France Airport Transit Visa no more required

Indian passport holders, irrespective of their current country of residence no longer require an Airport Transit Visa (Schengen visa, type A) while transiting through the international zone of any airport in France. So, all Indians can travel on flights to and from India via France in the Schengen territory of Europe without any Airport France Transit Visa. This came into effect on July 23, 2018.

In other words, a Transit Visa is not required for those who are just transiting the Schengen territory; and who will not leave the transit area of the France airport. Also, you do not need an airport transit visa if you hold a valid Schengen visa or a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by a European Union country. Also, if you hold a valid residence permit issued by Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino or the United States of America; or if you hold a valid visa issued by Canada, the United States of America or Japan.

Benefits of this abolition

The abolition of Airport Transit visa surely does make your travel cheaper by EUR 60 or INR 4900/- per individual as the Airport Transport Visa to France usually costs 60 EUR. Evidently, Indian passport holders can save on their flights to; or from India to any other country via France unless they go beyond the international transit area.
It serves as a bonus for Indian passport holders if they grab cheap flights on itineraries including transit layover in France. Even travelers looking to book last minute flights to or from India via France will benefit from this abolition.

When is the Visa required?

If you have to change airport or leave the international zone, you must apply for a France short-stay visa. For example; If your flights from India to USA or any other place will transit through more than one Schengen country; including France, you need an Airport Transit Schengen Visa for entry to the other. Hotel accommodations are only available outside the transit area. You would need a regular tourist visa if you want to stay in the hotel overnight.

This new law will allow France-bound Indians to have an easier time coming into the country, and it will also give them one less thing to worry about.

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Prisca Vaniyapilly

Travel is in Prisca’s DNA, and she is always looking to explore new places and share those experiences through writing. Off the page, she spends her free time baking, nurturing her garden, and enjoying long movie marathons to unwind and relax.