As of early 2026, South African ordinary passport holders do require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) if they are transiting through a French airport (like Paris Charles de Gaulle) to a destination outside the Schengen Area, unless they meet specific exemption criteria. You are generally exempt if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, the USA, Canada, or Japan. If you are simply switching flights within the international zone and do not meet the exemptions, you must apply for the ATV at least 15 days before your trip. However, if your transit involves changing terminals that require you to "enter" France (passing through immigration) or if you have a long layover where you wish to stay in a hotel outside the airport, you will need a full Schengen Visit Visa. In 2026, it is vital to check the latest "Visa Wizard" on the official France-Visas website, as transit rules for South Africans have been subject to frequent updates due to shifting EU border security policies.