South African traveling to France ....

[m0ng00se]

As a South African passport holder, it is very unfortunate that we require Visas for almost any country we want to go to.

I am planning on traveling to Nice, France in June for about 6-7 nights. I will only be sleeping over in Nice for 3 nights the rest will be "unbooked" campsites, etc .. as I do not know where I will be at which time makes pre-booking very difficult.

The problem is, the French Embassy needs proof of accommodation for ALL nights of your trip before they will issue a visa. Any other South Africans who has done a similar trip, how did you guys do it ??!! Can you book a campsite or hotel and then cancel after you got your visa, I don't know ??

Also, proof of traveling, will Chunnel/Ferry tickets do, I assume vehicle reg papers and insurance, etc as well ... ???

Any advice? Thanks guys

 

[immigrant]

Yup, I normally book a Marriott or similar to provide the booking confirmation for the Schengen, then cancel in good time. Any ferry/rail/air booking should suffice to confirm that you have return travel arrangements.

 

[Onwalkabout]

As of December last year your Schengen visa will also get you into Switzerland.

 

[m0ng00se]

Sorry, forgot to update you guys. I did receive my French schengen visa with no problems, spent 5 hours at the embassy, but they gave me a visa for whole year, so it was worth it !

Leaving work (SE London) on the 11th of June, catching the afternoon chunnel, sleeping in Calais that night, then leaving early the next morning towards Dijon with no plans, just riding

 

[Kalahari Meerkat]

Glad it all worked out! The French were very nice with me over Xmas.

Planned Xmas in Brugge, Belgium and applied at the French consulate. The French lady (stunning looking too) reviewed my paperwork, looked up and said " You do know that Brugge is not in France?" Thought I'll make some comment about Napoleon, invasion etc, but just said "oops !" and gave her my best smile! After a few words with her supervisor, she came back smiling!

So wrong country, no insurance they still gave me a 12 month visa. So a mate and I are off to Europe on the 13th for 11 days!!