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The Schengen Visa is a permit that allows travellers from non-Schengen countries to stay in the Schengen area for a short period. There are different types of Schengen visas, including multiple-entry visas, airport transit visas, and short-stay visas. To obtain a Schengen visa, individuals must submit an application to the consulate of the country they intend to visit, typically at least 15 days before their journey. Certain requirements, such as a valid passport, visa application form, medical insurance, and supporting documents, must be met. An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) specifically enables travellers to connect through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or flight change. It is important to note that ATV holders are not authorised to enter the Schengen area, and a short-stay visa may be required for overnight stays or transits through multiple airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | The Airport Transit Schengen Visa (ATV) permits its holder to transit through a Schengen country to their non-Schengen destination country, without leaving the transit area of the airport. |
| Who needs it? | Non-EU/EEA nationals who have to land at an airport located in the Schengen Area in order to take a flight to their non-Schengen destination country. |
| Who doesn't need it? | Nationals of the following countries are exempt from needing an ATV: Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, Canada, the United States or Japan. |
| How to get it | Submit your application to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where you will have your transit. |
| How long does it take to get approved? | You can expect to receive a response within 15 days. In exceptional circumstances, the processing time may be extended to 30 or 60 calendar days. |
| How much does it cost? | The general price for a Schengen transit visa is €90. The overall cost can change depending on factors such as the country, your nationality, and processing fees. |
| How long is it valid for? | A Schengen Airport Transit Visa allows you to stay within the international transit area of a Schengen airport for a maximum of 24 hours. |
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What You'll Learn
Transit visas are for non-EU/EEA citizens
For non-EU/EEA citizens travelling to a Schengen country, a Transit Schengen Visa is required. This type of visa allows the holder to pass through the international transit area of an airport in a Schengen country, without leaving the airport, on their way to a non-Schengen destination. This visa is not required if you are travelling to a Schengen member country and only transiting through another Schengen country en route – in this case, a regular Schengen visa will suffice.
The Transit Schengen Visa must be obtained in advance and cannot be purchased at the airport. Applications should be made to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where the transit will take place. The visa generally costs €90, but the price can vary depending on the country and your nationality. Processing times can range from 2 to 8 weeks, so it is recommended to apply well in advance.
Citizens of certain countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan, are required to hold an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of airports in countries such as Germany and France. This is a separate visa from the Schengen visa and is necessary for those travelling from an airport outside the Schengen Area and staying within the international zone of an airport in a Schengen country while waiting for a connecting flight to a final destination outside the Schengen Area.
It is important to note that holders of airport transit visas are not authorised to enter the Schengen Area and must remain within the designated transit area of the airport. In certain cases, airports may offer programmes that allow transit passengers to temporarily leave the airport under supervision, but these opportunities are limited and travellers should check with the relevant authorities.
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Apply in advance, not on arrival
It is important to note that visas on arrival are not a regular practice in Europe. Hence, it is strongly recommended that you apply for your Schengen visa in advance. The Transit Schengen Visa is a document that has been established by the Schengen Area Member States to facilitate travel for non-EU/EEA nationals who have to land at an airport located in the Schengen Area to take a flight to their non-Schengen destination country. This visa allows its holder to transit through a Schengen country to a non-Schengen destination country without leaving the transit area of the airport.
The general price for a Schengen transit visa is €90. However, the cost can change depending on factors such as the Schengen country you are applying to, your nationality, and the processing fees set by the embassy or consulate. You should submit your application for a transit visa to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where you will be transiting. For instance, if you need to transit through Germany, you will need to submit your application at the diplomatic missions of Germany, where your transit airport is located. You can also submit your application at a visa center of a third party to which this country has outsourced visa submission.
It is important to plan and apply for your visa in advance as the processing time for a visa application can vary. You can expect to receive a response within 15 days. However, in exceptional circumstances, the processing time may be extended to 30 or 60 calendar days. Please note that you cannot submit an application more than three months before your intended trip.
Additionally, if you plan to leave the transit area of the airport or stay longer than one day, you will be required to apply for a regular Schengen visa instead of a Transit Schengen Visa. This also applies if you need to land in more than one airport in the Schengen territory.
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Valid for a max. of 24 hours
If you are travelling from a country outside the Schengen Area and connecting flights in a Schengen country, you may be required to obtain an Airport Transit Visa (ATV). An ATV allows you to stay within the international transit area of a Schengen airport for a maximum of 24 hours. If you plan to leave the transit area or stay longer than 24 hours, you will need to apply for a regular Schengen visa.
