Skip to content

Travel within the Schengen Area

“The Schengen Area is a zone comprised of 29 European states which have officially abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders.
For visitors, it effectively means that the Schengen Area acts as a singular country, i.e. once you enter one Schengen country you have entered them all.” 
See ETIAS Visa for more information.
Not all EU countries are in Schengen, and some non-EU countries (like Norway and Switzerland) are part of Schengen.
You can find a list of the Schengen area countries here.

Schengen visa

A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows non-EU citizens to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, typically for tourism or business.

Aufenthaltstitel

An Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit) is a general term for a legal residence status in Germany, granted for work, study, or family reunification.

Aufenthaltserlaubnis

A Residence Permit for Germany (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is a temporary residence permit tied to specific conditions, such as employment or studies

Niederlassungserlaubnis

A Niederlassungserlaubnis is a permanent settlement permit that grants unrestricted residence and work rights in Germany, with no expiry date.

Travel on a Residence permit

If you hold a South African passport along with a valid Schengen residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis or Niederlassungserlaubnis), you can travel freely within the Schengen Area for as long as your permit remains valid. However, be sure to check for any specific restrictions, such as whether your residence permit is limited to Germany.

For official details, refer to Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament, available on EUR-Lex.

Travel with a Schengen Visa

Single-entry visa

A single-entry visa allows its holder to enter the Schengen Area only once, within the given period, as mentioned in the visa sticker affixed to their passport. Once the visa holder exits Schengen territory, he or she can no longer go back, even if they have not spent the number of days as permitted by the embassy that issued them the visa.

Some people confuse the single-entry visa, thinking that it is about the number of countries the visa holder is permitted to visit and that it allows them to enter one single country. The territory you are permitted to visit is given close to the “Valid for” tag on your visa sticker, whereas the time you are allowed to stay is given close to the “Number of entries” tag.

Multiple-entry visa

A multiple-entry visa allows its holder to go in and out of the Schengen Area as many times as he or she wants, as long as they do not violate the 90/180 rule.

Based on how frequently you travel to the Schengen zone, you may apply and obtain one of the following multiple-entry visa types:

  • 1-year multiple-entry visa
  • 3-year multiple-entry visa
  • 5-year multiple-entry visa

Types of Schengen visas.

  • Type “A” is for airport transit,
  • B” is for land Transit,
  • C” is for a short stay (> 90 days)  and
  • D” is for a long stay (<90 days) visa.
  • A Visa with Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) is a special type of Schengen visa that only allows travel to specific Schengen countries, rather than the entire Schengen Area. Unlike a standard Schengen visa, which permits movement across all member states, an LTV visa restricts travel to only the country or countries explicitly mentioned on the visa sticker.
How to check your visa:
  1. Gültig für/Valid for – Is it valid only for Germany (Limited Territory) or valid for the Schengen states
  2. Remarks –  for example the reason for your visit and any restrictions. 
  3. Number of entries – MULT (Multiple) double, or Single entry

Good to know

  • If your visa is only valid for Germany and single entry, you are not allowed to return to Germany once you leave on the same visa.
  • If your visa is valid for the “Schengen-Staaten” and single entry, you are allowed to travel within the Schengen area, but once you leave the Schengen area you cannot return on the same visa
  • If your visa is valid for the “Schengen-Staaten” and multiple entry you can leave and enter the Schengen area for as long as your visa is valid, keeping  the 90/180 rule in mind.

Things to keep in mind

  • When travelling within the Schengen Area, it’s essential to always carry your passport and visa/residence permit with you. While internal border checks are rare, authorities can still conduct random checks, and failure to provide valid identification could lead to fines, delays, or even being denied entry into another Schengen country. Some airlines, hotels, and law enforcement agencies may also require proof of your legal right to stay in Europe. Having both documents on hand ensures a smooth journey and avoids unnecessary complications.
  •  European Union (EU): A political and economic union of some European countries that cooperate on trade, laws, and policies. Some EU countries (e.g., Ireland and Cyprus) are not in the Schengen area, meaning they still have border checks, while some non-EU countries are in Schengen.
  • Schengen Area – This refers to the group of European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing free movement of people. It includes most EU countries plus a few non-EU members like Norway and Switzerland.
  • Even if you have a permanent residence card for Germany, for countries outside the Schengen area, you will need to adhere to the rules applicable to your passport. See Where can I travel on my SA passport for some visa exemptions.
  • Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and the Vatican have opened their borders but are not members of the visa-free zone.
  • The Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands are special members of the EU and part of the Schengen Zone, even though they are located outside the European continent.
  • In many European countries, highways, expressways, bridges or tunnels may be subjected to Maut (Tollfees)  – see the ADAC site.  You can buy a Vignette before your trip, or when arriving at the toll gates.
    For Austria, you can buy a Vignette directly on the ASFINAG site if you travel in your car. You cannot buy a Vignette in advance for a rental car because you do not know the registration number.
  • Business Trips – If your employer is sending you to another EU country for work purposes (e.g. business trip), they need to provide you with an A1 certificate (see https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/social-security-and-benefits/social-security-forms/index_en.htm) which you need to carry with you. This document confirms that you are paying social security (Krankenkasse+Renteversichering) in Germany.

