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Embassy of Spain in South Africa

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The Society of Spanish Researchers in Southern Africa (ACE Sur de Africa) is a not-for-profit society aiming to disseminate excellent-quality research ...

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Spain Visas

Updated: 27th September 2023

Visa Requirements

UK, AUS, NZ, USA and CAN passport holders do not require a visa at present to enter Spain for touristic purposes, for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

For passport holders of other nationalities not included here, please check the http://www.projectvisa.com/visainformation/Spain website for more information.

South African Residents

Spain is part of the borderless region known as the Schengen Area and South African passport holders require a Schengen visa in order to enter Spain. A passport valid for at least three months from your departure is required and a visa will only be issued if blank pages are available. Requirements for the procurement of a visa are subject to change but application requirements include round-trip travel itinerary specifying entry and exit dates from the Schengen state and proof of funds to support yourself during your stay (approximately $50 USD per day). BLS International is the authorized service provider to The Embassy/Consulate of Spain in South Africa, providing services to help people apply for a visa to enter Spain. BLS have a visa application Centre in Cape Town and Pretoria. https://sa.blsspainvisa.com Cape Town Office 1st Floor, Block B, North Park, Black River Park, 2 Fir Street, Observatory, Western Cape, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa Tel: +021 003 8050 Pretoria Office Regus Lakeview, Ground Floor Lakeview Building 1277 Mike Crawford Avenue Centurion 0157 South Africa Tel: +012 683 8793

Visa Procurement

Please be advised that visa requirements are subject to change and that visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not On The Go Tours, therefore it is essential that you check current visa requirements with the embassy before travel. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from Spain.

Check out our handy Travel Guide resources to help plan your trip to Spain:

Spain tours - find out more about our trips to Spain Best Places to Visit - where to go on your Spain trip Best Time to Visit - climate and seasons of Spain Top Travel Tips - useful info on money, health, food and more Cities to Visit in Spain for First Timers - plan your first visit to Spain

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Spain visa requirements for South Africans

Foreign nationals planning to travel to Spain, including South African citizens , must understand the visa requirements to ensure a seamless journey. Unless exempted due to their nationality, travellers to Spain must obtain the necessary visa. In this article, we explore Spain visa requirements for South Africans, delving into different visa categories as well as how and where to apply for your Spanish visa.

Different types of visas for Spain

There are two main types of Spanish visas based on the duration of your stay:

Short stay visas

Long-stay visas

For longer stays exceeding three months, you need a Spain Long-Stay Visa, also known as a National Visa. Depending on the type of long-stay visa, you may also be authorized to work in Spain. Exemptions from applying for long-stay visas apply to specific European Union member countries including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Short-term visas (maximum stay of 90 days)

South African nationals require a tourist visa, as South Africa is not among the visa-exempt countries for Spain. The Schengen visa permits visitors to stay in any EU/Schengen country for up to 90 days, valid for 180 days. It primarily covers purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits.

The application process for Schengen visas varies, with some allowing electronic submission while others require in-person application. Travelers holding a Schengen visa for Spain must initiate their journey from Spain before visiting other Schengen countries.

Depending on your purpose, you may apply for specific Spanish short-stay visas:

• Transit Visa: This includes Airport Transit for flight connections or Seamen Transit for port visits.
• Tourist and Visitor Visa: For tourism, sightseeing, vacation, or visiting family and friends in Spain.
• Business Visa: For business-related activities in Spain.
• Medical Treatment Visa: If you plan to receive medical care in Spain.
• EEA/EU Dependent Visa: Applicable to EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals dependents (spouse or child under 18).
• Visa for Missing Residence Permit: To regain entry if you’ve lost your Spanish Residence Permit while abroad.
• Study or Training Visa: For admission to a training or study course lasting less than 3 months in Spain.
• Visa for Diplomatic Passport Holders: Available to holders of diplomatic passports.

