointment. The prepayment is non-refundable.Checked 14 November 2026 against Capago (contracted operator), visa application centre for France in South Africa

Documents for this route

These are the documents this route asks for on top of the usual list.

  1. Non-South African nationals: South African residence permit or temporary residence permit valid at least three months beyond the planned stay
  2. Photocopies of Schengen entry and exit stamps for the last three years from previous passports, if available
  3. Bank statement for the three months before the date of application, as proof of sufficient means
  4. Proof of employment: a letter from the employer stating monthly wages, start of employment, continuing employment after the leave and the length of the holiday
  5. If self-employed: a recent certification from the SA Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and a current Tax Certificate from SARS (South African Revenue Services)
  6. If a student: letter of enrolment or confirmation from a school, college or university in South Africa
  7. Minors: birth certificate naming the parents, certified copies of the ID or passport of all parents or legal guardians, and certified parental consent (affidavit) when travelling alone or with one parent
  8. If not returning to South Africa: reasonable proof of the onward plan, for example an employment contract, proof of enrolment or a rental agreement in the next country

Related pages

Sources

Changes to this page

No changes since this page was published on 14 November 2026.

Who checked this page

Facts checked by Imran AK. Reviewed by Manu KP. Last reviewed 14 November 2026.

Every fact comes from an official page and is checked by two people.