The ATV is a type of visa that is specifically designed for travellers who need to connect flights in a Schengen country without leaving the airport. The visa is valid for a maximum of 24 hours and allows the holder to transit through a Schengen country to their non-Schengen destination country. It is important to note that ATV holders are not authorised to enter the Schengen Area.
The requirements for an ATV depend on the citizenship of the applicant. Nationals of certain countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria, are required to obtain an ATV when passing through the international transit area of airports in Schengen countries such as Germany.
The general price for a Schengen transit visa is €90, but the cost can vary depending on factors such as the specific Schengen country, the applicant's nationality, and processing fees. Applications for a transit visa should be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where the transit will take place. It is recommended to submit the application well in advance, as processing times can vary from 15 days to 60 days in exceptional circumstances.
In summary, if you are transiting through a Schengen country and need to stay within the international transit area of an airport for less than 24 hours, you may be required to obtain an ATV. This visa must be obtained in advance and is valid for a maximum of 24 hours.
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Costs vary by country and nationality
The cost of a Schengen visa can vary depending on several factors, including the country you are applying to, your nationality, and processing fees set by the embassy or consulate. The Schengen visa is a document that allows non-EU/EEA nationals to transit through a Schengen country to their non-Schengen destination without leaving the transit area of the airport. It is important to note that travellers who need to land in more than one airport in the Schengen territory should apply for a regular Schengen visa instead of a transit visa.
As of June 11, 2024, the standard fee for a Schengen visa for adults is €90, up from €80 previously. For children aged 6 to below 12 years old, the fee is €45, up from €40. Children under the age of 6 can obtain a Schengen visa for free. The fee for nationals of Cabo Verde under the corresponding visa facilitation agreement has increased from €60 to €67.50. Visa fees under other visa facilitation agreements remain at €35.
The cost of a Schengen visa may also depend on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, a single-entry visa allows the holder to enter the Schengen area once, while a multiple-entry visa permits multiple visits during the validity period. Additionally, longer-stay visa applications for work or study may have different requirements and fees, as they are dealt with at a national level.
It is worth noting that the European Commission tends to revise and increase the visa fees every three years or so. The last amendment was in January 2020, and the next revision took place in June 2024, resulting in a 12% increase. These revisions are based on criteria such as the Euro area annual inflation rate and the average salary of civil servants in EU countries.
When applying for a Schengen visa, it is recommended to submit your application to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where you will have your transit. Alternatively, you can submit your application to a visa centre or another country's embassy/consulate that has outsourced visa submission. An additional fee may be applicable when using visa service centres.
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Requires travel insurance
It is mandatory to have travel medical insurance when travelling to the Schengen Area of Europe on a Schengen visa. You will need to show proof of valid travel insurance covering the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area to be granted a visa. This proof of insurance must be provided at the time of application, and failure to do so may result in the denial of your visa application.
Schengen visa insurance must meet specific requirements to be considered valid. Firstly, it must include medical coverage of at least €30,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies) to cover any emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and medical repatriation. Secondly, the insurance policy must be valid in all Schengen Area member states and cover the entire duration of your stay. This includes countries such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, and many more.
You can purchase Schengen travel insurance from various providers, including AXA, Allianz Assistance, Europ Assistance, Mutuaide, WorldTrips, IMG, Travelex, TIS, and Trawick International. These providers offer different plans to suit your budget and travel needs, such as basic coverage for those on a tight budget or multi-trip coverage for frequent travellers to Europe. It is important to ensure that the insurance provider is licensed and approved by Schengen Embassies and Consulates in your country of residence.
It is worth noting that most Schengen visa insurance plans do not include trip cancellation benefits. If you require trip cancellation coverage, you may need to purchase an additional policy or add-on. Additionally, some Schengen countries may have specific requirements for insurance policies, so it is essential to review the regulations of your destination country carefully.
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Frequently asked questions
An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is a short-stay permit that allows travellers from specific 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.
Citizens of certain countries require an ATV when passing through the international transit area of any Schengen country airport. Nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka, for example, require an ATV when travelling with an ordinary, service or special passport.
To apply for an ATV, you need to complete the Schengen visa application form, collect the necessary documents, schedule an appointment at the appropriate visa centre or embassy, submit the application and pay the fee. It is recommended to apply at least 15 days before your travel date and no earlier than six months beforehand.
No, an ATV only allows transit within the international zone of a single Schengen airport. If you need to transit through multiple airports or leave the transit area, you will need a regular short-stay Schengen visa.
