Lois Larson
The rules for changing airports in Europe without a visa depend on the traveller's nationality and the countries they are travelling to and from. Citizens of certain non-EU countries must hold a short-stay visa when travelling to the Schengen area, which includes 29 European countries with common entry and exit requirements. Nationals of certain countries require an Airport Transit Visa when connecting through the international transit areas of airports in the Schengen zone. This includes travellers holding ordinary passports from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka, among others. However, there are exemptions for certain types of travellers, such as aircraft crew members or nationals of countries that are party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. Additionally, travellers with a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area do not require an airport transit visa. It's important to note that an Airport Transit Visa only allows transit through a single Schengen airport, and travellers must apply for a regular Schengen visa if they need to transit through multiple airports or change airports within the same country.
Characteristics and Values of Changing Airports in Europe without a Visa
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Airport Transit Visa (ATV) or Airport Transit Schengen Visa (Type A) |
| Purpose | Allows transit through the international zone of a Schengen Area airport during a layover or flight transfer, without entering the Schengen Area |
| Validity | Short-stay permit |
| Applicability | Required for travelers from specific non-Schengen countries |
| Requirements | Valid passport, visa application form, passport-sized photos, proof of ongoing travel, visa or travel document for the main destination, insurance, proof of visa fee payment |
| Exemptions | Aircraft crew members, nationals of countries party to the Chicago Convention (except China), holders of valid residence permits from specific countries, certain diplomatic passport holders |
| Processing Time | Typically 15 days, may extend up to 45 days for additional document examination |
| Fee | May vary, some categories of applicants are exempt |
| Multiple Airports | Regular Schengen Visa (C Type) required for transiting through multiple Schengen airports or changing airports within the same country |
| Luggage | Regular Schengen Visa may be needed if luggage needs to be collected and rechecked |
| Transit Area | Leaving the international transit area to change terminals may require a Schengen Transit Visa |
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What You'll Learn
Who needs an airport transit visa in Europe?
An Airport Transit Schengen Visa (ATV or Type A) is a short-term permit that allows travellers from non-Schengen countries to pass through the international zone of a Schengen Area airport during a layover or flight transfer without entering the Schengen Area. Nationals of specific countries need an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of any Schengen country airport. This includes nationals of: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Türkiye, Egypt, Guinea, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka. Nationals of these countries must hold an ordinary, service, or special passport.
In addition to the above, Russia is also on the list of countries whose nationals need an airport transit visa when travelling from an airport in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Turkey, or Egypt. Moreover, a transit visa is required for holders of a travel document for Palestinian refugees.
There are, however, exemptions to the requirement for an airport transit visa. You do not need an airport transit visa if you are:
- An aircraft crew member or national of a country that is a party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China).
- A holder of a valid residence permit issued by an EU or EEA member state, or a residence permit guaranteeing the right of return issued by specific countries or territories.
- A holder of a valid visa for a member state of the EU or EEA, Canada, the US, Japan, or specific countries or territories in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
It is important to note that if you need to transit through multiple Schengen airports or change airports within the same country, you must apply for a regular Schengen Visa (C Type). This is because travel between Schengen countries is considered domestic travel, and an airport transit visa is not sufficient.
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Exemptions to the airport transit visa
An Airport Transit Visa is a short-stay permit that allows travellers from non-Schengen countries to pass through the international zone of a Schengen Area airport during a layover or flight transfer without entering the Schengen Area. Nationals of certain countries need an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of any Schengen country airport.
There are some exemptions to the airport transit visa requirements. For instance, if you are an aircraft crew member or national of a country that is a signatory to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China), you do not need an airport transit visa. Similarly, holders of a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area are exempt from the visa. This also applies to holders of a residence permit issued by Monaco, the Principality of Andorra, Japan, Canada, the United States, or the Republic of San Marino.
In addition, if you are a holder of a valid visa for a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area, Canada, the United States, or Japan, you are exempt from the airport transit visa. This also applies to those holding a visa issued by one or more countries or public bodies from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, such as Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Family members of nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland are also exempt.
For Germany specifically, there is a "transit privilege" exemption, which means that travellers who are simply transiting through a German airport do not need to apply for a visa, as long as they do not leave the International Airport Area and their final destination is outside the Schengen Area.
For France, if you are transiting through a French airport and your final destination is outside the Schengen Area, you do not need a visa as long as you remain in the international zone. However, if you wish to leave the international zone and enter the French territory, you must hold a valid short-stay visa.
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Requirements for a Schengen airport transit visa
An Airport Transit Schengen Visa (ATV) is a short-stay permit that allows travellers from specific non-Schengen countries to transit through the international zone of a Schengen Area airport during a layover or flight transfer without entering the Schengen Area. This visa type is mandatory for travellers from select countries, even if they remain in the airport.
