When to Lodge a Visa Application - Processing Time and Fee

Standard Procedure

When you want to travel to the Schengen area, it is important that you apply in good time.
Applications can be submitted 6 months before departure at the earliest.

Information on the current processing time can be found via the following link: Information on processing time

Note!

If you apply in Durban and Cape Town, the process will take 2 additional days, as the passport must be couriered to and from Pretoria.

Submission to the Danish Immigration Service and Schengen Consultation

In some cases, the Consulate is obliged to sumbit the application to the Danish Immigration Service (DIS). This applies to but is not limited to applications in which a minor is travelling alone.

Schengen Consultation
Some nationals are subject to prior consultation in one of more Schengen countries, before a visa can be issued. The consultation takes around 8-10 days. Please see the list of countries.

Some applicants will need further processing by the Danish Immigration Service. In these instances, the application process may take considerably longer. Therefore, it is advisable to apply in good time  just to make sure that you application has been finalised before you are scheduled to travel.

Note!
The Consulate always recommends that your flight and accommodation bookings are only provisional.

Visa Fee

The fee for applying for a visa can be found here. Please note that there is an extra service fee added when applying through VFS. Please see the fee structure for VFS here.

 

Schengen Entry

Holders of a Schengen visa are still subject to immigration control, and are not guaranteed entry into any of the Schengen countries, even though they may hold a valid visa for these countries.

The possession of a visa is only one of the prerequisites for entry into the territory of the Schengen state. Should the Schengen State’s border authority refuse entry, no claim to reimbursement of the visa can be submitted. The border police at your Schengen destination may request the presentation of sufficient funds, a letter of invitation, hotel reservation and proof of travel medical insurance. Failure to present said funds/documents may result in entry being refused.