National Visas (Long Stay)

Depending on the purpose of your travels, you may apply for one of the following Spanish National visas:

• Student Visa: For those intending to study at an educational institution in Spain for more than three months.
• Work Visa: Designed for individuals seeking paid employment in Spain.
• Family Visa: Enables family members of legal residents in Spain to reunite with their loved ones.
• Au Pair Visa: For young foreigners willing to assist a family with housework or childcare in exchange for accommodation and board.
• Retiree Visa: Intended for retired individuals with the financial means to live in Spain.
• Golden Visa: Available for those who can invest a specific amount in real estate in Spain.
• Entrepreneur Visa: For those aspiring to establish or invest in a business in Spain.
• Working Holiday Visa: Designed for individuals who want to work during holidays, such as summer vacations.
• Non-Lucrative Residence Visa: For those wishing to apply for residence in Spain, provided they have the financial means to support themselves and their dependents.

Spain visa requirements for South African citizens

Before a visa is issued, South African applicants must meet specific requirements and provide essential documents, including:

• Completed Application Form: A signed and fully filled-out Schengen visa application form with accurate information.
• South African Passport: A valid passport from South Africa with at least six months of validity from the date of issue. The passport should not be older than ten years and should have a minimum of two unused pages.
• Cover Letter: A comprehensive cover letter outlining the purpose of the trip and other relevant travel information.
• Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or details of the place of stay.
• Proof of Funds: A bank statement covering the last three months, demonstrating a balance sufficient to cover daily expenses, at a minimum of €100.
• Travel Insurance: A Schengen-recognized travel insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000, including COVID-19 coverage and other medical expenses during the visit.
• Flight Bookings: Proof of flight reservations for the return journey to South Africa, indicating the intention to return after the visit.

Do I have to submit civic documents to apply for a Spanish visa?

Accepted documents for verifying your civil status include:

• Marriage Certificate: This document is necessary if you are married and wish to demonstrate your current marital status .
• Birth Certificate of Children: If you have children, providing their birth certificates serves as evidence of your parental status.
• Death Certificate of Spouse: In unfortunate circumstances where you have lost your spouse, the death certificate verifies your marital history.

These documents play a pivotal role in accurately representing your civil status. Ensure these documents are appropriately attested and translated if required, adhering to the guidelines set by the Spanish consulate or embassy. Accurate verification of your civil status strengthens your visa application, contributing to a seamless and successful process. You may also need to submit a SAPS Police Clearance Certificate , depending on the visa type you apply for.

An important note on Spanish visa applications for minors

When minors are applying for short-stay visas to Spain, or when parents are applying for a visa on behalf of their minor child, additional requirements need to be fulfilled as part of the application process. These supplementary visa requirements ensure the safety and well-being of the minors during their travels. Here’s what you need to include in the application file:

• Birth Certificate of the minor: A certified copy of the minor’s birth certificate who will be traveling to Spain. This document serves as proof of the minor’s identity and age.
• Visa application form signed by both parents: The visa application form for the minor must be signed by both parents or legal guardians. This collective consent underscores the agreement for the minor’s travel.
• Family court order (if applicable): In cases where only one parent has full custody of the child, a family court order indicating this custody arrangement should be included. This document confirms the legal custody status and authorises the application.
• Certified copies of ID/passports of both parents: Providing certified copies of the ID or passport of both parents establishes their identities and verifies their relationship to the minor.

These supplementary requirements ensure that minors’ journeys to Spain are well-regulated and compliant with legal standards. Remember that each document should be accurately attested and translated, if necessary. Addressing these additional requirements reinforces the safety and security of the minor throughout their travel experience.

How to apply for a Spanish visa

South Africans can apply for a visa through two methods:

Embassy or Consulate application

This method involves visiting the Spanish embassy or one of its consulates in Johannesburg, Pretoria, or Cape Town. Applicants must submit a completed and signed application form alongside the required documents. Following this, they are scheduled for an interview to discuss their trip. Feedback about the visa application is provided via email or phone, and successful applicants are issued visas for their travel.

Online application (short-term visas only)

This option is suitable for short-term tourist, business, or transit visas. The Spanish government strictly regulates visa submission and processing. Depending on their country of residence, applicants may need to submit their visa application at a Spanish consulate or a Visa Application Centre, such as TLS Contact, VFS Global, or BLS International.

