South African Passport Holders: Travel with Schengen Visa & Beyond

Travel with a South African Passport and German Residence Permit

Living in Germany doesn’t automatically give you the same travel rights as an EU citizen. However, a valid German residence permit can make travelling much easier. This guide explains where South African passport holders can travel using their German residence permit, where a visa is still required, and where special visa exemptions or visa-on-arrival arrangements apply.

In most cases, your South African passport determines whether you need a visa to visit another country.

Important to Know Holding a German residence permit does not give you the same travel rights as a German or other EU citizen. Outside the Schengen Area, your South African passport usually determines the entry requirements. However, some countries offer visa exemptions or visa-on-arrival facilities to travellers holding a valid German residence permit. This guide highlights those destinations and links to the official immigration information wherever possible.

What documents do you need when travelling within the Schengen Area

If you are a South African citizen living in a Schengen country, you should travel with your valid South African passport AND your valid residence document (e.g. Aufenthaltstitel/Residence Permit, EU Blue Card, or, where applicable, a valid Fiktionsbescheinigung).
EU guidance specifically states that non-EU nationals must carry a valid passport or recognised travel document, and residence permits are used to demonstrate your right to stay.

The Schengen Area

If you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa or a valid German residence permit (temporary or permanent) without travel restrictions, you may generally travel within the 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Always travel with both your South African passport and your German residence permit.

You can find a list of Schengen Area countries here

Travel in the Schengen Area

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. Countries in the Schengen area can temporarily reinstate border controls at internal borders — for security reasons, to manage migration pressure, during major events, or in other emergencies. That’s fully legal and happens sometimes.For visitors, it effectively means that the Schengen Area acts as a singular country, i.e.

Travel between South Africa and Germany

To travel between Germany and South Africa, with re-entry to Germany, you will need a valid passport, as well as one of the following:

a valid multiple-entry Schengen Visa
a valid German Aufenthaltstitel (Temporary Residence permit). Make sure there are no restrictions, for example, single entry. If any of these restrictions apply to you, you might not be able to re-enter Germany. If you are unsure, contact the Ausländerbehörde.
a valid German permanent residence
a valid EU residence permit – make sure there are no restrictions, for example only valid for a specific Schengen country.

Add Countries Outside the Schengen Area

🇪🇺 Europe

🇦🇱 Albania

According to the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, foreign nationals who normally require a visa may enter Albania without an Albanian visa if they hold:

a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member state, or
a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa that has previously been used to enter a Schengen country.

The permitted stay is up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Important note

Your German residence permit must be valid when entering Albania. Immigration officials may also ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Entry is always at the discretion of the Albanian border authorities.

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina

According to the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, nationals of countries that normally require a visa (including South Africa) may enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without obtaining a visa if they hold a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country, an EU Member State, or the United States.

The total stay may not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period, with a maximum continuous stay of 30 days during each visit, and your residence permit must remain valid for the duration of your stay

Important note

Your German residence permit must be valid when you enter Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Carry both your South African passport and your German residence permit.
Border officials may ask for proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket.
Final admission is always at the discretion of the border authorities.

🇨🇾 Cyprus

South African passport holders normally require a visa to enter Cyprus.

However, according to the Government of Cyprus, holders of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Member State, including Germany, do not require a short-stay visa for visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

This exemption applies provided your German residence permit remains valid throughout your stay.

Important note

Your German residence permit must be valid when you travel.
Carry both your South African passport and your German residence permit.
Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area, but it recognises qualifying Schengen residence permits for short-term visits.
Final admission is always at the discretion of Cypriot immigration authorities

🇬🇮 Gibraltar

South African passport holders normally require a visa to enter Gibraltar.

Gibraltar is not part of the UK, but unlike all other British Overseas Territories, it was a part of the European Union. It participated in the Brexit referendum and, by default, ceased to be part of the EU upon the UK’s withdrawal.

Gibraltar is not a Schengen Member State, but under the new EU–UK agreement, it will apply Schengen border procedures for travellers entering by air or sea.

However, according to the Gibraltar Borders & Coastguard Agency, holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen residence permit, including a German residence permit, may enter Gibraltar without obtaining a separate Gibraltar visa for a short visit, provided they meet the applicable entry conditions.