Where can I travel with my SA passport

The general rule is that the entry requirements for a country are determined by your passport. Attention South African passport holders with a Schengen visa, temporary or permanent residence in Germany, do not have the same travel privileges as an EU citizen. When you have a multi-entry Schengen Visa, a German Aufenthaltstitel (Temporary Residence permit) without any restrictions, or Schengen permanent

Read More »

Traveling to the UK

If you only have a South African passport, you need a visa to visit the UK, it does not matter if you have Permanent residence in Germany. Your German Residence allows you to travel inside the Schengen area. There are no special rules if you are married to a German or other EU citizen. You still travel on your own passport.

Read More »

Mobile phone roaming

There are no additional charges to use your mobile phone when travelling between EU countries.
This is known as “Roam like at home” All your mobile charges will be the same as your domestic rate. 
More information on the ÝourEurope website.
There are of course exemptions, for example, a limit on your inclusive data, for more information see the Verbraucherzentrale website.
You can also read more on Mobile service providers’ websites, for example, Vodafone 

Travel tips

  • Croatia recently joined the Schengen Area. This small country on the Adriatic sea has beautiful beaches, ample sunshine and excellent cuisine
  • Malta is an island in the Mediterranean and one of the official languages is English. They boast about 300 days of sunshine in a year
  • Affordable 14-day Italy tour by train

Travel agencies and accommodation

Biker Tours

Biker.Tours has stood for unforgettable motorcycle adventures in Sardinia and across Europe since 1995. Whether it’s custom-planned trips with GPS navigation, guided tours along winding dream roads, or convenient motorcycle transport from Germany, we get you and your bike to your destination reliably. Our offerings span from Sardinia to the Pyrenees, all the way to Andalusia, Naples, Sicily, and Portugal. With professional organisation, hotel accommodations, luggage transport, and on-site support staff, we ensure maximum riding pleasure and two-wheeled adventure. This is for everyone who’d rather ride than just watch. Biker.Tours steht seit 1995 für unvergessliche Motorraderlebnisse in Sardinien und ganz Europa. Ob individuell geplante Reisen mit Navi-GPS, geführte Touren über kurvenreiche Traumstraßen oder komfortable Motorradtransporte ab Deutschland – wir bringen dich und dein Bike zuverlässig ans Ziel. Unsere Angebote reichen von Sardinien über die Pyrenäen bis nach Andalusien, Neapel, Sizilien und Portugal. Mit professioneller Organisation, Hotelunterkünften, Gepäcktransport und vor Ort betreutem Staff sorgen wir für maximalen Fahrspaß und Abenteuer auf zwei Rädern. Für alle, die lieber fahren als nur zusehen.

AKTIV Tours South Africa (German and English)

  Aktiv Tours is owned by Dominic Rustemeyer Embark on exhilarating journeys led by me, your ultimate adventure companion! With a passion for exploration and a knack for adventure, I will curate unforgettable experiences amidst nature’s breathtaking landscapes, just for you. From heart-pounding treks through rugged terrains to awe-inspiring hikes amidst the best that nature has to offer, I can offer you an adventure that transcends boundaries and leaves you with memories to last a lifetime. Unleash your inner explorer and conquer new horizons with me, your guide to adventure. I have been a guide for over 10 years, and one of the aspects that is incredibly important to me (as important as your adventure!), is your safety. Therefore I qualified as a Wilderness First Responder.  This means I have advanced training in wilderness emergency care for the wilderness professional or serious adventurer. Adapted for remote African conditions the course I completed is more intensive and comprehensive than similar courses in the USA and UK. As your true wilderness professional, I realise my responsibility to my clients and colleagues. Therefore I obtained the best training possible for the conditions I work, and have an adventure,. This course that I completed meets, and exceeds, the international norm for adventure guides. To make sure that you get the absolute best experience, I completed my qualification as a National Mountain Walking Guide.  This qualification is over and above my foundation guiding qualification (which allowed me to register with the Department of Tourism and work as a legally registered adventure guide in South Africa), and includes competency in various technical skills. This means that I have an incredibly versatile skillset in adventure mountain guiding. My added skills include equipment; mountain leadership; group dynamics; mountain hazards; self-defence for mountain guides; advanced navigation; safety-on-steep-ground and rope work; basic self-rescue; and much more.

Casal’terra Villa

Soak up the peace and tranquility of this mountainside retreat. Set deep in the hills of the Tuscan countryside on a rivers edge minutes away from Monte Amiata. Barefoot luxury offers idyllic Tuscan location with comfortable amenities. Only 25min from Monte Amiata, 30 min from Montalcino, 1 hr from Siena and 2hrs from Florence. The space Rent the whole house or one of the two independent apartments. il fosso – 2 or 3 bedroom configuration with 1 bathroom la pietra – 1 or 2 bedroom configuration with 2 bathrooms Clean, modern comforts in a typical Tuscan landscape Large open spaces, swimming in the river and hiking trails make this a unique property. Other things to note Guests need to respect and coexist with the natural habitat of the surrounding mountains. Caution needs to be exercised on the hiking trails.                      

