UK OR FRANCE TRANSIT VISA

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

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 itinerary ideas. E-mail travelmag@sundaytimes.co.za

Picture: 123rf.com/kampwit WOKS COOKING Take care that your street food is freshly cooked.