Important note

Your German residence permit must be valid when you travel.
Carry both your South African passport and German residence permit.
If you plan to return to Spain after visiting Gibraltar, ensure you still meet the Schengen entry requirements for re-entering Spain.
Final admission is always at the discretion of the Gibraltar Border & Coastguard Agency.

🇮🇪 Ireland

Since 10 July 2024, South African passport holders must obtain an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland.

Holding a valid German residence permit or another Schengen residence permit does not exempt South African citizens from this requirement. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and has its own immigration rules.

If you plan to visit Ireland for tourism, visiting family or friends, or a short stay, you must apply for the appropriate Irish visa before travelling.

The Irish Government also created a PDF with FAQ for South Africans

Important note

A German residence permit does not replace an Irish visa.
Ireland is an EU Member State, but it is not part of the Schengen Area.
You must obtain your Irish visa before travelling.
Final admission is always at the discretion of Irish immigration officers.

🇲🇪 Montenegro

South African passport holders normally require a visa to visit Montenegro.
However, according to the Government of Montenegro, holders of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country, including Germany, may enter, transit through and stay in Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 days.

If your German residence permit expires in less than 30 days, your permitted stay in Montenegro may not extend beyond the expiry date of your residence permit.

Important note

Your German residence permit must be valid when entering Montenegro.
Carry both your South African passport and your German residence permit.
Your passport should have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Montenegro.
Border officials may request proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and an onward or return ticket.
Final admission is always at the discretion of the Montenegrin border authorities.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Area. If you hold a valid German residence permit, you may travel to Switzerland without obtaining a separate Swiss visa, provided your residence permit remains valid.

A German residence permit allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, visiting family or friends, or business trips.

Important note

Your German residence permit must be valid throughout your trip.
Carry both your South African passport and your German residence permit when travelling.
Although there are generally no routine border checks within the Schengen Area, you may be asked to present your travel documents at any time.
Employment or long-term stays require the appropriate Swiss authorisation.

🇹🇷 Turkey

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey’s website

“Ordinary passport holders are required to have a visa to enter Turkey.
They can obtain three-month period multiple entry visas from Turkish representations abroad or one-month period single entry visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.”

– a comment from one of our FB members “You apply online and get the visa within a few hours. There is no fee. Just print it out and bring it with you.”

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Holding a German residence permit does not exempt South African passport holders from obtaining a visa to visit the United Kingdom.

South African citizens must apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa before travelling, even if they legally reside in Germany.

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system applies only to travellers who are already visa-exempt. Since South African passport holders require a visa, they cannot use an ETA instead of a visa.

Important note

A German residence permit does not replace a UK visa.
Apply for your Standard Visitor Visa before booking travel whenever possible.
If your UK visa is approved, you can usually visit for up to six months for tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, or short courses.
Final entry is always at the discretion of the UK Border Force.

Traveling to the UK

UK TRAVEL GUIDE FOR SOUTH AFRICANS IN GERMANY Travelling to the UK If you hold only a South African passport, you need a visa to visit the UK, even if you live in Germany or hold a German residence permit. Germany is part of the Schengen area, but the UK is not part of the EU or the Schengen area. Your German residence permit therefore does not give you the right to visit the UK without

🌍Africa

🇪🇬 Egypt

South African passport holders are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Egypt.

Holding a valid German residence permit does not exempt South African citizens from Egypt’s visa requirements.

Tourists who are eligible may apply online through the official Egypt e-Visa Portal before departure. Applications should be submitted at least 7 days before travel. If you are not eligible for an e-Visa, you must apply through the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate.

Important note

A German residence permit does not replace an Egyptian visa.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival.
Carry proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds if requested by immigration.
Final admission is always at the discretion of the Egyptian immigration authorities.

🇹🇳 Tunisia

South African passport holders should check the latest entry requirements before travelling to Tunisia, as visa regulations may change and official guidance is not always readily available online. According to our community, SA passport holders do not need a visa, but this must be confirmed before booking travel to Tunisia

If you hold a valid German residence permit, this does not automatically provide a visa exemption for Tunisia. Before making travel arrangements, we recommend confirming the current requirements with the Embassy of Tunisia or the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Important note

Carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Immigration officials may request proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements are subject to change, and final admission is always at the discretion of the Tunisian border authorities.

🌍Americas

United States of America

No special rules for Schengen residence permit holders. You need a visa to travel to the United States of America. There is an embassy in Berlin, a consulate in Frankfurt and in Munich.

