Are you a South African citizen looking to visit France for a holiday or a private stay? The good news is that applying for a French tourist visa is relatively easy. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the process, including helpful tips and advice.
First things first, France is a popular tourist destination for a reason. Known for its stunning architecture, world-renowned cuisine, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, France is a must-visit destination for any avid traveller. Whether interested in history, art, food, or just soaking up the culture, France has something to offer everyone
The first step in applying for a Schengen visa is to determine which type of visa you need. If planning a short-term trip (up to 90 days), you must apply for a Schengen visa. If planning a more extended trip (more than 90 days), you must apply for a National visa.
To start, create an account on France-visas.gouv.fr and fill out the visa application form. You'll need to provide supporting documentation, such as proof of financial resources, travel itinerary, and accommodation arrangements. Once you've completed the application, you can book your appointment with Capago International and prepay the mandatory service fee.
The visa application process can be completed through Capago International, which is authorised to process French visa applications in South Africa.
On the day of your appointment, you'll need to bring your passport and original documents to one of the three Capago centres in South Africa. Capago will review your application, collect the visa fee, and capture your biometric data (photo and fingerprints). From there, Capago will forward your application to the French Consulate for processing.
Ensure you bring all the required documents to the appointment, including:
● A completed visa application form
● Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area
● A recent passport-sized photograph
● Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight reservations
● Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations
● Evidence of financial means, such as bank statements
● Proof of travel health insurance (Certificate of Insurance)
It's important to note that only people with an appointment can access the centre, and accompanying persons will be asked to wait outside the premises. Applicants under 12 are not authorised inside the premises as they are exempted from biometric data capture.
To ensure that you have adequate travel insurance coverage for your trip, consider purchasing our Travel Schengen insurance, which provides the mandatory insurance certificate required for your Schengen visa application. Buying our Travel Schengen Insurance will provide you with complete peace of mind with up to R 500,000 in emergency medical expenses in case of accident, sickness, illness or injury. Unlike other Schengen Travel Insurance, we also include up to R 1,000 if you lose or have stolen your Travel Documents. Buy online today with prices starting from R 128* per person.
In conclusion, France is an incredible tourist destination that is well worth a visit. Applying for a French tourist visa is a straightforward process that can be completed through Capago International.