Visa Processing Time

Typically, visa applications take up to 15 working days to process after submission to the Consulate. However, please note that processing times may vary, and these estimates do not include the time required for scheduling an appointment. These timelines specifically apply to South African passport holders, and processing times may differ for other nationalities.

All information provided in this article was accurate as of September 2023. It’s crucial to stay informed about any changes in visa requirements, as the information provided here is subject to alteration without prior notice. Compliance with these requirements does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.

Author:  Apostil

Apostil.co.za is a documentation service for apostilles, notarisations, authentications and various certifications of documents in South Africa.

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Spain Schengen Visa for citizens of South Africa

Do you dream about strolling along the sun-kissed streets of Spain, indulging in its delectable cuisine, and immersing yourself in its vibrant culture? If you're a wanderlust-driven traveler from South Africa, your dreams can come true with the Spain Schengen Visa for South African citizens . This visa is your golden ticket to explore Spain and all the other Schengen countries.

Rely on professional guidance and increase your chances of visa approval. Our team of iVisa Experts is here to assist you in navigating the steps to get a Spain Schengen Visa from South Africa . Let's delve into how you can smoothly apply for this Spanish visa.

Spain Visa - South Africa: Do I need a visa for Spain from South Africa?

Absolutely! For South African passport holders, getting a Spain Schengen visa is mandatory for a Spanish trip. This visa grants access to all 27 Schengen countries , whether traveling for a leisurely vacation, engaging in business activities, or visiting family. To meet eligibility criteria, ensure your entry to the Schengen Area is through Spain or that you’ll spend most of your trip within Spain while in the Schengen zone.

Our services provide expert assistance, enhancing your chances of getting visa approval. Count on us for professional guidance from start to finish. Learn more about the Spain Schengen Visa .

Here are the countries you can explore with a Spain Schengen Visa:

How to get a Spain Schengen visa from South Africa with us

With our professional assistance, getting the Schengen Visa for Spain from South Africa is a breeze. Just follow these uncomplicated steps:

Step 1: Provide travel and contact details on our website or iVisa app . Double-check the accuracy of the information and pay our service visa fee online.

Step 2: Complete the Schengen visa application form and upload the necessary documents on our platform. Our team will review your application and schedule your visa appointment at the nearest Spanish embassy or Visa Application Center (VAC).

Step 3: Attend the visa appointment to submit your documents, pay the government visa fee, and undergo a visa interview. Once these steps are completed, wait for the visa decision.

Do you have more questions about the Spain Schengen Visa for South African citizens? Our customer service team is always here to assist. Contact us via our online chat or at [email protected] .

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/seul/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visados-nacionales-Informacion-general.aspx

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South Africa Visa » Requirements » Requirements for Spanish Citizens

South Africa Visa for Spanish Citizens

Whether or not a South African visa for Spanish citizens is required to visit South Africa from Spain depends on two factors. Namely, the length of intended stay and the purpose of the trip.

In the case that a Spanish passport holder needs a visa for South Africa , they need to use traditional application methods to obtain it.  Although the government of South Africa has now  implemented an online visa application system for several different nationalities, Spanish citizens are not currently eligible to apply.

As it is not yet known if nationals of Spain will be added to the eVisa nationalities, Spanish citizens still need to visit a local South African embassy or consulate to get a visa. On this page, travellers can find out more about the necessary requirements and application process.

Do Spanish Citizens Need a Visa for South Africa?

Spanish citizens are entitled to visa-free entry into South Africa for short stays of up to 90 days in the country. This visa exemption is granted for purposes such as tourism and business.

However, for longer stays in the country, travellers from Spain need to apply for a long-term visa from the various visa options available to them from the South African government.

It should be noted that each visa type has its own set of requirements that travellers will need to meet. Therefore, it is important to study them carefully to ensure they will be able to fulfill them.

