Print page

Where to apply for a Schengen visa?

Exceptions which have to be submitted to Regional Consular Center Southern Africa in Pretoria:

  • visa applications for short stays linked to a gainful activity (including chauffeurs and journalists)

  • visa applications for short stays linked to studies or a study program

  • visa applications for short stays for medical purposes

  • visa applications for short stays lodged by citizens of certain countries (Citizen of D.R Congo, Eritrea, Irak and Somalia should first contact the Visa Section of the Regional Consular Center Southern Africa in Pretoria)

Issuing time

As a general rule, a decision is taken by the visa section within 15 calendar days (a shortened or acceleration of the process is not possible). In individual cases this period may be extended.

Please note that no visa information (progress, addition documents, collection date, expediting, etc.) is given by phone or email to the applicant or 3rd parties, after the visa application has been submitted to VFS Global.

Start of page
Last update 30.07.2025