South African living in UK, need a Schengen visa. Where do we apply please? SA consulate or country of visit? [closed]

Please can you let me know where I need to apply for a Schengen Visa, if I am living in the UK with a South African passport. We have indefinite leave to remain status at present. Do we apply at the SA consulate, or at the consulate of the country that we are visiting? The website says only UK citizens can apply in London.

Best Answer

The place to apply for a visa is always a representation of the the country you want to visit. (Or in certain cases, another country that handles visa application for the destination country. For example, the Danish embassy in London processes applications for visas to Iceland).

The South African consulate issues visas for visiting South Africa -- they can't help you get a visa for anywhere else.

For Schengen visas in particular, the rule is that you must apply to the consulate of the Schengen country that's the main destination of your trip, in the country where you're a legal resident. If you have indefinite leave to remain in the UK and an actual address there, that would be the appropriate Schengen country's consulate in the UK.

(Some countries have several consulates in the UK, such that you won't have to go to London if you live in Scotland, for example. That depends on which of the Schengen states you're going to).

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Can a South African apply for a Schengen visa in Ireland?

A key requirement of the Schengen visa for South Africa citizens and residents is the Schengen visa appointment, which most applicants will need to schedule in advance. If you are applying online (i.e. through a country-specific visa portal) you will probably be able to schedule your visa appointment when you apply.

Can I apply for Schengen visa now?

Applicants are now able to apply more in advance. Before February 2020, 3 months before the scheduled trip to the Schengen Area was the earliest one could apply but this window has been extended to 6 months.

Where do you apply for a Schengen visa?

You must lodge the application for a Schengen visa at the Consulate of the country that you intend to visit, or \u2013 if you intend to visit more than one Schengen State, the Consulate of the country where you will spend the longest period.

Do I need Schengen visa if I have UK residence permit?

British citizens are covered by a Schengen visa waiver. This means you do not need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit these countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for: tourist travel.

How To Apply For A Schengen Visa | South African Youtuber

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