--- title: Czech Republic visa for citizens of South Africa description: "Citizens of South Africa need a visa for the Czech Republic and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €90. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/czech-republic/south-africa lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Czech Republic visa for citizens of South Africa Citizens of South Africa need a visa for the Czech Republic and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Application site: https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/information_for_aliens/general_visa_information/index.html ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Schengen visa (short-stay, tourist/business) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 15–45 days - **Government fee:** €90 - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements showing sufficient funds for stay (e.g. €50 per day) ## How to apply 1. **Check visa requirements and gather documents** — Ensure you meet all Schengen visa criteria and have the required documents 2. **Book an appointment at the Czech embassy/consulate or VAC** — Appointments are mandatory; book online via the official VFS/embassy portal 3. **Complete the visa application form** — Fill in the official application form accurately and sign it 4. **Pay the visa fee** — Fee is €80 (or equivalent in local currency); usually paid at the appointment 5. **Attend the appointment and submit biometrics** — Bring all documents; fingerprints and photo will be taken every 5 years 6. **Wait for processing (typically 15-45 days)** — Do not book travel until visa is issued; processing may take longer during peak season 7. **Collect your passport (with visa sticker)** — Either pick up in person or receive by courier (if service is available) ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least two blank pages, valid 6 months beyond intended stay)** (Identity) - **Completed and signed visa application form** (Identity): Download from Czech embassy website - **Two recent passport-size photographs (35x45 mm, white background)** (Identity): Must meet ICAO standards - **Travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 for entire Schengen area** (Supporting) - **Round-trip flight itinerary or proof of booked travel** (Travel): Reservation not necessarily purchased ticket - **Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental contract)** (Travel) - **Bank statements for last 3 months** (Financial): To show sufficient funds - **Proof of employment (letter from employer, payslips) or proof of student status** (Employment) - **Travel itinerary / detailed day-by-day plan** (Travel, optional): May be requested for tourist visas - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting, optional): Optional but recommended - **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate if applicable)** (Identity, optional): If travelling with family - **Copy of previous Schengen visas (if any)** (Identity, optional): To show travel history - **Invitation letter from a Czech host (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): Must be officially notarised or registered - **For minors: birth certificate, parental consent letters, copy of parents' passports** (Identity, optional): If applicable ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Equivalent of €50 per day of stay - Bank statements (last 3 months) - Pay slips - Sponsorship letter (if funded by third party) Cash, credit cards, or traveller's cheques may be considered as proof of funds ## Good to know - Processing times are estimates; apply well in advance (at least 3 months before travel). - Incomplete or incorrect documents may lead to rejection or delays. - Biometric data is required every 5 years for Schengen visa applicants. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient proof of funds** — Provide clear bank statements showing consistent income and enough balance for the trip. - **Unclear travel purpose or itinerary** — Submit a detailed day-by-day itinerary and a cover letter explaining the purpose of visit. - **Previous visa violations or overstay in Schengen area** — Disclose any previous issues honestly and provide explanation if needed. - **Lack of travel medical insurance** — Purchase and submit valid Schengen-compliant health insurance before application. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for the Czech Republic? Citizens of South Africa need a visa for the Czech Republic and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen visa (short-stay, tourist/business). ### How long can citizens of South Africa stay in the Czech Republic? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the Czech Republic visa cost for citizens of South Africa? Government fee: €90. ### How long does Czech Republic visa processing take? Typically 15–45 days. ### What documents do citizens of South Africa need for the Czech Republic? Valid passport (with at least two blank pages, valid 6 months beyond intended stay); Completed and signed visa application form; Two recent passport-size photographs (35x45 mm, white background); Travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 for entire Schengen area; Round-trip flight itinerary or proof of booked travel; Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental contract); and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for the Czech Republic? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? Applications go through https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/information_for_aliens/general_visa_information/index.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay. ## Sources - [mzv.cz](https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/information_for_aliens/general_visa_information/index.html) ## More - [Czech Republic visa for every passport](/visa/czech-republic) - [Every destination for South Africa passport holders](/visa/passport/south-africa)