Citizens of certain non-EU countries must hold a short-stay visa when travelling to the Schengen area. The requirements stipulating entry into a Schengen airport as a third-country national are determined by the resident status and citizenship of the traveller. Nationals of the following countries need an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of any Schengen country airport:
- Armenia
- Cameroon
- The Central African Republic
- Chad
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- The Republic of the Congo
- Algeria
- Angola
- Ghana
- India
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Turkey
However, there are some categories of people who are exempt from the requirement to hold an airport transit visa. For example, holders of a valid visa for a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, Canada, the United States, or Japan are exempt from the airport transit visa. Additionally, family members of nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland are also exempt.
To apply for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa, the following documents are required:
- A completed and signed visa application form
- Two recent passport-sized photos that follow Schengen visa photo requirements
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years, and valid for at least three months beyond the intended return date
- Proof of ongoing travel, such as flight tickets with a confirmed date
- Visa or travel document valid for the main destination
- Schengen Visa Insurance, covering at least €30,000 in medical emergencies
- Proof of visa fee payment, which is the same as a short-stay Schengen visa
It is important to note that if you need to transit through more than one Schengen airport or change airports within the same country, you must apply for a regular Schengen Visa (Type C). This is because travel between Schengen countries is considered domestic travel, and a transit visa is insufficient.
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How to apply for an airport transit visa
The process of applying for an airport transit visa depends on the country or region. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen Area airport transit visa, also known as an Airport Transit Schengen Visa (Type A) or ATV:
Firstly, ensure that you need an airport transit visa. Citizens of certain countries do not require a visa if they are aircraft crew members or nationals of a country that is a party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China). You also do not need a visa if you have a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, or a residence permit guaranteeing the right of return issued by specific countries or territories. Similarly, you do not need a visa if you have a valid visa for a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, or for specific countries.
Secondly, prepare the necessary documents. You will need a valid passport with at least two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years, and valid for at least three months beyond your intended return date. You will also need two recent passport-sized photos, a completed and signed visa application form, proof of ongoing travel (e.g. flight tickets with a confirmed date), a visa or travel document valid for your main destination, and Schengen Visa Insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical emergencies.
Thirdly, lodge your application at the consulate of the country you intend to visit. If you are visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the longest time or the first country you will visit. The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days, but this may be extended to 45 days if additional documents are required.
Finally, pay the visa fee if applicable and review the visa processing time to learn how soon your passport with the visa will be ready. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have obtained your visa.
Please note that an Airport Transit Visa only allows transit through a single Schengen airport. If you need to transit through multiple Schengen airports, you must apply for a regular Schengen visa. Additionally, an Airport Transit Visa does not allow you to leave the transit area of the airport.
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What to do if you need to transit through multiple airports
If you need to transit through multiple airports in Europe without a visa, there are a few things you need to keep in mind and prepare in advance. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:
First, it's important to understand the concept of the Schengen Area and the Schengen Visa. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have officially abolished their borders, allowing free movement between them. If you are a citizen of a country outside the Schengen Area and you want to transit through multiple airports within this zone, you may need a Schengen Visa.
Next, check if you need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV). The ATV is a type of visa that allows you to stay within the international transit zone of an airport in the Schengen Area during a layover or flight transfer. This visa is mandatory for travellers from specific countries, even if they do not intend to leave the airport. The list of countries whose citizens require an ATV can be found on official government websites.
Now, if you need to transit through more than one Schengen airport or change airports within the same country, you must apply for a regular Schengen Visa (Type C). Travel between Schengen countries is considered domestic travel, and an ATV is not sufficient for this. You will need to submit your application at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where your first layover occurs. Make sure to prepare all the necessary documents, such as a completed visa application form, a valid passport, biometric data, proof of flight reservations, and others as outlined by the official sources.
Additionally, keep in mind that some countries have specific visa requirements for certain nationalities. For example, if you are a national of Turkey transiting through Cyprus, you will need a Schengen Airport Transit Visa. Always check the specific requirements for your destination countries.
Lastly, plan well in advance. The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days, but it can be extended to up to 45 days in certain cases. Make sure to apply for your visa with ample time before your travel date to avoid any delays or complications.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality and the country/countries you are travelling to/through. Citizens of certain countries need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to pass through the international transit area of any Schengen country airport. If you need to transit through multiple Schengen airports, you must apply for a regular Schengen visa.
The Schengen area includes 29 European countries with common entry and exit requirements to remove the need for internal borders. It allows travellers to move freely between these countries without needing to go through border checks or get separate visas.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
If you are a citizen of the following countries, you need an ATV to pass through the international transit area of any Schengen country airport: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia (if travelling from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Turkey or Egypt), the Republic of Guinea, the Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria or Turkey.
Yes, you do not require an ATV if you are:
- An aircraft crew member or national of a country that is party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China)
- A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area
- A holder of a residence permit guaranteeing the right of return and issued by Monaco, the Principality of Andorra, Japan, Canada, the United States or the Republic of San Marino, or specific countries/public bodies from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- A holder of a valid visa for a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, Canada, the United States or Japan, or specific countries/public bodies from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, regardless of the airport of departure.
