The Extra Mile
Flying to the US: do I need a transit visa to go via the UK or France?
Elizabeth Sleith has the answer
Q. I will be flying to the US via either Paris or London. I have applied for a US visa, but do I need a transit UK or Schengen visa if I don't plan to leave the airport? - T Mallinson
A. SA-passport holders who intend changing planes in the UK without passing through border control would typically need a Direct Airside Transit visa.
However, several exemptions apply, including for travellers who have a visa for Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the US. As you will have a US visa and an onward flight to that country, you will not need a transit visa.
For the Schengen area, which includes France, the answer depends on your final destination. Since you will, again, be heading to the US, with a visa and an onward flight, you will not need a transit visa here either.
• We can help with your destination dilemmas, visa puzzles and provide itinerary ideas. E-mail your questions to travelmag@sundaytimes.co.za..
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