Please note that there are currently still considerable waiting times when booking visa appointments!

These are the main reasons for the shortage of appointments:

1. The trip is planned at too short notice

Visas can be applied for up to six months before the planned trip.

• For trips that can be planned in advance, arrange for an appointment as soon as possible.

2. Appointments lapse because booked appointments are not cancelled or people do not show up on time.

• Arrive at the Embassy well in advance of your booked appointment (preferably as early as 30 minutes before your appointment).
• If you cannot keep a booked appointment, please cancel it immediately by using the cancellation link (will be sent to you automatically with your appointment confirmation).

3. Mainly incomplete documents are submitted, so that the application cannot be accepted or processed further.

Ensure that you are able to present all the documents mentioned on the checklists, completely and in the order mentioned.

4. The embassy does not only issue Schengen visas for the main travel destination Germany, but also for the main travel destination in the following Schengen states:

• - Belgium
• - France
• - Luxembourg
• - Malta
• - the Netherlands
• - Austria
• - Switzerland
• - Hungary
  

If your main destination is in one of these countries above, you can also contact their Embassy in South Africa in order to apply for a visa there.

The embassy has no influence on this. You will make a significant contribution to improving the appointment situation if you book your visa appointment early, arrive on time and bring complete documentation.