Little Africa

We are a South-African / German / British family and are renting out 2 guest rooms in our big house. We would love to host you for a little getaway in a tranquil setting. Our African themed room “Little Africa” sleeps two guests (140cm bed), offers river and windmill views and is located on the first floor. Our jungle themed room “Jungle Fever” sleeps two guests (180cm bed) and is located on the ground floor. There is a shared bathroom with a shower, however you will have your own private guest toilet with a basin. We are situated 5 kilometres from the Dutch border and 7 kilometres from the lovely town of Bocholt. The area is perfect for cycling and outdoor activities. Movie Park Germany is a 45 minutes drive away. The house is right by the river Issel with direct access to the river if you would like to bring your SUP or kayak. Unfortunately no pets allowed since three little dogs live on the property and think they own it. For rates and availability (and more pictures) please check our AirBnB listings. Note that you will have to pay 10% less if you book directly with us. Fully equipped kitchen (shared) Outdoor area for braaing Free Wifi Free basic breakfast Access to a river   https://airbnb.com/h/littleafrica https://airbnb.com/h/junglefever

Ferienwohnungen Klosterhof1595

We have 3 Holiday Apartments situated in a historical building built in 1595, fully renovated in 2017 in Sipplingen at Lake Constance. Each apartment has it own distinctive character with original timber frame and painted walls dating back to either the 16th or 19th century. Our apartments – Modern, Vintage & Retro – are newly furnished with highlights in shades of blue and green, harmonized with the original paintwork discovered in the house. We are situated 150 meters from the water’s edge.  Along the lake, there are excellent restaurants and children’s play & bathing areas. The premium hiking trail – Premiumwanderweg Seegang – starts virtually on our doorstep. Just around the corner, in the historical part of the village, there is a bakery, a butchery and a small grocery store. Public transport is easily accessible and only a few meters from our house. With the Echt Bodensee Card & Bodenseecard West day trips with the public transport system (bus & train within the Transport Association) are free. The beautiful towns of Constance, Überlingen, Meersburg and the world-famous Island of Mainau can be reached with a scenic ferry ride from the Sipplingen pier.

Mon Voyage Travel and Tours

Mon Voyage Travel and Tours is an IATA and ASATA accredited Travel Agency based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa Waiting, willing and ready to assist you with airline and airfare options, as well as providing information and guidance by sending the rules/regulations in relation to the Covid19 pandemic. You will have a go-to-person from the moment you make your booking to the end so you would avoid holding on for airlines for 4 hours or trying to get hold of someone from when you thought you were saving money by booking on some website. Monica Stevens at Mon Voyage Travel and Tours describes herself as a GO-GETTER who has been assisting a great deal with repatriation of many passengers all over the world through Covid19 and will go out of her way to provide a personalised and excellent service to her customers. She has 23 years in the in the leisure and corporate Travel Industry, and she believes her service will speak for itself. They charge a service fee in ZAR (South African Rands), It is an affordable fee for South Africans so would most definitely be affordable for clients overseas. Mon Voyage Travel and Tours is an independent agency working for eTravel www.etravel.co.za

The Expat Travel Shop

The Expat Travel Shop is full-service travel agency with over 2 decades of experience in global travel. Our personal approach meets client needs in both the business traveller and personal vacation maker. We offer all our clients equal professionalism and enthusiasm and do our best to understand your unique needs and preferences to ensure that we deliver a highly tailored, professional and positively memorable experience. We pride ourselves on impeccable service and timeous arrangement delivery, be it for your business meeting in Johannesburg, travelling with the family to Disneyland or vacationing in Hong Kong, the USA or a private luxury tour of Europe. Angie Whitehead an Expat herself for the last 8 years has been in the travel industry for over 25 years. She started off her career as a normal bricks-and-mortar travel agency and then after 10 years co-owned 1 of the top 5 Golf Tour Operators in South Africa. After that, she became an ex-pat first in the middle east and then in Europe. She saw a niche in the market for helping people who wanted something different from the normal travel agencies/tour operators and The Expat Travel Shop was born. With so many years of experience, Angie has built up both a strong supplier network as well as clientele and looks forward to helping you on your next adventure/trip. Also offering – Custom itinerary planning – Curating memorable travel experiences – Lodging options, including Airbnb/VRBO – Transportation booking – Restaurant reservations – Excursion planning – Travel Insurance offering – Sporting event booking – Finding unique and wacky dream holidays worldwide – Detail to flow, no one in your party will be bored nor tired

Reise Explorer

From the Hocheifel to the world! With a destination knowledge of over 140 visited countries on all 6 continents, we help you to make the most beautiful days of the year a dream experience. On our web page, you can book trips online or get travel inspiration. Bookings on our website naturally include the same service and assistance as if you were booking with us in our local travel agency. Of course, we are also available for personal travel advice, from our South African owner, in our modern travel agency at Markt 6 in the historic center of Adenau. For further information please do not hesitate in contacting us. Thanking you Kindest regards Michael

Add your travel tips for the Schengen area, we will post them on this page
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email