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Can I transit through France from South Africa?

No additional formalities are requested for travellers from South Africa transiting through a French airport to a third country. They are not allowed to leave the transit airport for another airport.



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An airport transit visa obliges you to remain in the international zone of the French airport. If you have to change airport or leave the international zone, you must apply for a short-stay visa. For more information on the airport transit visa (VTA), Transit passenger.

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An airport transit visa is generally required if you travel internationally and if you need to transit through a country. Even if you do not intend to leave the airport, you may need an airport transit visa.

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Passengers travelling between non-Schengen countries do not need a visa for connecting flights at Paris-CDG. Non-EU nationals entering France or travelling to a Schengen country may need a visa, depending on their nationality and on the rules in the country where they wish to travel to.

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You might have to go through customs during a layover, especially if your layover is in the Schengen Area (which consists of most countries in the EU). For example, if your final destination is Paris, France, but you have a layover in Madrid, Spain, you will actually go through customs in Spain, not France.

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Yes, South African passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa to enter any European country in the Schengen Zone. However, there are some categories of people residing in South Africa that are exempt from the visa requirement, as follows: Nationals of Schengen countries living in South Africa.

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Overall, passengers usually have to re-clear security for connecting flights, though there may be some exceptions depending on the airport and flight itinerary. To make this process easier, checking with the airline or airport ahead of time is recommended.

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In most cases, your baggage will be checked through to your final destination. No further action is required on your part.

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What is a good connection time? Travel advisers say there's a lot to take into account when booking connecting flights, but a general rule of thumb is 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.

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