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    South African Passport Holders: Travel with Schengen Visa/Residence permit & Beyond

    Answering your most asked questions about travel to the UK, Egypt, Turkey, Mexico, and beyond. Discover where your South African passport, combined with a Schengen visa or residence permit, opens doors and what you need to know.
    Not an exhaustive list, but a practical guide for the journeys you’re most curious about.

    The general rule is that the entry requirements for a country are determined by your passport.

    When you have a multi-entry Schengen Visa, a German Aufenthaltstitel (Temporary Residence permit) without any restrictions, or Schengen permanent residence, you may travel freely within the Schengen area.

    You can find a list of Schengen Area countries here 
    Note that some EU countries are not part of the Schengen agreement. Here special entry requirements apply, for example, a visa.

    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.

    United Kingdom

    You need a visa to travel to the UK
    Northern Ireland is part of the UK and not part of the EU or the Schengen Area.

    Traveling to the UK

    Traveling to the UK If you only have a South African passport, you need a visa to visit the UK, regardless of whether you have Permanent residence in Germany. Your German Residence allows you to travel within 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. The UK is not part of the EU and is also not

    The Republic of Ireland

    The Republic of Ireland is part of the EU but not part of the Schengen Area.
    South African passport holders need a visa to travel to Ireland.

    The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has announced that, with effect from Wednesday 10 July 2024, nationals of Botswana and South Africa will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland.
    More information can be found here.
    The Irish Government also created a pdf with FAQ for South Africans

    Egypt

    German citizens need a visa for Egypt, although some resorts are exempt though and one can apply for E-Visas. 
    South African citizens can also apply for an E-Visa or get a visa on arrival, free of charge. You need a passport that is valid for your intended stay and a return ticket.

    Tunisia

    Finding information from official sources is difficult, it seems they are working on an E-Consulate website. According to travellers, South Africans do not need a visa for Tunisia for visits shorter than 90 days. You need a passport that is valid for your intended stay and a return ticket.

    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 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.

    Travel with a Schengen Visa/Residence permit

    Outside the Schengen area, your South African passport determines the entry requirements for the country you want to visit.
    There are some exceptions where you can use your Schengen residence and in some cases a Schengen visa to travel to specific countries.
    We try to cover them in the list below, but please refer to the     Schengen Visa Info website, they have a list of countries you can travel to with a Schengen visa, but as always confirm that it is still valid with the relevant authorities.

    Albania

    You don’t need a visa in the following case:

    Foreign citizens who have a valid, multiple-entry Schengen visa, which has been previously used in one of the Schengen states, or foreign citizens who have a valid permit of stay in one of the Schengen states
    The maximum allowed period of stay of this category of foreigners is 90 DAYS  in any 180 DAY period
    – Find updated information here 

    Antigua and Barbuda

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

    Cyprus

    Holders of valid double or multiple-entry Schengen visas or Bulgarian, Croatian and Romanian national visas, as well as residence permits issued by the Schengen Member States or by Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania, are not required to hold a short-stay visa to enter the Republic of Cyprus for a time period that does not exceed 90 days in any 180 day period.
    This provision doesn’t apply to citizens of Turkey and Azerbaijan who have to follow the regular visa issuance procedure.
    – Find updated information from the official website

    Gibraltar (British territory)

    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 it ceased, by default, to be a part of the EU upon the UK’s withdrawal.
    On 31 December 2020, Spain and the United Kingdom reached an agreement in principle under which Gibraltar would join the European Union’s Schengen Area. This cleared the way for the European Union and the UK to start formal negotiations on the matter. Elements of the proposed agreement are:

    • Gibraltar (air)ports become entry points of the Schengen area, under the responsibility of Spain
    • Visa for visiting Gibraltar will be Schengen visas and the visa waiver ETIAS.
    According to the Schengen Info Website, if you have a Schengen Residence permit or multiple entry Schengen visa, you do not need a visa for Gibraltar. 
    According to the  Gibraltar Borders Agency:

    You will need a visa to come to Gibraltar unless you are in any of these exempt groups:

    • Persons holding EU-issued family permits, UK Residence Permits issued for a period of 12 months or more, UK Biometric Residence permits or a UK multiple entry visa issued for 6 months or more.

    Wikipedia and Schengen Info

    Visa info –  Gibraltar Borders Agency 

    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.

    Montenegro

    Holders of valid foreign passports who hold a residence permit in the Schengen area may enter, transit and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days, but no longer than the expiration of the residence permit if their validity is less than 30 days.

    Switzerland

    Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, see the Travel in the Schengen Area page

    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. 

    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

    Bushbaby Safaris Zululand

    Bushbaby Safaris Zululand is based in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and operates from both St Lucia and nearby Hluhluwe. Offering private safaris to both nearby parks, the world-renowned Big 5 Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and our first declared UNESCO World Heritage Site for Nature – iSimagaliso Wetland Park. I manage this operation from Frielendorf-Verna, Hessen, Germany. Being a National Department of Tourism certified “South African Specialist”

    ERS Group Handyman Services & Relocation Assistance

    The ERS Group provides practical, English-speaking support for expats and international residents in the Rhine-Main region. Their services focus on moving assistance, furniture assembly, home setup, and general handyman work — especially useful for newcomers settling into life in Germany. They assist with: Moving and relocation help Heavy lifting and transport assistance Furniture assembly and disassembly TV, shelf, and picture mounting Minor home repairs and

    RSL KonzeptKompass

    RSL KonzeptKompass  – Modular & Integrated Service Model RSL KonzeptKompass UG provides a modular, integrated service model for construction, real estate, and business projects.Our services combine technical planning, organisational project control, and commercial structure — practical, independent, and flexibly scalable.Clients can choose targeted support or complete project and management solutions. Service Areas (A–H) A. Technical Planning & Construction Management CAD drawings BIM coordination Technical documentation

    Anri Kruger Nutrition

    I’m a registered dietitian from South Africa, having completed a BSc in Dietetics from Stellenbosch University, with experience in sports nutrition, private practice and hospital-based care. As a fellow expat in Frankfurt, I understand the unique challenges of navigating nutrition in a new country — from unfamiliar food labels to finding the right products. My approach is science-based, practical, and sustainable. Food should be enjoyable,

    Restaurant CapeTown Hannover

    Restaurant CapeTown in Hannover offers a true taste of South Africa, bringing together bold flavours, unique ingredients, and warm hospitality in a vibrant, African-inspired setting. Located in the heart of Hannover’s old town, the restaurant specialises in South African cuisine with a focus on premium grilled meats, including exotic options like zebra, ostrich, crocodile, and bison—prepared to perfection on a lava stone grill. Alongside its

    IWAYINI South African Wine Bar

    IWAYINI Weinbar & Weinhandlung brings a true taste of South Africa to Germany, blending the warmth of the Cape Winelands with a relaxed, welcoming wine bar experience. Founded from a deep love for South Africa and its rich wine culture, IWAYINI offers an exclusively South African wine selection, showcasing the incredible diversity of the country’s vineyards — from crisp Sauvignon Blancs and elegant Chardonnays to

    Disclaimer:

    The information was correct at the time of publication, but rules and regulations change on a regular basis so please always check the official pages of the country you want to visit.
    Please note this is not to be construed as legal or visa advice. You are responsible for your own legal clarifications. No liability accepted.

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