Ouch! I can empathise with you as we have to go through the same palaver every time we need a Schengen Visa. Although the actual visa only costs €60 we have to pay courier fees and service fees so that we end up paying €138. And, if you live within a 400 km radius of Cape Town you have to make an appointment with the Consulate for an interview which can double the amount in traveling costs.
This is our Visa application Check List for Spain
1
Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
Use a black ink pen and print the information clearly
2
Two recent colour passport photos on a white background 35x45mm : Do not smile, remove your spectacles
3
Valid Original Passport issued with maximum of 10 years of validity - Valid for a period of at least 3 months after expiry date of the requested Schengen Visa: Copy of the information page of the passport. At least two blank pages to affix visa.
4
Itinerary of trip to Spain drawn up by applicant including details on: Dates on entry and return. Number of days in each Schengen state.
5
Means of Transport: Valid return flight tickets/train ticket/ferry ticket showing Spain as the main destination, booking are accepted, original flight tickets need to be presented on day of collection.
6
Accommodation for entire period of the stay in Schengen territory present: Hotel Bookings, time sharing booking (with name of applicant on it) For Tours and Cruises you need the paid invoices.
7
Host's invitation from Spanish Nationals or foreign residents in Spain is available at any Spanish National police station (apply a few months in advance of your trip) : In some cases and with the due guaranties a personal letter of invitation with details of host and guest, copy of the host’s passport/ID in Spain, utility bills (water, electricity, etc.) and civic registration could be taken into consideration. In cases of property ownership or leasing, copy of relevant documents
8
Medical Travel Insurance: Insurance must cover assistance in the Schengen area not “reimbursement” Valid minimum of €30.000. Name of beneficiary (your name as it appears in your passport), a copy of the Insurance Visa Letter and the first page showing validity, schedule of benefit and amount covered. Medical repatriation expenses must be included.
9
Financial Means: For stay up to 9 days minimum amount required is €600 : Stay for more than 9 days add an additional amount of €64 per day : The Original last 3 month's bank statements (savings, cheque or credit card account) stamped by the bank.
Photocopies, bank letters or internet bank statements are not accepted. Booking of foreign exchange could be taken into consideration. Expenses covered by the company do not exempt from bank statement.
11
El
Camino de Santiago pilgrims can send a copy of the front page of their ‘Credencial’ from the Confraternity of St James as confirmation that they are walking the Camino.
12
Employment letter (confirming position and salary) pension, retirement, university, college or school letter. If self employed provide CC/CK documentation or VAT registration.
13
FICA letter - electricity bill, SARS document etc to prove you are who you are!
