Two years living abroad

[StellenboschStudent]

Got my SA visa renewed in 2 days (including a public holiday) at the SA consulate in Paris ! (though their entire phone system was off for like a week...)

And my passport for free in 8 working days at the French consulate in Joburg (they actually gave a 60 pages one as the previous was full in 3 years).

But basically, try to secure a long one before Brexit effectively occurs just in case of, if you build a record of going into Schengen like once every 3 months, it will support it.

Just out of curiosity, when you go from UK to EU, do they check your visa when you exit UK or enter EU ? (as I can travel with just my ID)

Both... when I give my ticket to scan at boarding, the computer usually beeps, telling them to check my visa (don't get a stamp at this point). When I enter EU, go through passport control and get a stamp when entering... same when exiting... back in UK, go though passport control and get another stamp.

 

[f2wohf]

Both... when I give my ticket to scan at boarding, the computer usually beeps, telling them to check my visa (don't get a stamp at this point). When I enter EU, go through passport control and get a stamp when entering... same when exiting... back in UK, go though passport control and get another stamp.

Wow, I thought it was less stringent.

I'll always remember that day when travelling with my South African boss to Schiphol.

From the check in at OR Tambo, he was blaming me for the time we'll have to wait for my checked in luggage vs him only having cabin luggage.

On arrival, I went through passport control in 3 minutes and then waited 30 minutes for him as he had to go through the non EU queue and then realized he had no coat in November... :crylaugh:

 

[StellenboschStudent]

Wow, I thought it was less stringent.

I'll always remember that day when travelling with my South African boss to Schiphol.

From the check in at OR Tambo, he was blaming me for the time we'll have to wait for my checked in luggage vs him only having cabin luggage.

On arrival, I went through passport control in 3 minutes and then waited 30 minutes for him as he had to go through the non EU queue and then realized he had no coat in November... :crylaugh:

Yes, I go through this every time... Usually travel with someone from UK or EU, and I just tell them to go to the 1st coffee shop and get something to drink, it's going to take me 20 min to get through passport control.
But, on the plus side, when flying back to Newcastle, UK, the non-EU line is always shorter, so I get through a bit quicker.

 

[f2wohf]

Yes, I go through this every time... Usually travel with someone from UK or EU, and I just tell them to go to the 1st coffee shop and get something to drink, it's going to take me 20 min to get through passport control.
But, on the plus side, when flying back to Newcastle, UK, the non-EU line is always shorter, so I get through a bit quicker.

If you ever feel like being faster than an EU/UK colleague, leave Paris CDG by Terminal E.

30/45 minutes wait for EU citizens (at least when you leave in the evening), close to none for non EU... Always makes me furious !

 

[SoulTax]

Yes, I go through this every time... Usually travel with someone from UK or EU, and I just tell them to go to the 1st coffee shop and get something to drink, it's going to take me 20 min to get through passport control.
But, on the plus side, when flying back to Newcastle, UK, the non-EU line is always shorter, so I get through a bit quicker.

Just out of interest for future travels.
Before my wife got her UK Passport, and she was traveling on a spousal visa. She would be allowed to come through the UK passport check with me. I believe it was because her visa was attached to me though. So I dont think it applies as simple traveling companions or something. But it is a good piece of info to know if you are ever in that situation. We only found this out the second time we went through, so the first time my wife had to go to the Non-EU line and I waited for her for about 45 minutes.