South Africa Visa Requirements for Spanish Citizens

• Having a valid passport from an eligible country with at least two blank pages where entrance and exit stamps can be placed.
• The traveller’s passport must have a remaining validity of at least 6 months from the date of arrival in South Africa
• Spanish travellers planning to visit South Africa with minors under the age of 18 will be required to be present the minor’s birth certificate to prove parentage. In case the minor is travelling with one parent and not the other, an affidavit from the other parent will be required to show that the minor is travelling with the other parent’s permission.
• Travellers from Spain who have visited a country in the past ten years where yellow fever is a concern will need to provide a vaccination certificate indicating they have been inoculated against the disease.

Nevertheless, additional documents requirements apply for each type of South Africa visa for Spanish nationals ( tourist visa , work visa , study visa , etc.). It is important to carefully check the documentation requested to ensure a smooth application process.

How to Apply for a South Africa Visa from Spain?

To apply for a South African visa from Spain, it is necessary to first print and complete an application by providing personal details, passport data, and travel plans for visiting South Africa.

It is important for people to enter information with the highest degree of accuracy as errors discovered in the application can result in setbacks for the applicant’s attempt to receive the South African visa.

Mostly, these setbacks can be in the form of travel delays caused by a visa denial or processing delays leading to a disruption of the applicant’s travel plans.

Travellers can review the information they enter on the South African visa form before submitting it for processing at an embassy or consulate alongside their supporting documents. They will also be required to pay a processing fee in order to submit the application.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Visa for South Africa from Spain?

It can often take several weeks or even months for a consular South African visa for Spanish citizens to be processed.

Because of this long period of processing time, travelers from Spain are advised to begin the application process well in advance of their intended travel to South Africa.

Travelling to South Africa from Spain

If travelling to South Africa from Spain for less than 90 days, it is only necessary to present a valid Spanish passport to gain entry to the country.

If visiting for more than 90 days, Spanish travellers will have to present the approved South African visa as well as the passport to South African authorities upon arrival in the country. While visiting South Africa, travellers should carry a copy of their visa at all times.

It is also important for travellers from Spain to plan their departure from South Africa a few days before their visa-free stay or visa expires to ensure they do not encounter any issues. South Africa has strict measures in place regarding travellers who overstay their visa .

South African Embassies in Spain

South African Embassy in Madrid, Spain Edificio Lista Calle de Claudio Coello 91-6 Cor of J Ortega Y Gasset Madrid 28006 Spain

TELEPHONE: (+34) 91 436 3780

FAX: (+34) 91 577 7414

South African Honorary Consulate General in Bilbao, Spain Las Mercedes, 31, Edificio Abra 48930 Las Arenas Spain

TELEPHONE: (+34) 94 464 1124 / (+34) 94 480 0328

FAX: (+34) 94 464 1124

The Embassy wishes to inform members of the public that the telephone lines at the South African Embassy in Madrid, Spain are not functional.

Les Informamos desde la embajada que nuestras lineas telefonicas no funcionan.

The public is requested to contact the Embassy on the following email addresses.

Rogamos nos escriban un correo a:

[email protected]  (for all consular related issues) [email protected] (for all other queries)

Officials can be reached on the following mobile numbers (+34) Se puede contractor a nuestros oficiales en los siguientes numeros.

Administration and Consular (Dept Consular)

Ms Ole Khoza 677 53 51 46 Ms Daphney Mohlala 672 66 32 04

Political Desk (Dept Politico)

Mr Martin Malan  615 61 45 43 Ms Makwatse Mokgethi 615 61 45 49

Link to DIRCO publications :

Apply for a visa

If you want to visit South Africa, you must produce a valid visa before you can enter into the country. A visa will be issued for a visit for tourism or business purposes and is valid for a period of 90 days.

Some countries are exempted from visa control, which means that citizens from those countries do not need a visa to visit South Africa.

Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials must insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country. Depending on your intended visit, you can apply for a Visitor’s Visa or a Transit Visa. Find out more about the:

• requirements for a visa
• types of visas
• countries exempt from South African visas

or contact the Department of Home Affairs .

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