As of January 2017 Requirements for short stay visa up to 90 days (Schengen visa) Visa forms are free of charge Information regarding visa procedures, requirements and individual applications can only be obtained from the visa officers of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, not from Security Staff or any other third party. The Embassy does not work with agents, travel agencies or other middle men. Booking of an appointment is only possible through the website of the Embassy www.dakar.diplo.de. The German Embassy in accepts visa applications from nationals and residents (with proof of residency) of SENEGAL and THE GAMBIA. Please note the conduct of the visa application procedure 1. Booking of an appointment Applicants applying for a short term visa (for visit, business or any other purpose) have to book an appointment through the online appointment booking system on the website www.dakar.diplo.de of the Embassy 2. Appearance in person All applicants then have to apply in person at the Embassy. 3. Processing time You are strongly advised to submit your application at least 4 weeks prior to the date of departure. Please note that the processing of a visa takes 5 working days upon receipt of the complete application. 4. Fee of 40.000,- CFCA The processing fee is 40.000 FCFA. Should the visa be denied the Embassy will not refund any money. 5. No guarantee for visa issue Compliance with the visa conditions does not automatically guarantee that a visa will be issued. In addition to the standard requirements other supporting documents may be required, depending on the specific nature of your application. Furthermore, after receipt of a visa, the border authorities may refuse entry into the Schengen Area upon arrival (Art. 30 Visa Code). 6. Embassy keeps certain documents The Embassy does not return forms, photos or any 1
other documents in the case of refusal or should the application be withdrawn. 7. Handling of fake or forged documents Fake or forged documents will not be returned and may be sent to the relevant authorities. The submission of fake or forged documents is a reason of refusal. 8. Examination of willingness to return The Embassy examines the purpose of travel as well as financial means and sufficient ties to the home country and the willingness to return there. Applicants are at liberty to provide documents to support these factors. 9. Please do not send documents directly to the Embassy Supporting documents should not be send to the Embassy directly but only to the applicant! 10. Submission of additional documents If you are asked to submit additional documents please do always indicate your reference number while doing so. 11. Independent examination of visa If a visa is granted it is your duty to verify whether the information printed on the visa sticker is correct and complete and to report any errors to the Embassy immediately. 12. Refusal of visa In case the visa is refused the applicant or a third party authorized by the applicant by power of attorney may within 4 weeks appeal in writing. Please add further documentation and background information, stating the file number and a postal mailing address. Details concerning the refusal of a visa cannot be conveyed to a third party unless authorized by the applicant by power of attorney. The processing of an appeal takes at least 4 weeks. Collection of passport Botschaft Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 13:30 o clock. The passport might also be collected at the Liaison Office in Banjul Embassy s office in Banjul, kindly allow for enough time (at least two weeks from the date of the application). Contact details: http://www.dakar.diplo.de/vertretung/dakar/en/01- botschaft/oeffnungszeiten/oeffnungszeiten-gmb-gnb- CPV.html 2
All documents listed below (except application form) are to be presented in original as well as one legible copy. + Original Copy Only complete applications can be processed, incomplete applications will not be accepted! Additional documents may be required. General requirements Application form completely filled-in application form, duly signed by the applicant. The application form of minors under 16 years of age have to be signed by both parents. Minors between 16 and 18 years of age have to submit written consent by both parents and copy of parents passports Passport picture 1 recent passport picture with white background (please do not attach to form) Valid passport valid passport (valid at least until 3 months after return) with at least 2 blank pages and copy of the biodata page ID-Card ID-Card Flight reservation booking-slip or reservation for return flight (no ticket!) Previous passports previous passports (if any) Birth certificate birth certificate of the applicant Proof of sufficient financial means for the trip and proof of social and economic ties to or the Gambia proof of employment: work contract, pay slips and personal bank statements for the last three months or proof of economic situation if self-employed: business registration, company's bank statement, further business papers bank statements and the corresponding bank card or savings book (plus copy) Marriage certificate and birth certificates of children, if applicable leave letter from employer, university or school (plus last report) If the applicant is citizen of a third country he needs to Foreign applicants residing in or Gambia present a valid residence permit for or Gambia. Minor travellers minors traveling alone or with only one parent need to present a written consent of the other person holing custody minor Gambian citizens travelling alone or with only one parent need to present a travel clearance issued by the 3
Gambian police Travel health insurance Travel health insurance for the complete stay in the Visa fee Visa fee of 40.000 F CFA Schengen Area. All German insurance companies are acknowledged Additional requirements for: Visa for private visits Financing the travel if costs of the trip cannot be covered by the applicant: original formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) from the host according to 66 to 68 of the German Residence Act, confirmed by the local immigration office in Germany if invited by an institution, authority, church, etc. which is covering the costs of the trip: original formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) from the institution according to 66 to 68 of the German Residence Act, confirmed by the local immigration office in Germany The formal obligation letter should be send directly in original to the applicant only well-known and major German institutions and organisations may present an invitation letter instead which includes a reference to 66 to 68 of the German Residence Act Family relation proof of family relation to host (if applicable) Information about the host proof of German residence permit of host (if applicable) copy of passport of host (Page 1 and 2) Business Visa Invitation letter and proof of finance Original invitation letter from the German company. If costs of the trip cannot be covered by the applicant: original formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) from the company according to 66 to 68 of the German Residence Act, confirmed by the local immigration office in Germany The formal obligation letter should be send directly in original to the applicant only well-known and major German companies may present an invitation letter instead which includes a reference to 66 to 68 of the German Residence Act 4
Proof of the company in Germany copy of inviting company s entry in German commercial register Proof of business ties Proof of business ties to the German company: invoices, orders, bills of lading, etc. Proof of the company in or Gambia ese or Gambian company s business registration certificates and bank statement of the company Carte Commerçant, Carte Import-Export (only for ) Accomodation Proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel reservation) Tourist Visa Accomodation Proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel reservation) Travel itinerary Chronological list of travel destinations Visa for medical treatment Diagnosis letter from local doctor stating diagnosis Confirmation from German hospital/doctor confirmation from German hospital/doctor regarding expected duration of treatment and estimate of costs Financing proof of advance payment of 50% proof of sufficient financial means or formal obligation according to 66 to 68 of the German Residence Act or insurance or a letter of sponsorship including company documents and bank statements, if applicable Accomodation Proof of accommodation Visa for civil servants and official visits Ordre de Mission of the competent ministry, which mentions the purpose, time, location of the travel and accommodation Assumption of costs Applicants with service passports or diplomatic passports: supporting note verbal from the Ministry of Foreign Affaire Kindly use your ordinary passport for private visits! 5