United States of America

Your U.S. entry requirements depend on the passport you travel on.

South African passport holders living legally in Germany generally need a B1/B2 visitor visa for tourism or visiting family and friends. Apply online using Form DS-160 and attend a visa interview in Germany. You must be able to demonstrate your residence in Germany.

German passport holders may normally travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for tourism or business for up to 90 days, provided they meet the VWP requirements and obtain an approved ESTA before travelling.

Important note

A German residence permit does not make a South African passport eligible for ESTA.
A B1/B2 visa is not the same as a 90-day visa. The length of each stay is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you enter the USA.
For a B1/B2 application, your passport is normally retained temporarily if the visa is approved so the visa can be issued and the passport returned to you.
ESTA applications are electronic, so you keep your passport. ESTA is generally valid for two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Antigua and Barbuda

Visa on arrival is granted to persons who hold a valid Schengen Visa or Resident Card

Mexico

According to the Mexican consulate’s website

If you are a Permanent Resident of the following countries: Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and any of the countries of the Schengen Area, you do not need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism, business or transit purposes. All individuals in this category are required to present their valid and unexpired Resident cards along with their passports. Both documents must be valid during your entire stay in Mexico.

If you have a valid and unexpired visa of the following countries: Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and any of the countries of the Schengen Area, you do not need a visa to enter Mexico for tourism, business or transit purposes. All individuals in this category are required to present their valid and unexpired visas along with their passports. Both documents must be valid during your entire stay in Mexico.

🌍 Middle East

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Important note

Your German residence permit must be valid when you arrive in the UAE.
Carry both your South African passport and your German residence permit.
The visa is issued at the port of entry, subject to immigration approval.
If you overstay your visa, UAE immigration penalties may apply.
Final entry is always at the discretion of UAE immigration authorities.

From 25 June 2026, South African citizens holding an ordinary South African passport and a valid German residence permit (or a residence permit issued by another eligible country) may obtain a Visa on Arrival when entering the United Arab Emirates.

This new policy applies to holders of valid residence permits issued by:

🇪🇺 Any EU Member State (including Germany)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
🇦🇺 Australia
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇯🇵 Japan
🇰🇷 South Korea

Eligible travellers can choose between:

14-day Visa on Arrival – AED 100 (extendable once for a further 14 days)
60-day Visa on Arrival – AED 250 (single stay, not extendable)

Info on the web

Passport Index website. A convenient tool to see for which countries you need a visa.
Wikipedia has a page with information; it also lists the countries you can travel to with a Schengen Visa.
Schengen Visa Info Website

Always refer to the official visa requirement website of the country you want to visit.

Travel Agents

I can recommend using one of the travel agents listed on our website. They are South Africans living in Germany and will have the latest information
Schengen Visa Info has a list of where you can travel with a Schengen visa, but as always confirm that it is still valid with the relevant authorities

Outlook Africa

Enjoy a Luxury Experience Outlook Africa Venues, Destinations and Events will take you on an unforgettable journey to some of the most beautiful and spectacular regions of southern Africa – the Cape with its rich cultural heritage and beautiful winelands, the exciting animal kingdom of Mpumalanga, the idyllic tropical islands of Mozambique, Zimbabwe’s awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and the great vastness of the Namibian desert.The list

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.

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

Disclaimer:

Visa rules can change at short notice. Although we make every effort to keep this page up to date, always confirm entry requirements with the official immigration authorities of your destination before booking travel.

Travel in the Schengen Area

Travel during a school Term

Travel during a School Term The school rules in Germany are very strict, and every student is obliged to attend classes and other school events. You therefore cannot take your child out of school before the term ends. They must attend school for the whole term, with only certain exemptions like ill-health, participation in sports competitions, or an important personal reason like the marriage of siblings, death in the family or serious illness in the family. Beurlaubung In some cases, you can apply for special leave (Beurlaubung) to travel, such

Travel ideas within Germany

Germany is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and many regional specialties.To add your suggestions please submit it via this form Below are some travel inspiration for each German state, and some regions and town Businesses listed on our site Travel Agents Accommodation National parks in Germany There are 16 national parks in Germany. See this list for more details. Article from lonely planet about 10 National parks in Germany. Travel inspiration Deutschlands schönste Reiseziele Discovery Germany Entdecke Deutchland (also in English) Related content