For many international travellers, layovers and transit stops are a regular part of the journey. Whether you’re changing flights, airports, or spending a few hours in a foreign city before continuing to your final destination, it’s important to understand the visa requirements that apply when you transit through Europe, the UK, and the Middle East.
For South Africans, transit visa rules can be complex and vary widely depending on the country, airport, and airline. This guide covers the essentials of transit visas in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, helping you avoid surprises and travel disruptions in 2025.
What is a transit visa?
A transit visa is a short-term travel document that allows you to pass through a country en route to another destination. It permits you to stay in the transit country’s airport or enter its territory for a limited time, usually just a few hours or up to 48 hours.
Transit visas are distinct from regular tourist or business visas and often have stricter rules about how long you can stay and what activities you can do.
Transit visa requirements in Europe
Schengen airport transit visa (atv)
Many South Africans travelling through Europe will transit via the Schengen Area. Some Schengen countries require a Schengen airport transit visa (ATV) if you:
- Are transiting through the international transit area of a Schengen airport
- Do not plan to leave the airport
- Will connect to a non-Schengen flight
An airport transit visa is usually valid for up to 24 hours, but it’s required only under specific circumstances, such as if you hold certain types of passports or your onward flight departs from a different airport.
Note: If you plan to leave the airport or change airports within the Schengen zone, you will need a regular Schengen short-stay visa instead of an ATV.
Transit visa rules in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has two types of transit visas:
- Direct airside transit visa (DATV): Allows you to change flights without passing through UK border control. You stay airside in the airport’s transit area.
- Visitor in transit visa: Allows you to pass through UK border control to enter the UK briefly (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage).
South Africans usually need a transit visa for both options, unless they have certain valid visas or residence permits from other countries.
It’s important to check the exact visa type required, as requirements depend on your travel itinerary and passport.
Transit visas in the Middle East
Popular transit hubs in the Middle East, such as Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), and Abu Dhabi (UAE), generally do not require transit visas if you remain in the international transit area and your layover is short.
However, if you want to leave the airport or have a long layover, you may need a short-stay or transit visa. Some airlines offer transit visa services or assistance with e-visas for passengers with longer connections.
Tips to avoid transit visa issues
- Check your itinerary carefully: Know all airports and countries you will transit through.
- Confirm visa rules with airlines: Airlines often check for valid transit visas before boarding.
- Plan layovers: Avoid long layovers that require leaving the transit area unless you have the necessary visas.
- Apply early: Transit visa processing times vary, so apply well before your travel date.
- Keep documents handy: Immigration officers may ask for onward tickets, visas, or other paperwork.
How Visaline.co.za can help
At Visaline.co.za, we provide South Africans with clear information about transit visa requirements worldwide. While we do not process transit visas ourselves, we help travellers understand when and where transit visas are necessary and guide them through the application process.
Our goal is to help you avoid travel interruptions and enjoy smooth connections on your journey.
Final thoughts
Transit visa requirements can be confusing, especially when travelling through multiple countries and airports. For South Africans, knowing whether you need a transit visa for Europe, the UK, or Middle Eastern hubs is crucial for stress-free travel.
Always check official sources and airline policies before your trip. If you need assistance or advice about transit visas or any other short-stay visas, contact Visaline.co.za for expert guidance.